#CMCDiaries

The photography batch experienced the sheer thrill of the device that’s become quite a talk in the world of pictures, DRONES!

What’s a Drone? Frankly, in my knowledge it’s a combination of four small toy helicopters stuck together with a really good camera in the center. One which is dependent like other cameras on a in- built sensor which must capture light really well in order to create some great visuals from the sky. My first impressions about drones was from the American Film ‘Eagle Eye’, which was about controlled drone strikes. Although I remember the scene at the end of ‘Man of Steel’ when Superman crashes a drone trying to spy on his solitude right in front of the General’s car towards the end of the film. But this article is not about Drone strikes or Superman. It’s about the Photography class attending a Drone session as part of their Outdoor Excursion along with Prof. Kashyap Swaroop and Mr. Drone Guy “Rahul.”

‘Curious and curiouser’ is what the session began with, in their minds. But before ‘what’ came ‘where’, the students found their way through and that was fun too.  Session in charge Prof. Kashyap. Interacted with the students and walked them through with his experience of handling the drones and capturing the cityscapes beautifully.

The next phase was to watch the de-briefcasing of the drone done by Rahul, with eyes glued on each move. It was an exciting process. Once the genie was out from his lamp, the students were told more about it. From the set-up procedure to understanding the dos and don’ts of drone operation, the session grew interesting with each of its levels. Some of the vital things that were discussed with the students were how the rotors are fixed, how the camera is set up, how the stabilizer is crucial in order to maintain the balance during the working process session started with Rahul de-briefcasing the Drone from its case and explain about the contents of the case.

The moment which everyone awaited with a hint of anxiousness and tons of excitement kept drawing in. Getting the wings of this crazy camera bird ready for a flight was a tricky business. The students tracked each move of this phase with keen observation. The most imperative part of this segment was to understand the starting process and software synchronization.

Once the machine was set up Prof. Kashyap explained that the drone works on the frequencies it receives from the satellites and if there is any magnetic or structural interference, it could result in loss or failure of signal. Hence, setting up the distance of the flight and corresponding the G.P.S location for home point (start point) is very important in case the drone malfunctions or loses signals. It is also very important to have an eye on the screen so and someone from the team should be a spotter once the drone makes it way to the skies.

The session arrived at its most imperative point- flying the drone. The process began; and up, up and away flew the machine and made its way amongst the birds. Here’s the fun thing, Prof. Kashyap told us that sometimes the drone is also mistaken for a mate by the birds. Well, that would be hilarious to look at. The students grouped around to look at the screen as one of them kept their eye on the sky to keep spot. Turn by Turn the students had a first-hand experience of ‘Top View Motion Photography’ and a glimpse of how cinematography differs from photography.

Here’s what Agam has to say about his experience

The drone workshop was not only fun but it was a life changing experience. The feeling of operating the machine is indescribable. A digital bird flying as per your comments gives you god like feeling for a bleak moment. Seeing the world from a different view made this experience super thrilling.

Shailaja says

When the long-awaited lecture on drone photography was to happen, my excitement to experience this gadget had doubled. Even though I was terrified when it came to handling the drone, the happiness to be able to, was beyond measure. Learning the important protocols for handling this device and other tips and techniques made this session extremely interesting.

Post the drone flying session outdoors, the students were briefed once again about the assembly, software set up, the cautions to be taken before-during-after flight. Our students had a wonderful experience with this remote-controlled buddy helping them script stories in the sky.