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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
The Age of the Drone 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 overplayed; so, knowing when and how to use it is a big must.” Ackeem Thomas doesn’t own a drone, but has access
--The advent of aerial photography in Guyana
A shot taken with Saajid’s drone (unknowingly taken at the time the Gaafoor’s building was on fire) trolled drone. Though the occurrence ended incident-free, to one, nonetheless, and has hasn’t crossed their minds. it speaks to the possible aviaemployed its use in different “Sometimes I feel weird tion dangers that could occur aspects of his work, having flying it, because it feels like with these devices. recently done video work an invasion of privacy,” Jay Following that incident, for the upcoming local film, said. But he admits that thus the Guyana Civil Aviation Au‘A Bitter Lime’ using drone far, it hasn’t been an issue thority issued guidelines for footage. He states that pho- with people, as they seem the use of drones in Guyana, tographers looking for a good more fascinated than bothered which took into consideration drone could spend as much by its use. Saajid Husani warnings for flying within a as US$500-600, but it would When flying his drone, safe distance of people and be a good investment to their Saajid said, he always takes will see these useful gadgets other objects. craft. privacy into consideration, The GCAA also stipulated soaring through neighbourfor the benefit of his equipthat persons using drones for hoods daily. THE DOWNSIDE ment also. “People’s privacy And while this exciting commercial use would also be Of course, there’s anoth- should be taken in considertechnological turn may not required to apply for permission. er side to the use of drones ation when using this techbenefit us in Guyana, the that has not yet reached our nology, for your equipment’s heights to which these flying ON THE BRIGHT SIDE shores. Concerns have been safety; and in light of the That aside, the future devices can be taken are cerraised regarding the invasion rights of citizens, it would be of drone technology looks tainly remarkable to consider. of privacy, and even the threat wise not to violate anyone’s Moreover, I’m sure we bright. In a few years, gito safety that these miniature privacy,” he said. Guyanese will find some ants like Google and Amazon aircraft pose. Earlier this year, an heintend to put the drone to other useful means in which In the US and UK, per- licopter of the Guyana Deuse in their distribution and we’ll put it to use as regards sons have called for the au- fence Force was reportedly delivery networks, which advancing our local content. thorities to put specific laws “buzzed” by a remote-conin 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 A shot of the Stabroek market taken with Jay’s DJI Phantom Drone