>

By Elizabeth Hughes


While photographers have been taking pictures since the invention of the camera, photographers now have even more choices when it comes to equipment. In one case, this is the use of Aerial Photography Drones. Most often associated with the military, drones have been around for decades.

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 beginning of this type of photography began in France in 1862. The first picture believed to have been taken was that of "Nadar, " shot above Paris by a French Artist. As that photograph has been lost, most often the earliest photograph of this type is known as "Boston, as the Eagle and Wild Goose See It, " a photograph shot by Samuel Archer King and Wallace Black in 1860.

Cameras were later attach to kites after E. D. Archibald discovered the flying objects could take pictures form the sky. After which, a number of post cards were created from the camera attached to the kite. Once the method proved successful, Arthur Batut published a book on the methods used in the process in 1890.

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.




About the Author: