Month: July 2019

Shutterbugs with a keen photographic eye are using the contrasting UAE landscape to capture truly remarkable images – and thanks to the digital age we live in, anyone around the world can experience what Dubai has to offer.

You only need to browse social media to discover how people in the UAE view and experience life. Generic images are still plentiful on the platform, but occasionally you’ll come across a profile that packs a true photographic wallop. Browse the leading image sharing site, Instagram, and you’ll soon discover profiles dedicated to seeking out and capturing truly spectacular UAE vistas.

The more you browse Instagram profiles, the more you’ll discover the difference between those images that pique interest and those that hold interest. Whilst it’s true that several UAE-based Instagram accounts have uploaded Dubai aerial photography that’s worthy of a second look, very few truly capture the essence of the city-state in all its splendour.

Interested in learning which Instagram accounts are taking photography to new heights? Check out the following users and be inspired by their creative vision.

Username: @pixelville
Followers: 108K
With an impressive Instagram following, Jumana Jolie is one of the more popular Instagram photographers. Climbing to heights that would make mere mortals’ shudder and capturing images at angles that need nerves of steel, Jumana Jolie gives her followers a glimpse of the UAE that they’ve seldom – if ever seen before.

Her dizzying array of Dubai aerial photography shots are even more impressive when you consider that Jamana freely admits that there is a level of fear when capturing bespoke images from high altitudes.

However, with a background as a photojournalist, having worked for Reuters for seven years, controlling her trepidation and fear is just another aspect of the job for Jumana. The Lebanese Palestinian has ventured across the of the Middle East throughout her career. It is this experience taught Jumana that versatility is paramount.

Moreover, Jumana believes that the secret to capturing spectacular images is determined by practice. With a meticulous ethos and an eye that clearly distinguishes between what you see and what the camera can capture, she is able to offer a perspective that few Instagrammers are able to match.

Photographer: Debbie Fortes
Username: @debbiefortes
Followers: 53K
Debbie consistently demonstrates an acute understanding of photographic composition and solid knowledge of Dubai’s skyline. Venturing to the unglamorous parts of Dubai, Debbie creates a distinctive identity to Dubai – one that is lesser-known on a global stage.

The antithesis of what a drone company in Dubai would typically capture, Debbie’s street-level images offer a different perspective of the city-state, one that forces those places that one crosses many times, but seldom pays attention to. Old Dubai and Dubai Creek are given centre stage and appear exquisite, thanks to her talent.

Architecture, urban landscapes and minimalism influence her style. Interesting lines, shadows, and structures are featured prominently in her portfolio. Textures and three-dimensional objects are also a big feature of her work, as is how residents of Dubai interact with the landscape.

A photographer of passion, her style was likely forged by her innate artistic curiosity. Born in the Philippines, Debbie bought her first DSLR camera in 2013. What followed was a revelation. With zero professional training, Debbie has managed to develop without being burdened by conflicting influence and as a result, her photographs are a true reflection of her personality.

Photographer: Husain Ujjainwala
Username: @who.sane
Followers: 18K
A relative newcomer to the UAE’s Instagram photography scene, Husain Ujjainwala is quickly developing a reputation that’s no less prominent than Debbie Fortes or Jumana Jolie. A student of Dubai aerial photography, 24-year old Husain Ujjainwala’s images feature dramatic, captivating images of Dubai’s skylines, each taken from unusual angles.

Like Debbie Fortes, Husain Ujjainwala has had no professional training and only decided to pursue photographer a mere five years ago. Though he may now shoot images with a DSLR camera, for years Hussain ardently stuck with mobile phone cameras, capturing the type of imagery that was almost indistinguishable from that of a DSLR camera.

His popularity may have been born of Hussain’s decision to switch to professional camera equipment. Hussain is candid about his belief that with a great number of photographers shooting Dubai’s skylines, editing those images you capture is what will set a good photographer apart from an average one.

A brief glance at Hussain’s Instagram feed and you’ll immediately notice that his images pay homage to the UAE – a country he believes to be rich in photographic opportunities. Indeed, from cityscapes to deserts that stretch to the horizon, the opportunities for a photographer to capture landmark images are everywhere – something that a progressive drone company in Dubai, like Sky Vision, understands all too well.

Hussain emphasises the importance of lighting and the varied effect that it has on shot composition. Preferring to shoot at sunrise and sunset, he’s able to capture the UAE at the dawning of a new day and as dusk descends, creating an ambiance that’s difficult – if not impossible – to replicate.

Thanks to technology, Instagrammers and a professional drone company in Dubai are elevating photography to new heights. With innovation evolving all the time, it’s exciting to think what the future may hold and how our perception of the UAE – and the world – will change thanks to photographers and their equipment.

