Damian is a self-employed and freelance aerial photographer with professional pilot qualifications. His main commercial interest is photographing buildings from the air and this may include new and old structures or large development sites. Image capture services are provided for commercial surveyors, property marketing companies, land agents and farmers e.g. for European Agricultural Subsidy or land and boundary disputes. His customers are a varied mix and include all sizes of companies, surveyors, news media, amateur and professional photographers and occasionally members of the public. His Associates include commercial pilots, professional and semi-professional photographers including press photographers, one of whom also has a pilot's licence.
Due to the seasonal nature of some aerial work, flying training & coaching for pilot licences and ratings is also undertaken. Air to Air shots can be arranged and this is an area we would like to expand. He can teach basic aerobatics and also offers formation flying for photographs that is a demanding but rewarding experience for all concerned.
Digital Imaging
Images are normally supplied CD/DVD, or as downloads from our website or as prints on archival quality ink and paper, mounted or framed. Prints up to Super A3 size may be printed in Cranfield but at digital colour labs for large posters or more specialist work. Starting with a digital image is almost essential these days for the fast moving image production process as they may be manipulated easily compared to the old negative films, plates and traditional prints. Broadband has assisted in delivery of digital images to our clients but one raw digital image may use 48 MB storage prior to any editing and these are usually copied to disks owing to their size.
For commissions a Canon digital camera matched with a Canon image-stabilized, telephoto zoom and/or wide angle zoom lenses is a most versatile combination. The high quality of their lenses is a key factor in our excellent finished picture quality. Framing the shot from a moving aircraft is a key skill. The British weather, sun angle, shadow and wind also require that the crew is experienced in this field. Images for framing are usually produced at 16x12 inches in 2 inches border photo card mounts to be set in 20x16 inch frames. Other sizes e.g. 36x24 and even larger are available to order. As the shoot is planned, digital mapping, GPS and flight planning computers are used to help pinpoint locations and prepare quotations. Accurate target information is critical for success.
A high wing aircraft is essential to provide an unrestricted view of the ground. The Cessna types are ideally suited to this. Based at Cranfield Airport our association with flying training schools and aircraft owners groups allows for the use and hire of a sizeable fleet of aircraft ensuring constant aircraft availability. Occasionally aircraft may be hired in different parts of the country to reduce travel costs. All aircraft are flown by commercial pilots and are registered in the Public Transport category as regulated by the CAA.
Only experienced commercially qualified pilots are used on photo flights. Generally the pilot is also a flight instructor with night and instrument weather ratings. This allows operations at nearly all times in most weather. In short, we will get cameras to targets and get the job done. To hire a commercial pilot for a photographic survey or any other related aerial work simply email your requirements to Damian who will reply swiftly with a full quotation. In short, Target, Aircraft, Pilot, Camera, job done!
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