DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

“OVERVIEW”

London Natural history museum wildlife photographer of the year 2018 (15-17yr Category) - finalist

When I built my first drone with my father in 2013, I dreamed of going back to where my passion for aerial photography was born and capturing the annual migration of humpback whales from the air. Four years later I was lucky enough to achieve this ambition, when I captured this spectacular shot of a humpback whale, its calf and their accompanying male escort. To me, this image is both a unique perspective of one of nature’s most breathtaking subjects and an example of why marine sustainability is so very important.

 
19°42'18.69" S 174°16'45.198" W

19°42'18.69" S 174°16'45.198" W

 

DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

“POWERBOAT DONUTS”

New Zealand geographic photographer of the year (aerial Category) - Runner up

I had been picturing this image since I started the motors of my first drone: the wake of a powerboat describing a calligraphic circle as it spins 360 degrees. In 2017 I was lucky enough to have all the factors align and be able to capture the scene—it required the execution of more than 25 turns, and evasive action from seagulls divebombing my drone!

 
35°13'8.784"S 174°13'31.373"E

35°13'8.784"S 174°13'31.373"E

 
DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

DJI Mavic Pro + 4.73mm lens; 1/25 sec at f2.2; ISO 150

“AORAKI ICEBERGS”

New Zealand geographic photographer of the year (aerial Category) - Finalist

From the lookout over a glacial lake, I saw a vast expanse of sparkling blue icebergs floating below and was immediately awestruck by the contrast between the blue of the icebergs and the opacity of the dull grey glacial water. So I took out my drone, fired up the engines and captured what turned out to be a very simplistic yet powerful image.

 
43°41'25.397"S 170°10'28.373"E

43°41'25.397"S 170°10'28.373"E