Capturing the world around us from above

Humans have always been obsessed with the idea of flying. Endless pieces of fiction telling tales of men soaring higher than birds, able to see the most incredible landscapes from unreachable perspectives – a dream that always seemed to be tentatively close to becoming a reality, but not quite here yet. Sure, we can fly in a aeroplane, but where’s the freedom in that?

Although we are far from flying with our own wings like Icarus, drones have made it possible for everyday people to access unseen views of natural and urban landscapes – from a point of view that until recently was only available at great expense or with exclusive access.

This flying-photography technology, now increasingly popular and affordable, is letting us see landscapes and famous monuments afresh through the hands and eyes of everyday people, who spend their time finding the best way to rediscover the ground we’ve walked on time and time again.

It was in an attempt to gather these perspectives and create a sense of community that saw Eric Dupin start Dronestagram back in 2013. An image maker himself, Eric realised that the growing number of aerial photographers all over the world meant the birth of a whole new genre of photography – one that had nowhere to be showcased, but with much to show.

Today Dronestagram is the world’s leading drone photography website, boasting a community of over 10,000 members that continues to grow and rediscover the world around them. Although not often talked about, the abilities of quadcopters go far beyond beautiful landscapes and surveillance – drone photographers explore textures, light and shadow, the interaction between wildlife and technology, as well as the art of perspective and dilapidated buildings.

Having a flying camera also makes for great selfie angles, called #dronies by those in the community.

Dronescapes is a book that shows and discusses all aspects of this newly born art form, featuring images taken by both hobbyists and photographers. At times humorous and romantic and at others extremely serious, looking at devastation caused by climate change or IS, what remains constant throughout is a passion for showing this world we’ve grown used to in a way that is new and unexplored, using distance to bring us closer.

Dronescapades is out on the 21st of April, published by Thames & Hudson.

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