Aerial Photography Adventures
(Editor’s Note: this was actually written by ChatGPT, so I’d have something in the Blogs section, though it’s not entirely inaccurate.)
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of that first drone shoot, especially when you’re hovering over the historic skyline of Boston. This was my initiation into the world of professional aerial architectural photography, and let’s just say it wasn’t without its challenges. If you’ve ever tried to pilot a drone while battling gusty New England winds, dodging curious seagulls, and keeping an eye on anxious city officials, you’ll understand what kind of day I had. But in the end, the results were nothing short of spectacular.
I was fortunate to be collaborating with a high-end architectural photographer for this project, and together we aimed to capture Boston’s skyline in a way it had never been seen before. Our goal: to blend art and precision by getting those perfect, sweeping shots that make both the client and the camera sing. But, as with all great endeavors, the journey to get those shots was anything but smooth.
The Wind That Wouldn’t Quit
The first obstacle hit me before I even took off—the wind. Boston is notorious for its weather, and that day was no exception. As I prepared for the flight, standing in the shadow of one of Boston’s iconic skyscrapers, a gust almost sent my drone veering off course before it even got above tree level. Each time I’d get close to the perfect altitude, the wind would pick up, threatening to send my drone on an unplanned tour of Boston Harbor. But after recalibrating, rebalancing, and a few deep breaths, I managed to regain control. That feeling of the drone leveling out, holding steady above the city, was like finally catching a wave after a dozen wipeouts.
Seagulls: Boston’s Sky Sentries
Just when I thought the worst was over, I encountered another unpredictable hazard: seagulls. For some reason, the drone seemed to pique their curiosity—or maybe their irritation. At one point, I was lined up for what I knew would be the perfect shot of a glass-walled office building reflecting the Charles River, when a gang of seagulls swooped in, circling my drone as if to warn me off their turf. I had to make a quick decision: risk the birds getting too close or pull back and wait for the air to clear. After a few tense minutes and a lot of squawking, I managed to move out of their flight path and get back to capturing the scene.
The Moment We Almost Called It Quits
I’ll admit, there was a point when we almost called it quits. The wind, the birds, and the increasing concern about losing daylight started to weigh on us. My collaborator, the architectural photographer, gave me one of those looks that photographers exchange when they’ve been through the wringer. But instead of throwing in the towel, we took a quick break, regrouped, and decided to give it one last shot. And that’s when everything clicked.
The wind died down just enough for me to stabilize the drone, the light hit the buildings in just the right way, and I was able to fly the drone through the space between two skyscrapers, capturing a stunning view of Boston from a vantage point that only a drone could reach. The reflections of the city on the glass, the golden hour light bouncing off the buildings—it was all worth it.
Wrapping Up with Success
In the end, that first drone shoot in Boston became a defining moment in my career as an aerial photographer. It was a reminder that the best shots often come after overcoming the toughest challenges. And it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of luck on your side. The final images were breathtaking, and both the architectural photographer and our client were thrilled. As for me, I walked away from that day with a sense of accomplishment and a whole lot of lessons learned.
Next time you’re admiring a perfect aerial shot of Boston’s skyline, remember: it probably came with its fair share of near-misses and behind-the-scenes moments that made it all the more memorable.