I am the owner/operator of Aerial Artwork, which has been serving as a business since September 2015. I am a filmmaker, photographer and drone operator who has worked for clients across Cumbria, the Lake District, the North West and into Scotland.
Over recent years I have increasingly been involved in supporting organisations in the promotion of nature conservation, including virtual tours of nature reserves and routes, and documenting landscape restoration. I am deeply concerned about the climate emergency and have undertaken carbon literacy training. I have pledged to work with clients who are practising or working towards sustainability.
Please view my portfolio to see what I have produced in the past and, if you like what you see, please contact me to discuss how I might support your future projects.
Virtual Tours
The aerial 360° photographs are created from 33 aerial images which are then stitched together, and ground shots are captured on a 360° camera. The virtual tour is hosted online and made informative with additional text, images, video and audio. They are an immersive and interactive way of allowing viewers to investigate outdoor spaces such as nature reserves.
Film
Aerial and ground video is captured in stunning 4K (3840 x 2160px), four times the quality of full HD. Both the recording and the video editing is sensitively adapted to the subject matter and purpose of each film. Music, dialogue, text and graphics is added as required. Re-editing in response to your feedback continues until the final version meets your needs.
Photographs
Aerial and ground photographs can be captured at up to an impressive 48MP (8064 x 6048px) and edited to your requirements. They can be supplied digitally in any format and resolution at no additional cost. Aerial Artwork also has the facility to print your photographs professionally on museum quality paper with archival inks at up to A3+ size.
Equipment
Aerial Artwork currently flies a DJI Air 3 and a DJI Mini 3 Pro. 3-way gimbals keep the cameras horizontal, regardless of the motion of the drone, ensuring super-stable aerial footage. The pilot views a live feed from the camera on a monitor. A 9 metre tall tripod is used for long elevated captures, such as timelapses. Compact 360° and video cameras are also used when required.
History
My name is Colin Aldred. I was a teacher of Art & Design for 28 years. My degree was in Fine Art and my artwork has always sought to represent the physical environment. Views from the air first featured in my mixed media work around 1990. I continue to create fine art photographs and screenprints in my own time and a link to my art website is in the menu.
Presentations
I really enjoy giving presentations of my commercial or personal artwork to any interested groups who have access to a projector. I have already given talks in schools, at rotary clubs, U3A and church meetings, plus photography and filmmakers groups. I do not charge a fee but am happy to receive a small amount towards expenses. Contact me through the enquiry form
Qualifications & Experience
From 2015-23 Aerial Artwork held a PFCO (Permission for Commercial Operation) from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) ID number 1281. Since 2023 a change in drone regulations has allowed Aerial Artwork to operate under a CAA approved Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). £1m public liability insurance which can be increased if necessary for specific aerial operations
Safety & Operations
A risk assessment is made before every flight to ensure it is conducted as safely as possible. The site and conditions are thoroughly researched, and your requirements are carefully considered. Aerial Artwork carries appropriate safety and first aid equipment, Aerial Artwork is proud to maintain an unblemished safety record.
Rules & Regulations
Aerial Artwork complies with the CAA rules not to fly a drone above 120 metres, or beyond line of sight up to 500 metres. The drone is not normally flown within 50 metres of people, property or vehicles not under the pilot’s control, but the smaller drone can be, if required. Aerial Artwork also complies with the Data Protection Act regarding the distribution of images.