Taking Flight: My Journey into Aerial Photography and Videography
by Andrew Johnston
There’s something about getting above it all—or seeing the world from a place you can’t stand or physically get to—that changes your perspective. Literally and creatively.
Over many years as a commercial lifestyle and portrait photographer, I’ve built a career around capturing moments and telling stories with intention and style. But something shifted when I added a drone to my toolkit. Suddenly, I wasn’t just photographing scenes—I was soaring over them, diving into light, shadow, and space in ways I never imagined possible.
A New Creative Playground
Drones open up a creative freedom I didn’t know I needed. Whether I’m photographing California’s coastline from above, following winding desert roads, or drifting through a hazy golden hour above a quiet city block, every flight feels like a new sketchpad. The bird’s-eye view reveals geometry, texture, and light patterns that are impossible to appreciate from the ground.
This isn’t just about novelty—it’s about possibility. As a photographer, I’ve always chased the best angle. Now I can chase it—literally.
From Grounded to Airborne
To take this seriously—and legally—I became fully licensed under the FAA Part 107, which allows me to fly drones commercially. That’s a big step, and it’s one that opens up opportunities for working with clients, creating stock footage, and pushing my creative boundaries even further.
I use a DJI Mini 4 Pro—compact but mighty. It captures buttery 4K video, stunning 48-megapixel RAW stills, handles beautifully in flight, and gives me the ability to create cinematic visuals on the fly (pun intended). I’m all about quality and efficiency, and this little bird delivers both.
What I’m Creating
There’s a cinematic quality I’m always chasing—something that feels immersive, intentional, and just a little larger than life. Whether it’s a sweeping view of ocean cliffs, the rhythm of waves hitting a quiet shoreline, an SUV carving through a dusty trail in the desert, or flying low over a calm reservoir tucked in a Southern California mountain pass, every frame is about capturing movement, mood, and place from a perspective that feels both natural and elevated.
Right now, I’m focused on capturing cinematic footage and stills for stock and editorial licensing. I’ve been uploading content to my Wirestock portfolio, and it’s been amazing to see how these visuals resonate. There’s something universal about aerial photography—it invites people into a scene in a way that feels epic, almost dreamlike.
Why It Matters
In a world saturated with images, fresh perspective is everything. Aerial photography isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a way to reconnect with scale, space, and emotion. For me, it’s become a source of inspiration, experimentation, and even meditation.
If you’re curious about getting into drones or want to see the kinds of stories I’m telling from above, check out my latest work at Wirestock. And if you’re a brand looking to level up your visual game with premium aerial content, let’s talk.
Stay grounded—but never afraid to fly.
Want to collaborate on something bold?
Let’s talk: studio@andrewjohnstonphoto.com
Andrew Johnston is a commercial photographer based in Los Angeles, yet available everywhere.