Monday, 23 April 2018

The History Behind Aerial Photography Drones

By Elizabeth Hughes


Photographers have been taking pictures since the inception of the camera. In fact, there have been a number of manned aircraft used by the military to take pictures from the sky for quite some time. While this is the case, unmanned aerial photography drones are something new.

Only recently did photographers start using these drones in conjunction with taking pictures as part of a business or hobby. While this is the case, taking photos from the air is something that has been practiced since before World War I. As such, while the use of unmanned drones is something new, there have been manned flights with cameras used in art and military operations for years.

The history of taking photographs of this nature began in 1862 in France. For, the first aspect of aerial photography occurred when a French Artist and Balloonist took a shot of "Nadar, " in 1858 over Paris. As photographs from the time were lost, the earliest photograph of this nature is known as "Boston, as the Eagle and Wild Goose See It, " which was photographed in 1860 by Wallace Black and Samuel Archer King.

Later, kites were used to shoot photography which would later be used in postcards in the early 1900s. Pioneered by E. D. Archibald in 1882, the young man decided to attach a camera to a kite with a timer and take pictures from the air. After which Arthur Batut published a book on the methods in 1890, thus resulting in the production of these early post cards.

Later, Samuel Franklin Cody developed an advanced war kite in which the British War Office became interested. After which, the first aircraft was equipped with a motion picture camera in 1909. The camera was then placed on an aircraft, at which time the camera filmed video shots over Rome, a film which became silent short film known as Wilbur Wright and seine Flugmaschine.

It was shortly before World War when taking pictures of the ground from air became popular. Before that time, while people had knowledge of the activity, most did not approve. Though, after aerial photography became useful in preventing a number deaths, it appears that the activity found more support from the general public.

While there is a great deal of aerial spying still used by all branches of the military, the practice has now found a place in mainstream society. As a result, whether using a camera drone or taking pictures from an airplane, helicopter or hot air balloon, there are now laws which apply to all these areas.

When it comes to laws related to this activity, most vary by area. As such, before setting out to fly a drone and shoot pictures, it is important that anyone doing so is aware of any laws or restrictions associated with the practice in the area. Whereas, most often those doing so from airplanes and helicopters are going to be licensed pilots whom are well aware of these and other laws related to aerial photography. While Balloon operators and passengers can often take photographs of ground and scenery while on board, there may be restrictions when it comes to filming video.




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