Through the flying lens

 

 

What does your unique style of photography entail in terms of technical requirements, like the type of camera you use, and limitations?
I do aerial photography by using a kite to lift my camera. I build my own kites after the famous Japanese kites "Rokkaku", with the largest reaching about 40 square feet. They are made out of siliconised nylon and carbon or fibreglass sticks. I have adapted the traditional pattern of these kites to suit my own needs and their proportions and designs vary, depending on weather conditions. The photographic equipment is mounted on a small cradle hanging on the line under the kite. The camera can be lifted up to a thousand feet, though low altitudes are often more interesting. This whole rig weighs about two kg, depending on the lens I mount, or some extra battery. Currently I use a Canon 5D Mark2, with a 24mm lens, but did use for years a medium format film camera, a Fuji GA645, with 45 or 60mm lenses. This cradle with the camera is operated by remote control and can achieve a full 360 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt. An air-to-ground video link sends a signal which provides real-time monitoring on a portable TV screen, for accurate framing.

Once my kite is flying nice and smooth, I rig up my camera on the line, about 100 feet below the kite. The whole apparatus can then be flown up to the required height. I hold the kite string under my arm, carry my remote control on one shoulder and a video monitor around my neck. I can easily walk several hundred yards and raise or lower the kite in order to find different shooting angles and position my camera above the subject at will.

What really inspired your unique perspective?
I mainly decided to combine two of my major passions, kite flying and photography. But KAP already existed. The first man who did this was Arthur Batut, in 1888, in south of France. I first tried it during my first trip in India in 1996, and then became addicted to it. Apart from the results, it is also rewarding, physically and mentally, to set up my kites on a site, and launch my rig. As I'm very concerned about ecology and saving our natural resources, I have always loved the idea of just using wind to do such an activity, compared to wasting kerosene in a helicopter, or helium with a balloon.

From above, it's a completely new vision, new perspectives, new ways to understand the landscape, the heritage... Kites can carry my camera very close to roofs, clock towers, domes, buildings and show a close view of details. It also makes it possible to approach human beings, and some fauna, very closely, without disturbing at all. I always use wide angle lenses, which shows our earth from a very unusual angle. And any memorable or truly exhilarating experiences...
I have had so many such experiences while shooting in India. I've been arrested a few times by the police, despite having proper permissions, because they thought I was a spy! I've been able to shoot during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad in 2001 (more than 25 million people), and that was an extraordinary experience. I loved shooting the ghats of Varanasi, flying my kite from a small boat going slowly up the Ganga, trying to keep my balance right on the boat deck, feeling strongly that I was doing something exclusive! I almost lost all my equipment when I flew my kites in Ladakh, because of the very difficult wind conditions in high altitude. I lost one camera in the Yamuna river just behind the Taj Mahal, because of wind and too many excited children gathering close to me...! But the best thing is the interaction I have with people when I fly. Whether they be Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, or anyone else, flying a kite always generates such good feelings, positive reactions and big smiles!! Flying a kite is good for spiritual balance, for releasing stress. All Indians know about patangbazi, and they all connect easily with a guy like me who flies a kite, and to boot, with a camera rigged to it! I love the Kalari fighters on a beach in Kerala, for that shadow effect, and their graphic impact. Also, the graphic pictures on fishing boats on Tamil Nadu's beaches; the eyes of the fishermen family spreading sardines on the beach… And then the Taj Mahal pictures of course, because it's so exclusive to be able to shoot a close-up shot of it... I loved being at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, for the human experience. Being lost in that amazing crowd for three days, waiting for the wind and searching for the ultimate launching site, was memorable. I love the image of Jama Masjid in Delhi; surrounded in Chandni Chowk area, with the markets, the intricate houses and narrow streets... Impossible to get above such a crowed part of the old city with a helicopter or any other means. Only a kite can give such an amazing perspective of the two minarets and the bazar behind. I also love the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur... That Fort is very close to my heart because I've been there many times; I know most of the architects working on its renovation.

What would be the ultimate shot?
Capturing a special act in wildlife, but it's a secret...

Your suggestions for those who want to follow your footsteps..?
Good kite-flying skills are mandatory. Flying in congested areas or close to monuments can be rather risky. Understanding the air currents is also important. Safety is vital. It's good to have some basic skills in technology and electronics, to operate the remote system and video monitoring option.