Date: September 23, 2026
Photo Professional: Drone Workshop at TU, David Merino
Specialty: Lead Multimedia Services, providing technical and
creative services to
support faculty instruction and research. Licensed Drone
operator.
Location: Towson University Campus, Science Complex, Towson, MD 21252
Objective:
The class stayed within the confines of Towson University
for this photo imaging field visit. This hands-on workshop class was held
outdoors on a cool but agreeable overcast day so that the primary subject of
learning about Drone operation and photography could be experienced.
David Merino, as a Licensed Drone
operator, provided us with information about the types of Drones and instructions
on how to use one. There was the definition between being a recreational user
which would not require being licensed and commercial use. Commercial would
require the user being licensed by an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
that is required for anyone flying a drone for work, business, or any
non-recreational purpose in the United States.
Besides the certification having to be renewed every two years, there are also rules about
prohibited locations for flying a drone and elevation restrictions.
David also mentioned the maximum altitude limit set by the
FAA of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) for most recreational and commercial
drone flights in the United States.
An interesting take about the 400-foot rule was it applied from
where you stood and if you were on the roof of a tall building and the drone
flew beyond that edge you would automatically be above the allowed footage but
would still remain within the rules.
David mentioned the wind element, while his drone can max
out a speed 40 miles an hour on a still day, the wind, just 10 miles an hour,
can drop the speed down since the drone directs more energy and battery life
into stabilizing its body to remain parallel to the surface and the flight pattern.
David’s drone has a limit of maintaining its stability when the winds reach 20
mph. This also makes it very important to check the screen for battery life so
that a return flight is not jeopardized.
Most drones use a GPS
in the general public arena but there are specialized instances such as the
military as an example that use Starlink internet in tandem with GPS.
Subjective: Plus a little objective
Then there was the hands-on part. David, used exceptionally
well worded instructions on how to work the controls of the remote to control
the flight of the Drone. As each student received a chance to learn to operate
his drone, he provided continued instructions and positive reinforcement to
guide us through the lift-off, maneuvers, camera, and touch-down. I took the
time, amidst conversations and questions, to watch most classmates touch-down
on his landing dish and to quote someone, now lost in history, who said, “we did
good”.
It goes without saying, David did have an override remote control
in his hands just in case.
I was surprised by how simple the controls to operate the drone were for this introduction. I’m sure there are nuances that need to be mastered but the basic operating system on the remote was relatively simplified.
Of course, the higher the price when purchasing a drone, the
more bells and whistles are added. And with that the added complication, accessories, and
maintenance that accrues.
David added the Apple tablet set to a stationary vertical position
on a tripod for easier viewing of the flight path and landing. He did mention
that this set up is only for more controlled situations and that when he
travels as he did to the UK and Austria, he only takes the handheld controls.
While I’m very intrigued at the idea of owning a drone and
the photo capabilities, that doesn’t mean I haven’t found myself looking downward
as I walk with the camera for creative results without one. So, there is a
connection between the drone and a sliver of my artistic path.
Note 1: A Simulated Drone Flight.
As with the previous two assignments, I worked with staged
set-ups to provide support photos. In this case I lack the drone. So, it seemed
a set-up was in order to mimic a drone flight. To be honest, as I looked at the
future assignments this may be the last time I do one of these staged set-ups
nor do I think they will be of this Blog length. But I shouldn't be held to that.
It was processed and YouTube free-stock music added in DaVinci Resolve editing.
Top: Still shots showing some of the layout detail for the video. Bottom: Pencil journey/flow is roughly 15 feet in length.
Note 2: Photography
There are photos. While I find various subjects to
photograph as I learn to use the DSLR camera, there are numerous occasions
where I’m training my eyes to look down for overhead shots. There are topics
such as the train wheels, but my main focus is finding abstract compositions.
Note3: Art-painting/watercolor
In art, with my creative style of making things up, I have
found myself creating artworks that depict overhead views from time to time.
These are three examples. There are several more, some as a main design and
others that have integrated overhead views within the main design.
Left: oil, 18 x 18 inches Center: pen & ink/watercolor, 12 x 12 inches Right: acrylic, 12 x 12 inches.
Note 4: Aerial Photography
I have a friend, Peter (Pete) Stern, that enjoys photography both underwater and with owning a rear mounted motor & single propeller on the back Leica 'Pusher' plane takes aerial photo images akin to David’s drone photography. I have always held a high esteem for Pete’s photography since meeting him.
For this assignment, Peter kindly emailed me four jpg photos
taken from his plane, offering another perspective on aerial photography.
He has a knack for finding the abstract beauty within the
landscape he flies above.
Top left: Wachapreague Top right: Leafy Sea Dragon
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