In past blogs, we’ve written about the best cameras to mount on your drone, the best drones for aerial photography, how drone pilots can capture the best aerial shots at night, even top tips of how drone pilots can compose the best aerial shots when soaring above Dubai – or anywhere in the world.

However, what we’ve never blogged about are the more generic, even simple tips that any drone pilot should know to capture that breath-taking sandscape or urban landscape. Now, before we start divulging what some may perceive as tricks of the trade, it’s important to remember one fact. The best drone companies in Dubai – like Sky Vision – offer unparalleled flying experience and expertise, combined with a knowledge of aerial photographic composition that is hard to match.

What does this mean? Anyone intent on using drones to map an elevated area or create inspiring marketing material to grab customer attention should only consider hiring the professionals. If, however, you’re someone who is merely thinking of buying a drone and want to learn more about how you can evolve your skills, and hopefully capture an inspirational image or two yourself, keep reading – you’ll surely read something vital to your learning process.

Keep Calm and Be Safe

So, having unboxed your drone for the first time, most pilots can’t wait to take to the skies. Now, there’s nothing wrong with being exuberant, but you want to be safe. After all, fly your drone into a no-fly area and it may be confiscated. Plummet to the ground and you may find yourself disheartened, surveying the wreckage of your pride and joy.

To fly drones safely, you’ll need to educate yourself beforehand. Aerial photography companies have undergone a wealth of training, know the legalities of drone flying like the back of their hand and have sound educational understanding of how to control their drone, sourced from experience, comprehensive training and passion. They haven’t taken a course or two, read the manual or merely Googled, ‘how to fly a drone.’

Drone companies must also have the requisite professional licence. This depth of education means that they know how to fly as safely and will remain calm if a flight’s circumstances changes in an instant. Drone companies know where to fly and where not to fly and have sound command of the camera.

Additionally, something not to be discounted, is that seasoned drone companies understand how to operate the drone and the camera simultaneously and proficiently. This takes skill and a whole lot of practice. Our tip? Concentrate on flying and manoeuvring the drone over short distances before thinking of taking to the skies with a camera equipped.

Be Mindful of What’s Around You

There are many attributes that contribute towards taking that stellar photograph. Subject matter is one. Angle is another. Composition is a third. We could go on all day, but in the interest of this article, let’s just say that it takes a good eye, piloting capabilities and processing acumen to take that photograph that conveys are you want it to – and, hopefully, much, much more.

Choosing your location is paramount. Fortunately, Dubai is rich in some of the most visually arresting landscapes anywhere in the world. The best drone companies in Dubai can use the spectacular scenery of the city scape to create an image or video that, not only contextualizes your intention, ensuring that it’s an accurate representation of the purpose of the shot or video, but will be mindful of what’s all around you and the legalities of this.

You won’t find drone companies flying into Dubai International or scaling the heights of the Burj Khalifa. This is simply not permitted. More pertinently, drone companies understand how to control their drones to avoid any collisions.

Now, we’re not saying that every hobbyist is destined for a collision, but the extensive training and knowledge of the skies most, if not every single one, of the drone aerial photography companies in Dubai have negate any potential issues. Bottom line? If you’re unsure of your flying ability, hire a drone company or invest more time honing your skills.

Don’t Compromise on Composition

As different as drone cameras are to SLR digital cameras, they have the same basic function – to capture moments in time. They can suffer from the same technical issues and, when in the hands of an experienced photographer, image quality can be compromised.

You don’t want to spend a wealth of time flying to that perfect location only to rush to take your photograph, losing those little details, selecting the wrong aperture or missing the focal point of the image altogether.

Practice good composition. Carefully examine individual aspects of your photographs for subtle, distinct, characteristic aspects. Add interesting leading lines to pull the viewer into your image. Look for contrasting shapes, colours, texture and visual elements to add extra dimension to your photography.

Aerial photography companies know how to do this. You might not be able to do it as well, but constantly thinking about your photography is a great way to get better the more you practice.

Share Your Art

Don’t make the mistake of flying your drone across some of the most immersive and rousing landscapes in the world, snapping photographic images or videos and then leaving them on your memory card for your eyes only.

Share your images! Get to know other aerial drone photographers and gather some feedback. Their insight may well be invaluable to your continued development. Why not start an Instagram account and upload your pictures? You could share them on Twitter and Facebook and see what comments you get.

Feeling particularly proud of a picture? Why not blow it up, print it out and hang it in your home or office? Each time you see it, you’ll be reminded of your artistic prowess and be encouraged to take to the skies again! Or, if you really want to capture an exquisitely picturesque image, you could show the photo you took and ask one of the best drone companies in Dubai to take the same picture to hang on your walls.

