The Hoppings from Above

It isn’t often that the documentary photographer is presented with a whole new way of seeing their subject, one that’s both accessible and genuinely offers new creative possibilities. But the newest generation of small, light camera equipped drones absolutely fit that particular bill. And a few months ago I bought one, for less than the price of a new lens, took an online test to earn my licence, then registered my little quadcopter - and I was (up, up and) away.

Learning to use the drone as a stills camera wasn’t hard, and despite the odd mishap I soon got the hang of it.

So not difficult to fly, then. But has the buzzy little beggar actually been useful in terms of my documentary work? It absolutely has, and these pictures are by way of an illustration of that. 

Like many photographers from the north east of England I’m fascinated by The Hoppings, and a couple of aspects in particular: namely the impact on the Town Moor itself, and also the huge amount of effort that goes into getting all those rides up and running. (Not to mention taking them all down again, just a couple of weeks later.)

For me the Town Moor really is the star of this particular passing show, but from ground level I’ve struggled to record the way in which the place turns from a perfect summer meadow into a blasted heath in just a matter of a couple of weeks.

Well, thanks to the drone, this year I’ve been able to make the work that I really wanted: showing the Moor before, during and after the show.

Of course there are practical and ethical considerations when it comes to using a drone in the course of documentary photography, and there are rules about where it’s possible to fly one. 

But if you’re making documentary work I can certainly recommend a drone, at least in some situations. Just don’t forget to wear your leather flying helmet and goggles. I’m pretty sure that they’re compulsory, actually.