Peace Bridge Londonderry

Low level filming would appear to be on the increase.  Yesterday we started on a project which will involve us heading to the major attractions on the North Antrim Coast and the City of Derry.  The result will be screened in 2013 and will feature aerial filming all shot below 400 feet.
Prior to this footage it rained most of the day but just at sunset we were able to get several scenes filmed before darkness fell.

Peace Bridge, Londonderry, at sunset

Nettlehill Lisburn

Recently we were commissioned to photograph social housing at Nettlehill Road, Lisburn.  The new build is a replacement of two large houses and feature luxury apartments for the elderly.
Weather for architecture photography does make a massive difference to the final result.  Graced with a beautiful day we did make the best of things.  Needless to say it poured just prior and after this shot.

Nettlehill Road, Lisburn

UAV at Drumclay Crannog

Over the past few weeks we have been commissioned by the NIEA, Northern Ireland Environmental Agency, to supply aerial photography at the Drumclay Crannog site, in Enniskillen Co Fermanagh.

Our task was two fold, to capture overall and vertical images from the archaeology dig involving low level aerial photography.  

The most effective means was to utilise our UAV, unmanned aerial vehicle, for stunning and cost effective results which could not have been obtained by any other means without risk or substantial cost on high lifts etc, which most certainly couldn't achieve the same results.  

Using the UAV also meant that our operators didn't interfere with the site layout or cause damage under foot, whereas the high lift would, in order to gain access. 

Flying in subzero temperatures we covered all aspects of the site in just four flights and in the minimum  period of staff disruption, who were asked to vacate the dig site whilst the UAV was in the air.

Our operators are qualified, certified and approved by both the CAA and IAA for commercial use for such aircraft.

UAV surveying the Drumclay archaeology site, Enniskillen

Vertical images of the crannog 

Images hosted with the express permission of the NIEA

Awards Awards Awards

During the week we received a telephone call enquiring if we had every won any awards for our aerial or social photography from a perspective client.
Of course we have.  Awards don't come easily and hours of work go into the preparation, selection of work and production of prints which are shown to a number of photographic judges.  The image below from the East Strand Portrush, received first place in the pictorial section with the BIPP ( British Institute of Professional Photography). It now gladly has been framed and hung in my office.
If your business image is important use a professional photographer.

East Strand, Portrush

Rise and shine before the sun

Today see's the final photoshoot for a client.  However the brief was 'before sunrise please'.  Our task was to show clients the availability of gritting machines in their natural working environment.  The site chosen was in fact an area to be gritted so no requirement for us to go in search of a fabulous location. We arrived on site at 6:30am set up a number of speed lights and set to work.  Daylight was just breaking through so we had to work fast.
In this image there are four speed-lights illuminating the gritter, three placed on camera side and one placed behind the spreading disc to separate it from the road surface.  As the equipment shown is for winter use, a flurry of snow was encouraged just to help matters along.
Certainly we are pleased with the project and I'm sure our client will be.

The clocks go back

It's that time of year when dusk is upon us all to soon.  Last year if you recall we shot some dusk work over Belfast.  This time we plan to do something similar including some HD video work at broadcast  quality.

Just to refresh the memory Belfast at dusk.

Water Treatment Plant

Our latest commission was to record recent completed construction work at a water treatment facility in County Armagh.  Our client had a very definite image in mind which was to show the facility in an area of natural beauty, the countryside.  Had we considered using full size aircraft, most certainly, however flying this low might have had a few raised eyebrows from the local neighbours, nor could we have achieved the horizon with Lough Neagh in the background.
Using our UAV and canon cameras, we flew the area and recorded some spectacular images from several locations.  Our client received all completed work within 24hrs of confirming the photography.