So, there you go. A handful of simple tips that the best aerial drone companies know – all of which will help you evolve your art. Interested in using Sky Vision’s commercial drone photography services? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

The cricket world cup is now over. As England players bask in their quite remarkable victory, drinking in the immortality that victory has brought them, impassioned fans sing choruses of celebration hitting the boundaries of joyous exuberance, we can soak it all in and look forward to what drama may unfold in the next four years.

Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or an armchair viewer, there’s no denying that this world cup had everything. Controversy, tension, drama and one of the most stunning conclusions to a final that’s ever been witnessed. Indeed, the world cup is sure to encourage many youngsters to visit their local cricket club for their first taste of the sport.

However, youth interest and the drama of the final aside, there’s one story that has flown under the radar over the last few weeks. One that outlines how a drone service in Dubai and the sport have become intertwined. That is that unlicensed drone pilots will soon be able to use specialist arrive-and-fly facilities at Dubai Cricket Stadium. This move is the result of an agreement struck between Dubai Sports City and drone solutions provider, Airscope.

The move, which will be overseen by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) aims to limit the risk of costly airport closures by designating a space environment for drone hobbyists whilst providing Dubai Cricket Stadium with an alternative source of revenue.

Why Launch Drone Rental Services?

It’s been no secret the airports around the world have been the subject of drone incursion over the last few years. Many governments have taken legislative steps to keep airspace restricted to drones for the safety of airline passengers and pilots and Dubai is no exception.

Following the closures of several runways at Dubai International Airport – at a cost of Dh3.67 million or $1 million a minute, with the most recent being on February 15th when the airport was closed for almost half an hour, the DCAA has demanded that all pilots must obtain a licence and be acutely aware of where they can and can’t fly using the DCAA app. Any pilot caught in a restricted area could face jail time or fines of up to Dh100,000, whether using a camera for drone shooting Dubai or merely practicing their aerial maneuverers.

Creating a safe, enclosed environment for novice pilots to learn how to pilot their drones, whilst educating pilots of their responsibilities is further evidence of Dubai’s commitment to safe drone piloting, and how the city-state soars above other countries and territories with an innovative approach to drone education, training and piloting.

Facility and Long-Term Vision

Under the proposed plan, which awaits DCAA guideline and approval, unlicensed drone pilots will be able to arrive, rent and fly drones within the stadium’s limits in much the same way that people can come to the nearby karting track at Dubai Aerodrome and have some fun karting.

The facility will also house retail outlets on site. Here visitors can buy a new drone, equipment and parts. Not only that, coaches will provide on-site flying lessons and provide educational advice on any matters relating to drone ownership, helping novice or even seasoned pilots to gain a greater understanding of their done.

However, the creation of a safe and inclusive environment, rich in drone educational merit, at Dubai Cricket Stadium isn’t the sole endgame for this lauded and innovative drone service in Dubai.

Mohammed Aziz, CEO of Airscope has stated that his long-term vision for this environment is to launch a drone league as a spectator sport where people can come and watch professional pilots make awe-inspiring manoeuvres with track loops and air gates. A provisional soft launch has been pencilled in for next month, possibly being held at one of Dubai’s indoor facilities with full-time operations set for lift off in September.

The Full Support of Dubai Cricket Stadium

Building on the gauntlet of ambition set forth by Mohammed Aziz, CEO of Airscope, the Dubai Sports City Head of Cricket Business, Salman Hanif has been vocal in his support of the collaboration between the stadium and this exciting drone service in Dubai.
He’s stated that the UAE has a lack of facilities for drones and that the stadium has excellent facilities and is a well-suited arena for drone pilots to practice on, being free of interference whilst meeting all the regulations set forth by the DCAA.

Hanif also commented on the fact that the facility would allow the stadium to diversify its business model as it would provide a welcome additional revenue stream when the ground wasn’t in use for cricket matches.
What this service demonstrates is that drones can have a far-reaching affect on commercial endeavours than merely just drone shooting Dubai. The service is being carefully overseen by the DCAA who has mandated third party insurance and put a re-registration process in-place to monitor drones, making sure that they are safe to fly.

But, perhaps most enlightening, it’s clear that Dubai is committed to investing in drones and the creation of an infrastructure that enables both novice and experienced pilots alike to develop their passion in a safe and encouraging environment. This will surely play a large part in helping the next generation of drone pilots to prosper whilst helping to eliminate costly airport closures due to inexperience, lack of awareness and a safe environment to take to the skies with your done.