The History Behind Aerial Photography Drones

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 in the recent past did hobbyists and photographers begin using unmanned aerial photography in this capacity. Whereas, historically speaking aerial photography has been around since long before World War I. After which, manned aircraft was used in the war to capture shots of offensive maneuvers as well as defensive strikes.

As there are specific laws related to the activity of drone usage, with or without cameras, it is important to know the laws in any area in which one is planning on launching a drone. In most cases, balloon operators and pilots will be well aware of these laws with regard to the area in which one flies. Whereas, individuals launching drones from ground level with the intent on taking pictures from the sky often do not know or understand these laws.

Kites, armed with cameras were later used to take pictures from the sky. In fact, a kite was one of the first the military used take capture pictures of enemies and offensive movements on the ground. Although, much more popular and associated with kites at the time was the publication of several post cards which were developed and designed from various images which the kites recorded while in flight.

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.

Later, taking photos from the air became quite popular during War World I. It was during this time that cameras began to record movements of enemies and defense response. After which, map sketching and photography from the air became more accepted than it had been in the past.

While aerial spying is somewhat of a common occurrence by military aircraft and officials, doing so as an individual operator is often frowned upon. As a result, there are now laws related to different types of aircraft which have the ability to attach drones or other cameras in order to spy on buildings, people or other ground material. In most cases, those using these drones are good citizens who do not spy on others without permission. Whereas, most often, those working for the military, news reporters and others working in this area often have permission to do so.

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.




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