Photography News | Issue 61 | photographynews.co.uk
33 Interview
It really depends on the scene, building etc. The most I have spent on one edit is four hours; normal edits approximately one to three hours. PN: How do you know when an image is complete? LM: I have in my mind what I would like the final image to look like. If I am not happy then I will keep at it or scrap the project and go back to the location at a later date then recapture the images. I went through this method quite a few times when I was starting off. I seem to have mastered the 360° technique now which gives me more time to go to other locations instead of going back to the failed locations. PN: Had you always wanted to get your drone licence? How did you go about getting hold of one? LM: I did quite a lot of research before buying the drone, creating a business plan and forming a limited company called Photo Pilot Ltd. Then online I met John Bridgett from a commercial drone training company called skeyetrain.co.uk
– he was very helpful. He gave me some excellent starting points and I booked his three-day course. The course was quite intense, with practical and theory, and writing your own operations manual was a challenge. I am now a registered PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operation) drone pilot which is governed by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). This allows me to fly my drone on a commercial basis as well as hobbyist. PN: What are the challenges of shooting predominantly with a drone? LM: There are both pros and cons with drone and normal ground photography. The beauty with a drone is you can get the angles and height that you can’t with a standard camera. Commercially, drones are very useful in property (estate agents), construction, roof inspections, building survey and search and rescue. My DSLR normally comes with me too when I go out with the drone, as I may want to capture a quick snap with the camera without taking the drone out of the backpack and initialising all the checks before flight. PN: How would you say using a drone has affected your style of photography? LM: Drones can give different angles and perspective to photographs, a slight elevation of any building such as a castle, a tower etc. gives your mind a complete different view. Some of my photographs are on show at The Picture House Gallery in Padiham and the Clitheroe Platform Gallery. I have a few exhibitions planned for next year. My style of 360° photography has had a lot of positive and encouraging feedback from the public and professional photographers. I doubt my normal photographywould have the same amount of interest that my drone photography has had over the past six months. PN: You have a great range of both urban and rural landscapes – do you have a preference? LM: I love the country for landscape and around Lancashire there are so many beautiful locations for taking pictures. We are blessed with beautiful countryside and stunning landmarks in urban areas so I love both subjects.
The beauty with a drone is you can get the angles and height that you can’t with a standard camera
Images Lee’s style works well with both urban and rural scenes.
PN: Do you think that your style is most effective on rural or urban scenes? LM: Really depends; I would say both. Some of my urban 360° photos such as Darwen Tower, India Mill and Blackpool Tower look stunning. The countryside is not good for 360°s but great for long panoramics which I can achieve verywell with the drone. PN: Have you ever thought about using your expertise in using a drone and special effects for movie making? LM: Hmm, probably not. I prefer stills tovideo, Iwould like togetmore involved in the property market aerial and ground photography via estate agents. That’s an area where I am looking to inject some of my time. I have taken quite a few aerial photos for the homes of clients who live in rural areas which have come out really well. PN: What advice would you give to our readers hoping to shoot similar subjects or try out this style of photography?
LM: The most important thing to learn is the drone code. If you are serious about drone flying get professional tuition or go for your drone pilot’s certification. When I first started I spent a lot of time at different locations then back home I’d edit and if I wasn’t happy I would go back and reshoot. Having the right drone, confidence and creativeness will help and it’s important to get plenty of practice in quiet areas. Practice at different heights, angles and position to give a totally different perspective to the 360° photograph.
Contact
To seemore of LeeMansfield’s work, see thewebsites below. He can also be contacted on078311 20700 photopilot.co.uk facebook.com/photopilotltd
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