EYE IN THE SKY THE RISE AND FALL OF THE COLOUR PIONEER EXPERT GUIDE TO PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY STUNNING ABSTRACT DRONE IMAGES BY ROB BAIN ARPS

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1 EYE IN THE SKY STUNNING ABSTRACT DRONE IMAGES BY ROB BAIN ARPS MADAME YEVONDE THE RISE AND FALL OF THE COLOUR PIONEER MASTERCLASS EXPERT GUIDE TO PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY JANUARY 2016 VOLUME 156 / NUMBER 1

2 18 JANUARY WHAT ARE DISTINCTIONS? Distinctions are standards of achievement recognised throughout the world LRPS Applicants need to show good photographic competence in five key areas ARPS Evidence of a creative ability and personal style, plus complete control of the technical aspects of photography FRPS Our highest Distinction is given for excellence and a distinguished ability in photography 18 / THE RPS JOURNAL / JANUARY 2016 / VOL 156

3 FEATURE SPONSORED BY Copper Mine, Parys Mountain, Anglesey Rob Bain ARPS PICTORIAL I M INTERESTED in low-cost, low-altitude aerial photography and started using custom-built drones back in I particularly like high-definition abstract or near-abstract aerial imagery. When I joined the Professional Aerial Photographers Association in 2013 I was exposed to what they categorise as artistic imagery. Some of their members work is outstanding, albeit taken from helicopters or fixedwing aircraft. I thought I could do something similar using my drone. I researched the topic and came across the work of some of the biggest names in the field: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Alex MacLean and Vincent Laforet. They really inspired me. There is far more to aerial imaging than simply taking photographs from an elevated position. I practised positioning the drone for more than a year and sought out specific locations that would work well as abstracts. It took me 18 months to complete my panel researching locations, gaining permissions and arranging travel. The shots were taken in Cornwall, Kent, Anglesey, County Down, North Yorkshire and the Orkney Isles. I felt there is a sense of cohesion with these particular images. They worked well individually and together, as a portfolio. VOL 156 / JANUARY 2016 / THE RPS JOURNAL / 19

4 20 DISTINCTIONS Top: Littlejohns China Clay Pit, St Austell; Bottom: Sands of Wright, South Ronaldsay, Orkney 20 / THE RPS JOURNAL / JANUARY 2016 / VOL 156

5 TREVOR CRAIG FEATURE SPONSORED BY LRPS DISTINCTIONS 21 Salmon Farm, Bay of Kirkwall, Orkney The Road to Charcott, Kent ASSESSOR S VIEW PETER PATERSON FRPS, PICTORIAL DEPUTY CHAIR In each picture, the camera points straight down at the landscape below, giving an unfamiliar perspective of the topography. The images show the landscape as flattened out, producing interesting abstract images, depicting manmade and natural elements in the scenery. Bain s motive was clearly declared in his statement of intent, defining his objective so that the panel members were in no doubt as to what he was trying to achieve. There is a good sense of design in the panel, and clearly a lot of thought went into its arrangement, which includes both landscape and portrait mounts. The individual prints were of a high standard, showing clarity and detail. The Peace Maze, Castlewellan, County Down This panel showed a competent use of new drone technology coupled with good design. It was well up to the standard required for a Pictorial Associateship. VOL 156 / JANUARY 2016 / THE RPS JOURNAL / 21

6 22 DISTINCTIONS Sevenoaks Weald, Kent Littlejohns China Clay Pit, St Austell HANGING PLAN There is a good sense of design in the panel, and clearly a lot of thought went into its arrangement Solar Farm, St Austell 22 / THE RPS JOURNAL / JANUARY 2016 / VOL 156

7 FEATURE SPONSORED BY WENG SANG WONG ARPS DISTINCTIONS 23 Dry Stone Walls, Gunnerside, North Yorkshire Scapa Beach, Orkney FACTFILE Robert Bain is a chartered engineer. A certified aerial photographer, he holds a drone operator s licence from the Civil Aviation Authority and is a member of the Professional Aerial Photographers Association. VOL 156 / JANUARY 2016/ THE RPS JOURNAL / 23