A couple of evening shots from last night, downtown Des Moines. I like the way these turned out. I need to get down there more often around sunset! For more information on my aerial photography, visit dsm.photo.
Hobby
Iowa State Fair Aerial
It’s state fair time in Iowa! Probably one of the largest, well known fairs across the country at that. The Iowa State Fair comes to town every August, and lasts just a little over a week! While I do not condone flying over the crowded fairgrounds, I was able to capture this remote image from a distance. I used a tilt shift filter in Photoshop to give it “model” like look.
Iowa Summer Sunsets
Here are a few more aerial sunsets. This is the perfect time of year to fly in Iowa (mid-summer). It’s time for the state’s annual RAGBRAI bike ride, and the Indianola Hotair Balloon Festival; The Hotair Balloon Classic. I take advantage of the low winds to get out and capture some great images of our midwest views.
A Busy Year
This has been such a busy year. I’ve been neglecting this blog for way too long. I’m going to make a plan to start checking in more often and providing some updates.
I’ve been traveling a lot for work : California, Denver, Dubuque, Moline, and two weeks in the UK (Exeter, Langar, Nottingham and London). I have yet to process all of the photos, but I will; I promise.
I’ve been doing a lot of aerial work as well lately, honing my skills. The FAA recently announced Part 107, giving us remote pilots a certification to make things 100% legal and legit. As a private pilot, a part 61 holder, I have an express path to certification but it will require a biennial flight review and a medical checkup; along with a TSA background check and some FAA forms. I plan on getting this as soon as it’s released, in September.
Here is a project that I’ve been working on with the City of Urbandale. This is the 100th Street bridge project; a makeover lasting the better part of a year now.
Iowa Sunsets
I need to spin off a blog just for my sunset photos. Here’s one from tonight.
Des Moines Sculpture Park
We had some friends in town last weekend, and decided to have an amazing brunch at Americana – Highly Recommended! Directly across the street from Americana is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Downtown Des Moines. A great place to burn off a few calories from brunch; be sure to check it out if you are visiting Des Moines!
Waukee Aerial Video
Here is a neat video that I created from several 2015 clips. It is currently the opening video on my Waukee Aerial website dsm.photo.
Waukee Aerial Demo Reel from Cameron Stotz on Vimeo.
Waukee Easter Egg Hunt, 2016
Our local Parks & Recreation team put together another successful Easter Egg Hunt at Waukee’s Centennial Park. I captured some aerial photos and video again this year.
Here is the video that I created for the Parks & Rec. It was a nice volunteer opportunity for me. My Aerial Website can be found at http://dsm.photo
Short Clip on WHO TV, Channel 13
Our local Chief Meteorologist, Ed Wilson, gave me a nice “shout out” on the Channel 13 news a few nights ago. Occasionally, I will upload a nice weather related picture to Channel 13’s Facebook page; to share with all. Ed really delivered, giving a few surprising lines about my other pictures/videos and my YouTube presence. Check it out!
Cameron Stotz on Channel 13 – Ed Wilson from Cameron Stotz on Vimeo.
High Trestle Bridge, in Winter
There is an amazing trestle bridge just north of the Des Moines area in Central Iowa. The town is called Madrid, but it isn’t pronounced like the Madrid you and I know – they pronounce it Maadrid, which is a little odd but okay. I’ve been up to this trestle bridge a few times in the past, but with my new equipment I am able to get into tight spots from great distances, which I can appreciate in a shoot like this. There’s nowhere to park, for miles. I’ve never actually walked the bridge, but I hope to some day, once the snow melts. Anyway, here’s a quick video of my time up there the other day. I’ll post a few pictures here as well.
