The Shot That Changed Everything

The Night Before the Shot

Every drone shot has a story, but this one carries a heartbeat.

I was in my usual routine the day before this photo was taken. Charging batteries, checking propellers, making sure every memory card was cleared and ready.

Back then, drone technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today. There were no fail-safes or real-time screens to show you if you captured the shot. Every flight was a mix of preparation and pure guesswork.

 

A Drive Without Expectations

That morning, I packed everything into the car with a quiet sense of purpose.

I didn’t know what I’d find when I arrived. There was no detailed plan, no expectation. Just the thrill of possibility.

I drove to the location, thinking I’d capture some simple landscapes, maybe calm waters, perhaps nothing at all. Definitely not a massive ship sitting close to shore.

 

The Unexpected Discovery

When I saw it, my heart raced. The ship was cutting through the water, leaving swirling trails of blues and greens behind, like brushstrokes on a giant canvas. I rushed to set up, hands steady but my mind racing.

 

Flying Blind and Hoping for the Best

I launched the drone, hoping all the checks I’d done the night before were enough. Back then, flying was different. There is no feedback on the controller and no live view.

I had to trust that the drone and my instincts would capture something.

As the drone hovered above, I felt the weight of uncertainty. Was the angle right? Did I press the shutter? Was the light hitting the water just as I saw it from the ground? The GoPro clicked silently, saving each photo in JPG with no guarantees.

No RAW files to fix mistakes later. It was all or nothing.

 

The Moment of Truth

I landed the drone. I drove home and offloaded the files. My hands shook, not with fear, but anticipation.

And there it was. The shot.

 

More Than Just a Photo

At first, it felt like just another photo. But looking at it, I felt something different. It wasn’t just an image. It was proof that I had captured more than what I saw. It was a moment frozen in time, alive with the same energy I felt standing there.

 

A Shot That Changed My Life

I didn’t know it then, but that photo would go on to be recognised internationally.

It became more than just a picture, the spark that lit my journey, the quiet push that told me, “You’re on the right path.”

 

What Do You See?

What do you see when you look at it?

Because for me, it’s more than water and a ship. It’s the heartbeat of a moment I almost didn’t catch, the one that changed everything.

More photos and videos?

Did you like the photos and videos I shared here? Check out my complete portfolio at Sky Perth to see more of my work. You’ll find a diverse collection of visual stories that reflect my passion and dedication. Let’s explore this journey together!

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