AWARDS

2019 INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS - HONOURABLE MENTION

BEHIND THE SCENE

I have been enjoying aerial photography a lot lately, as it often gives me a perspective that’s both new and surprising. I’m always stunned by how different things look from above!
While drone photography has opened a window onto a whole new range of viewpoints, it can be distracting, though, to animals and other people alike. It’s important to follow a strict set of rules and guidelines when using drones.
Always follow safety regulations. Acquire the necessary permits (national and local) in advance. Respect flying distances and altitude restrictions and pay attention to your subjects’ behaviour. And, last but not least, make sure you don’t disturb any other people who may be close by.

Happily, king penguins don’t seem at all bothered by the drone while they are on the beach. When they are coming and going from the sea along the beach, they don't have any predators from the air.
I assume a drone would probably spook penguins when they’re in a colony with chicks, as a drone could easily be mistaken for a skua looking for a quick, easy meal of a chick.
I’ve never used a drone around colonies with chicks, obviously. Better safe than sorry. I would never want to cause an animal subject stress just for the sake of a photograph.