(wind howling) So next up is something that has revolutionized my photography in the last couple of years. Owning a drone was a dream for a long time, and then eventually I was able to acquire one. My first drone was the Phantom 4 original and it was the first time that all these mountain structures that you can't hike to became accessible for photography. I don't wanna say it made me lazy in the beginning, but definitely, it made me override my desire to hike with desire to fly a drone and get an awesome image. And before I even get into drones I wanna say that you should try and not just think about the ease of use but the potential of combining both hiking and exploring on foot with the additional option of having a drone to reach maybe a little bit further than you could if you weren't hiking. I find it much more fulfilling to be out in nature, not just sitting at my car, flying a drone. So that's my first thing before I get into it. But to begin, I have two setups much like the ...

cameras and it is one for lightweight hiking, mountaineering, whatever solutions. And then there is the one that definitely can't really leave a car environment. So firstly, we have Mavic 2 Pro. This drone became the third drone that I owned after going from Phantom 4 to Phantom 4 Pro from DJI. And then finally, the quality has been transferred into a smaller body being just the size of... Let me get it out. Yeah, there we go. So just the size of the original Mavic, but with the, I think it's 20 megapixel sensor, which of course, allowing you to push that even further by stitching some shots and getting some vertical panoramas. So really stoked to have a drone that can now cover what the Phantom did and be able to be packed in my backpack and travel with me in any situation. They have three batteries for that. And that's pretty much been enough in all cases. Maybe if I'm in a remote situation I might invest in a fourth, but for now pretty stoked. Moving on to situations where you are maybe traveling in a vehicle and you are able to have your setup in the car. You're based out of the car and you have maybe, a more planned out, scheduled shoot that has specific themes and ideas of what you're gonna get. The big boy, Inspire 2 from DJI, took me a long time to save up and be able to invest in this. I've had an awesome career of working with DJI over the years, and that pretty much enabled me to get this. So by working with them, I've been able to establish a relationship that has led from the smaller drones and then into shooting with the bigger equipment. But I've had to put a lot of money into it, and it's been a real headache to work out whether it's worth it for me. But there is one thing that has been absolutely unbeatable and that is being able to shoot from a telephoto perspective with a drone high up in the mountains. And for that we have the Hex 7, which I have in this neat little box, with the 50 millimeter lens. This is a crazy combination for video and photo and is giving me, essentially, a really zoomed in perspective on the landscape and giving, essentially, a new face to the things I had spent years photographing from the wider perspective with the smaller drones. So, I'm still finding my place with this. I feel overwhelmed by this giant setup. It's not what I'm used to, but when you get this thing in your hands and you're flying it, this thing is legit. Looks like an alien. The last thing that has been cool for the drones is actually finding a backpack that I can put this drone into and do, obviously, not a massive hike, especially because we have bad weather and I don't really trust this being out. So here we have Lowepro Inspire 2 bag. It's called DroneGuard Pro Inspired. And it basically allows me to take the Inspire into the field by slugging it in as so. The equipment is so big, I often struggle, but the struggle is worth it, sometimes. So by allowing the drone to go in the bag, like that, means you don't have to have the big case that it comes with and you can still hike and get really interesting images as well as combining the hiking. Which is the thing that I like to stress because such a fulfilling combination, you get unique photos, exercise, and unique vantage points that not everyone else in their car can get. So that concludes the drone segment. They are an amazing tool to be respected and also to be used wisely and not to annoy people. Don't fly where there's a massive population of people and hover above their heads. This happens all the time in Iceland. Of course, respect the local rules and regulations and seek permits where permits are required. Other than that, go out and have fun with your drones.

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Benjamin Hardman

Five years ago, Benjamin embarked on his first photographic mission in an Arctic winter climate. Ever since, Benjamin’s passion for the cold has grown to lead him in search of the North’s most obscure landscapes.

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topics covered in this class

Adventure & Sports Outdoor Post-Processing Aerial & Drone

Ratings and Reviews

Matt Grandbois

Very Informative & Awe Inspiring Both Benjamin and Alex have played huge roles in my photographic style development over the years and it is great to hear first hand exactly what inspires and drives Ben to keep pushing his creative boundaries. Personally, I love his minimalist approach and it was super insightful to watch him explain how he developed that style and how he actively produces photographs in a cohesive manner. 10/10 recommend this workshop to anyone looking for a very unique and profound perspective with the intent of expanding your creative horizons.

Janelle Dransfield

Moving to Iceland now...? Loved this workshop! I really liked the way the modules are split up, and the way you watch Benjamin go out on location for a shot, then immediately sit down and watch his editing process for that specific shot. So much editing to learn too, since he doesn't use presets! The workbook is also super thorough, so printing it out allowed me to pay close attention and just add little notes here and there. The Iceland road guide is also SO helpful and in depth. Can't wait to use it. Also loved that Ben talked about printing your own work. Would be cool to maybe see something from Wildist in the future that goes even more into depth on that (calibrating your own printer, working with a print shop, dropship sites, etc.) Awesome course. Thanks, Hardman.

Alec Brown

First Workshop The first workshop I have ever purchased. I've always been hesitant to invest in a workshop, however this went above and beyond my expectations. Fluid in progression, great insight and a super relaxed learning curve full of information. I feel this has prepared me to take my own personal photographic journey to the next level. Executed to perfection. Nice work guys! 10/10 recommended.

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Aerial Photography

Aerial Photography

Lesson Info

7. Aerial Photography

Lessons

Series Hello & Introducing Benjamin Hardman

Coffee with Alex - Benjamin's Story

Benjamin's Workshop Introduction

High-Resolution Setup

Lightweight Gear Setup

Backpack Breakdown