Unique impressions
Clive Copeman from SIT is exploring new techniques in aerial drone photography.
Drone images are becoming more creative, thanks to the innovative work of SIT facilitator and photographer Clive Copeman. Consumer drones first hit the skies in 2003. Over ten years later, drones are widely used in professional and amateur film and photography. While they are popular for bird's-eye photography, most images they produce are representational. Copeman research looked at how drone technology can shake up abstract photographs taken from the air.
Considering the ability for drones to move quickly and in many ways during a long exposure, they offer abstract photographers a powerful new tool for image making. However, their suitability for ICM (intentional camera movement) abstract photography has been little explored. What kinds of ICM image can be made with a drone and does anything set them apart from images made by a DSLR or mirrorless camera?
This project experimented with existing ICM techniques on a popular consumer drone. Copeman explored the drone’s unique motion capabilities to see if it could be used to create new, drone-specific ICM images. This took many flights, taking long-exposure images with the camera aimed in different directions, at a variety of objects and scenes, through different ranges of motion and at different speeds.
The experiments revealed some surprises. Copeman found that some drone images using intentional camera movement do resemble those from a DSLR or mirrorless camera. However, other photographs were distinctly different and specific to the drone. Copeman also discovered a unique new effect in landscape photography, allowing him to create a special set of photographic prints. His study has revealed useful new methods for abstract photographers, digital artists and drone photographers to explore their creative pathways.
The study and its accompanying exhibition have generated considerable interest. Copeman has presented his research and displayed its original images to the OPSITARA Research Symposium, the Southland Photographic Society, the Dunedin Photographic Society and the Octagon chapter of Business Networking International. He shares his skills with learners as a facilitator on the SIT2LRN Distance Learning Photography programmes.
Find out more about SIT2LRN qualifications in Creative Industries, including Photography
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