Living by the Coast and What It Means for My Drone Work

Living by the coast has definitely shaped the way I work as a drone photographer. It’s not something I planned around at first, but over time I’ve realised just how much of a benefit it is -both creatively and practically.

For starters, the range of landscapes you get around the coast is hard to beat. Beaches, cliffs, harbours, open water - there’s a lot of variety packed into a small area, which makes it easier to keep my work interesting without needing to travel far. Even the same location can look completely different depending on the tide or time of day.

Lighting plays a big role too. Coastal sunrises and sunsets tend to be a bit more dynamic, especially with the light bouncing off the water. I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve grabbed the drone on short notice because the conditions just looked right - and being local means I can do that without much planning.

The weather’s also a factor. It changes quickly here, which can be a challenge, but it also means more chances to capture something unique. Whether it’s low mist rolling over the sea or a break in the clouds after a storm, these moments add atmosphere that you just don’t get on a clear, blue-sky day.

On a more practical level, there’s a bit more freedom when it comes to flying. A lot of the coastal spots I shoot in have fewer airspace restrictions, so I can focus more on the creative side without running into constant limitations.

All in all, living by the coast has helped me build a more flexible, responsive way of working - and it definitely gives my clients stronger, more engaging visuals. Wouldn’t swap it for anything.

Today’s photo is of the Welsh coast in Porthcawl - the town I grew up in. It’s always a good feeling to fly over familiar ground and see it from a different angle. Even after all these years, it still offers something new every time I put the drone up.