TDW talk with the Skopje-based drone pilot about seeing locations and subjects in a different light thanks to aerial photography and videography.
- From a camera for New Year’s Eve to Mavic Air 2 – read more about how he got interested in becoming a drone pilot.
- Check out more details about Darko’s work, what inspires him to take photos and shoot videos, and more.
- Find out what he thinks lies ahead in the world of drones.
Today we’re chatting with Darko Sahpazov – a Skopje-based drone pilot who loves nature, photography, and exploring new places. From flying a drone as a hobby to the personal satisfaction he gets from photography and videography, he told us that aerial photography is slowly but surely becoming one of his passions. Why? ‘Because of the constant search for new and hidden views that can’t be detected by the ordinary human eye,’ he says. Further, he likes to share with the audience the stories and experiences he captures with his drone photography. He does this in his unique way and through his perception of things. And both he and us are happy that he is succeeding in that. Look at what he has to say about himself, his work, and the advice he’s eager to share with fellow drone pilots!
TDW: How did your adventure with drones start?
D.S.: It all started pretty enthusiastically, I have to say. It was all out of my love for photography in general. My journey began when I first bought a professional camera for New Year’s Eve; then I moved onto an amateur drone around a year ago until one year later when I bought a better drone.
TDW: So, being a drone pilot, what do you think is the most exciting or challenging part of being a drone pilot?
D.S.: Oh, that’s a tough one. Everything is a challenge, really. But the biggest one of them is to create something. When I say something, I mean something whole – an entire scene, or a feeling of the subject of your photos or videos, which later people will like when they see them. There are plenty of challenging aspects when it comes to flying a drone in Macedonia, too. For instance, the places that you’ve visited countless times look entirely different from above. Not to mention the inaccessible locations are now lying at the tip of your hand because of drone technology. That’s why I believe drone photography and videography can help the further promotion of the country (and all countries) and the beautiful places they can offer.
TDW: Let’s talk a bit more about your work. Which drone are you using and with which software do you edit drone photos and videos?
D.S.: Currently, I use DJI Mavic Air 2. It’s just right for me and I think that it’s more than enough for semi-professional jobs of aerial photography and videography. It’s also great for personal usage. For editing, I use Adobe Premiere Pro as well as Adobe Lightroom.
TDW: Great choices. What do you generally like to take photos of with your Mavic Air 2?
D.S.: I generally take photos and record videos of everything that catches my attention and which I think it’s interesting. I post a part of these visuals online on my social media profiles. But, I have to say that I keep an archive of photos and videos for commercial purposes.
TDW: And when you’re working, what’s the people’s reaction? How do you think people, where you live, perceive drones?
D.S.: I think that they still haven’t fully accepted drones and their usage. Moreover, everyone is looking oddly at you and your drone as if you’re up to something. When it comes to the legislature, though, I believe that the drone laws and regulations are okay and are in line with the ones in other countries.
TDW: In your opinion, what do you think comes next in the world of drones?
D.S.: Of course, there are plenty of benefits to using drones for a variety of purposes. It’s just that people should have a clear goal and a vision in their head of what they can do with them. And it’s very important to use them in the right way, safely and legally. On a personal level, though, who knows… I have a great love for my work and this leads me forward, so time will tell what’s next for me.
TDW: Interesting thinking. Now for all the young enthusiasts who are reading this… How can they get the needed skills for flying a drone in your region?
D.S.: The best way is through different means of education (courses, training, lessons, and similar) provided by licensed professionals who know what they’re doing. Also, I recommend flying your drone daily. Practice makes perfect, right?
TDW: Correct! One last thing, do you have any tips or pieces of advice you’d like to share with fellow drone pilots and people who are interested in starting with drone photography?
D.S.: There are no specifics tricks and tips. You should simply love what you’re doing, read plenty of literature on the subject, watch online courses, videos for flying drones and how to edit the material afterward, and similar.
Undoubtedly, aerial photography and videography shed new light on the places and things we think we know so well, when in fact there’s plenty left to be explored. So, it’s always fun to talk to people who do this and hear their views on drones and the numerous ways we can all use them for good. The Drones World team thanks Darko for the time and the insightful answers.
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