Since 2005, I’ve been immersed in the aerial photography industry, watching it evolve while actively contributing to its growth. The diverse Australian landscape has provided me with endless opportunities to capture unique perspectives from above. Here’s my countdown of the top 10 applications I’ve observed and participated in throughout my career:
10. Surveying and Mapping
While I’m not a trained surveyor, I’ve extensively used Pix4D software to extract valuable data from aerial images. It’s remarkable how much information can be gathered – from precise measurements of objects to calculating the mass and volume of a dirt pile on a construction site. The technology has transformed how we collect and use spatial data, making previously time-consuming tasks much more efficient.
9. Film and Television Production
My own drone footage and still images have appeared in various television productions and films. There’s a unique quality to Australian landscapes when viewed from above that adds depth and context to productions. Whether capturing sweeping coastal scenes or dramatic urban shots, these aerial perspectives bring a dimension to visual storytelling that ground-level photography simply can’t achieve.
8. Infrastructure Inspections
I’ve completed countless roof inspections using drones, which has dramatically transformed the roofing industry. Instead of the dangerous and time-consuming process of climbing onto roofs, inspectors can now review high-resolution images from the safety of their offices. This not only improves safety but allows for more thorough examinations as images can be studied closely and at leisure.
7. Emergency Management and Disaster Response
Some of my most challenging work involved photographing the Hazelwood open-cut mine fire using an aeroplane. In emergency situations, helicopter-mounted cameras with infrared technology identify hot spots that wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye. These images become crucial tools for emergency services, helping teams assess damage, plan responses, and coordinate resources when time is critical.
6. Mining and Resource Exploration
The mining industry was among the first sectors to embrace aerial photography. Mine sites covering vast areas are virtually impossible to comprehend from ground level. These images help companies locate potential deposits, monitor environmental impacts, and plan operations more effectively. The extensive scale of these projects becomes much more manageable when viewed from above.
5. Urban Planning and Development
Most of my work focuses on the urban built environment. Property developers and urban planners rely heavily on aerial images as they’ve become essential to their workflow. These photographs help visualise how new developments will integrate with existing infrastructure, reveal traffic patterns, identify available green spaces, and provide context that’s simply impossible to get from ground level. I’ve watched as entire neighbourhoods have transformed over the years, with my images documenting each stage of development and informing decisions about future growth.
4. Agriculture and Farming
I still photograph farms each spring when crops are at their best. Interestingly, farmers often use these images purely as historical references, and many end up framed in their living rooms rather than serving a strictly practical purpose. Meanwhile, the agricultural industry is increasingly using drones for practical applications like spraying for pests and weeds. The aerial perspective gives farmers a comprehensive view of their operations that would be impossible to achieve otherwise.
3. Environmental Conservation and Research
One of the most valuable aspects of aerial photography is using sequential images taken over time to track environmental changes. I’ve documented numerous construction sites to monitor building progress, but also environmental areas to record erosion patterns. These visual records create powerful before-and-after comparisons that quantify changes in ways that written descriptions never could. Researchers use these images to monitor ecosystem health and measure human impact on natural environments.
2. Real Estate and Property Development
Real estate photography is where I cut my teeth in this industry. In the early days, I was shooting countless residential properties, learning how to capture compelling aerial views that would help sell homes. Today, many real estate agents use their own drones for residential sales, but the aerial image remains a critical component of property marketing. I’ve discussed this evolution in more detail in another blog post, but it’s worth noting how this application launched many careers in aerial photography, including my own.
1. Tourism and Travel Promotion
This would have to be the most visible use of aerial photography. These days, everyone seems to have a drone, and stock libraries are bursting with aerial views of tropical beaches and exotic landmarks. These images sell destinations more effectively than perhaps any other type of photography. However, I should emphasise the importance of shooting responsibly – always check local regulations and obtain permits where necessary! The proliferation of drones has made these stunning views more accessible than ever, but with that comes the responsibility to operate safely and legally.
As technology continues to advance and more industries discover the value of the aerial perspective, I expect we’ll see even more innovative applications emerge. It’s been fascinating to participate in this evolution since 2005, and I look forward to continuing to document Australia from above.