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My name is Brad Walls, and I am a Sydney-based aerial photographer. For the past months, I have been working on a project that uses a drone to capture Olympic sports from above.

Inspired by the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo (now deferred to 2021), I targetted synchronized swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and ice skating as disciplines that would be most appealing from above. Besides the aesthetic aspect, I am also trying to provide a new perspective to sports that have little coverage outside the Olympic season.

I made this to test the boundaries of aerial photography. The majority of aerial work turns a blind eye to the most beautiful element of our world, being us. I’ve worked on this series for just under 3 months and I hope to continue to add to the collection once the world opens again. The hardest part of the series was controlling the drone indoors for both the gymnast and ice skaters, it was basically like steering a boat in rough waters, with very little control.

More info: bradscanvas.com | Instagram

#1

Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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Doggi
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing! Synchronized swimming is actually one of the hardest sports.

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When I first began the pursuit of aerial photography, drones were only just reaching the market. Despite the rapid evolutions in drone technology over the recent years, I keep it simple, focusing on the basics of composition rather than the newest and latest gear. I use a drone as a vehicle to capture a new perspective.

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    #3

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    ruthenium the ruther
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I tried... I would drown and pull everyone else down with me. Probably.

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    In 2020, I won an award in the annual Skypixel awards from over 30,000 entries for my work with a Sydney synchronized swimming team. The winning photo looked at the unique geometrical patterns of synchronized swimmers—often overlooked when watching from side-on. One of my all-time favorite images is from the same series capturing the team performing a cross front-pike pattern.

    #4

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just let the poor ball win this time, over the line just one time.

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    #5

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is so hard to not envy sometimes. You go girl!

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    As I wait for restrictions to be lifted, I am already planning a few more projects, one in particular inspired by fine art photographer Maria Svarbova focusing on springboard diving. It was planned to happen a few months ago with an Australian olympian, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed.

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    #7

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Doggi
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beams always have scared me. It’s so impressive!

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    #9

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Doggi
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #11

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give them a break coach they don't know which end is up.

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Talk about weight restrictions, you can hardly see them!

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Doggi
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually could do without seeing this one....:p

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    #17

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha Ha He missed me! I made it over the line and just isten to the crowd roar. They love me!

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    #20

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Refused to wear their mask so they have to watch on TV.

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    #22

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Doggi
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! The angle is just right for this one.

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    #25

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Arm bandage, ankle brace, ankle lifts, sunscrean ok game on.

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    #27

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Doggi
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very impressive. I probably could never be a synchronized swimmer.

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    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I must act like a gentleman , dignity in winning and try not squeel like a little baby I won, I won, I won!

    #29

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mamma always believed I could fly. Thank you MOM

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    #30

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    DKS 001
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ice skating has to be pretty dangerous. All that momentum trying to pull you apart while you're trying to keep each other together

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    #31

    Aerial Photographer Brad Walls Captures Olympic Sports From A New Perspective

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    Exploring the realm of sports from an aerial perspective provides unique and novel insights into the captivating world of athletics. Ice skating in particular offers an opportunity for dramatic imagery against the stark contrast of the white ice. This idea ties in well with the fascinating expressions athletes exhibit during their routines, which showcase both the beauty and intensity of their sport.

    For further insights into how athletes express themselves amidst their challenging performances, take a moment to explore these entertaining moments captured in the midst of their struggle for perfection with expressive moments in figure skating.