IF you’ve been paying attention, you’d have noticed that still and video photography in Guyana have been elevated to new heights, joining the rest of the world’s photography enthusiasts and filmmakers in capturing adventures with the stunning detail that only drone photography allows. Once upon a time, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as drones lay only in the hands of a privileged few, being used primarily by the United States as part of its controversial “War on Terror” for both surveillance and missile-launching missions.

Later, law enforcement agencies and film-makers signed on to the new trend for milder reasons. But with the price of camera drones significantly reduced since they were first released, interest in these tiny robots has skyrocketed, growing in popularity even among civilians.

GROWING INTEREST
This growing interest has now trickled into our little paradise, so that in the last few months, several news agencies and local photographers have added aerial imaging to their portfolios, bringing new perspective to their work with the use of these sleek aviators.
One needs only look at projects produced by the likes of Wildfire Entertainment, and the latest video projects out of our very own Poonam Singh and Jackie Hanover, or even the coverage of recent national events to witness the detailed beauty of all the action from the sky.
Local photographers vouch for the benefits of the drone, saying that new opportunities have opened up for them since adding this feature to their portfolio.
Jay Carter, who has been practising professional photography for over three years, admits that when he invested in his DJI Phantom which costs over US$500, he knew he was taking a risk, but was sure that it would pay off. And it has.
“At the time I bought it, not a lot of people had it here. And so, I wanted to be among the first,” Jay told The Buzz. “I didn’t want to just settle for what I have almost mastered; I wanted to push myself.
Using drones requires a whole different type of thinking in terms of composition and controlling the shot, and I wanted to experiment with that.”
The young photographer states that his investment has since paid off, in that it has increased his bookings. He has worked on music videos and other projects, and was recently hired to capture shots of our Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony from above.
Photographer Saajid Husani has also attested to the benefits of the drone, having used his to capture several of the breathtaking shots you see in Poonam Singh’s ‘G.U.Y.A.N.A’ music video.

NEW HEIGHTS
“Drone photography, when done right, can take you to new heights. Literally. The new perspective on landscape, and seeing things from a different angle is what sparked my interest,”Saajid said.

“The ease of controls and fluid movement from the advanced technology of the ‘gimbal’ gets you great footage.” (Drone jargon 101: The ‘Gimbal’ is the part of the device which keeps the camera level, giving you those clear, steady shots despite the movement of the drone.)
Saajid said that while operating the drone is not in itself difficult, there are still very serious aspects in its use. “It’s not just about flying and videoing and getting aerial work. The basics and advanced side of photography still applies, such as camera movement and lighting,” he said.
He said, too, that while this technology can take Guyana’s photography and videography industries to new heights, it should be used in moderation. “It’s something that can easily get over-played; so, knowing when and how to use it is a big must.”
Ackeem Thomas doesn’t own a drone, but has access to one, nonetheless, and has employed its use in different aspects of his work, having recently done video work for the upcoming local film, ‘A Bitter Lime’ using drone footage. He states that photographers looking for a good drone could spend as much as US$500-600, but it would be a good investment to their craft.

THE DOWNSIDE
Of course, there’s another side to the use of drones that has not yet reached our shores. Concerns have been raised regarding the invasion of privacy, and even the threat to safety that these miniature aircraft pose.
In the US and UK, persons have called for the authorities to put specific laws in place to regulate the personal use of drones; and while these do not currently exist, authorities have assured that existing laws on these matters can include the use of drone technology and adherence to privacy.
In Guyana, however, it seems as though the enthusiasts are thus far content with simply capturing high quality imagery and footage that we have for years been deprived of without infringing on personal space rather than using them as a means of privacy infringement. But that doesn’t mean that the issue of privacy hasn’t crossed their minds.
“Sometimes I feel weird flying it, because it feels like an invasion of privacy,” Jay said. But he admits that thus far, it hasn’t been an issue with people, as they seem more fascinated than bothered by its use.
When flying his drone, Saajid said, he always takes privacy into consideration, for the benefit of his equipment also. “People’s privacy should be taken in consideration when using this technology, for your equipment’s safety; and in light of the rights of citizens, it would be wise not to violate anyone’s privacy,” he said.
Earlier this year, an helicopter of the Guyana Defence Force was reportedly “buzzed” by a remote-controlled drone. Though the occurrence ended incident-free, it speaks to the possible aviation dangers that could occur with these devices.
Following that incident, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority issued guidelines for the use of drones in Guyana, which took into consideration warnings for flying within a safe distance of people and other objects.
The GCAA also stipulated that persons using drones for commercial use would also be required to apply for permission.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

That aside, the future of drone technology looks bright. In a few years, giants like Google and Amazon intend to put the drone to use in their distribution and delivery networks, which will see these useful gadgets soaring through neighbourhoods daily.
And while this exciting technological turn may not benefit us in Guyana, the heights to which these flying devices can be taken are certainly

remarkable to consider.
Moreover, I’m sure we Guyanese will find some other useful means in which we’ll put it to use as regards advancing our local content.