Sky High Times in PV By Photographer, Artist, Author Erik Jay
Sky High Times in PV
By Photographer, Artist, Author Erik Jay
From the sea to the trees, Palos Verdes never runs short on new photography. It excites the seasoned and the beginner for the exact same reasons. Same place, same time, different day equals different photo.
In recent years, drone photography has found its place in the industry as a ‘must have’ to any professional line-up of gear. And once again, Palos Verdes delivers on the same formula as you get on the ground; a different photo every day. It has made for a drone photography hot spot during certain times.
Most drone photos get their accolades from the altitude of seemingly infinite proportions. Getting an overall scope of depth and landscape is amazing, but not a necessary component on the peninsula. And many take it to altitudes around here that can put low flying pilots at risk.
I have found with my drone photography, revealing aspects of what we already know is fascinating. Seeing our beloved Paseo Del Mar Tree from the ocean side, looking in; panoramic photos hovering two feet off the ocean a mile out or being able to appreciate our local landmarks from angles the designers didn’t even get to appreciate.
Lower altitudes reveal angles of our beautiful nature, showing underwater worlds at low tide, with accentuations of years of the oceans' rhythmic patterns. Greenery boasts dominance among the hillsides during Springtime, giving an aerial view of greens, blues and various hues of yellows and oranges lining the landscape.
Using the drone, I also found that some photos will always be better left on the ground. Unlike many other places, the up-close the peninsula offers exceeds the separation positives usually reserved for ‘hustle and bustle’ towns. And soon I understood the connection to always wanting to come home to Palos Verdes. Couple those ‘macro moments’ of appreciation with the scents and sounds and there is no doubt we are a blessed community.
And as any responsible drone photographer will tell you, the respect for nature always takes first place. Mild Spring days and tree lined areas are beautiful, but always to be avoided during certain times. Always mind the birds and sea life that had dibs on the hill before we did.
High altitude (up to 400 feet) has its moments, Understanding Palos Verdes from the right perspective, giving up close and far enough away to see the geological drama left behind. Cliffsides tell a story and beaches surprise you daily with what the shift in tides bring. Giving the viewer that ‘This is us’ from about 300 feet brings excitement to the homeowners that get to appreciate how they stand out and fit in all at the same time. The possibilities are infinite with drone photography and a little creativity.
Bio for Erik Jay
Born and raised in Palos Verdes, Erik Jay has taken photography to a local level and captured the area’s finite detailed locations bringing aspects of Palos Verdes usually reserved for the local’s view.
Erik’s grandfather enjoyed a friendship and shooting partnership with Ansel Adams, whose influence helped shape the angular approaches to his style. Erik continued photography work at Chadwick School, using darkrooms and 35mm film cameras.
Always maintaining photography on a diligent level, Erik fulfilled other career objectives until eight years ago when he decided to take photography to a professional level. Since 2012, Palos Verdes and the South Bay have been relentlessly canvassed by Erik, bringing styles and scenes to the walls of local and previous residents. Erik also is a photographer for M Music Magazine and has contributed to several local publications and cities.
Erik’s work can be seen at his website, www.erikjay.com, where services and prints are available for view. Erik also provides portrait, real estate and event photography.
