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Photos in Flight

This award-winning student talks about drone photography

How does Noah use an unexpected point of view in this photograph?

When Noah Sonnenberg attached a camera to a drone in seventh grade, the results rocked his world. Now a senior at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Connecticut, Noah, 18, devotes much of his free time to perfecting photos taken from the sky. “People dream of flying,” says Noah. “With these pictures, people can see the beauty of the earth like a bird does.”

When did you first get serious about art?

I’d say two years ago while I was working on my AP portfolio, which was about drone photography. I wanted to contrast images of winter and summer and had to plan what I wanted to photograph. It pushed me as a photographer and made me realize how far I could go as an artist. 

What inspired this award-winning work?

I never know what I’m going to see from above. I look for shapes and lines that interest me. In this case, I saw all these interesting shapes, patterns, and colors. 

How did you create your photograph?

First, I assessed the area from ground level. Once I had some understanding of what I was working with, I flew the drone to the specific area I wanted to shoot. While it’s in the air, I can see and adjust what the camera is looking at using my cell phone. I found the image I wanted and took a series of pictures. Then I downloaded them onto my computer. I picked my favorite, cropped it, and adjusted the color using Photoshop.

What role did geometry play in your composition?

From above, the umbrellas had a unique octagonal shape that we don’t see at eye level. Usually you only see a small portion of a stone patio, but from above, the pattern locks beautifully together. By framing the picture with the curved edges of the pool and grass, I created a circular flow that moves the viewers’ eyes around so they can fully appreciate each shape.

How did you use color?

I enhanced the blue in the pool so the water became the reflective core of my picture. I also enhanced the green to underscore the tropical vibe. I darkened the light areas to bring out the details in the textures. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists like yourself?

Don’t be afraid to try something different.

Noah won a Silver Medal for his photograph in the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. 

To find out more about this program, visit artandwriting.org.

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