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Drone Photography from…Ground Level?

Creative Project

Discovering Unique Perspectives

Photography often sends us soaring into the skies to capture that perfect aerial shot, but what about the moments before liftoff? There’s a whole world of composition and perspective waiting to be explored right from the ground, under the very rotors of our drones. In this blog, I dive into an unexpected journey of capturing stunning ground-level photographs with my drone, showcasing how beauty and intrigue can unfold before it even takes flight.

The Unintended Canvas

When we think of drones, we envision them buzzing high above, framing the grandeur of landscapes and cityscapes. However, some of my favorite shots have come from those initial moments when the drone is grounded—its camera passively framing a view from inches off of the ground. These moments, often overlooked, offer a canvas ripe for artistic exploration. 

To give you a taste of this unique approach, below are 10 of my favorite ground-level shots captured by my drone. Nearly all of them are not staged - meaning I did not move my drone to capture this perspective. I just set my drone for takeoff and was surprised to find it was a great composition. 

Next time you set your drone down, take a moment to explore the potential of ground-level photography. You might be surprised at the unique perspectives waiting to be uncovered. It’s a reminder that in photography, and perhaps in life, there are always new viewpoints to discover, if only we shift our gaze.

This playful twist on drone photography challenges us to think differently about our tools and their capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned aerial photographer or a hobbyist, I encourage you to experiment with ground-level drone shots. Who knows? The ground beneath your feet might just be the unexpected muse you’ve been looking for.

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Red Rock in Nevada

Red Rock in Nevada

Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada

Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Cincinnati Downtown in Ohio

Cincinnati Downtown in Ohio

Oak Creek in Nevada

Oak Creek in Nevada

McKenzie River in Oregon

McKenzie River in Oregon

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Mt Charleston in Nevada

Grand Staircase in Nevada

Grand Staircase in Nevada

About the Author

Nicholas Klein

Founder and visual artist, specializing in all aspects of a businesses presence from imagery and video to graphics and web. A graduate of IPFW with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Concentration Photography as well as an Associates Degree in Business. His personal photography works are focused on landscape, travel, and aerial photography.