‘Xylophones, Los Angeles, California, USA’ by Donn Delson
In an era of drone photography, US aerial image-maker Donn Delson believes he has a far more effective way of seeing the Earth from above.
That it involves hanging out of a doorless helicopter at heights of up to 12,000ft is something that just goes with the territory. How else would he have photographed a serendipitous double circular rainbow at about 3,000ft over the Hawaiian island of Molokai?
“It may be my age, but at 75 I seem to accomplish my artistic goals better by direct visual contact, leaning out and looking directly down from a doorless helicopter,” says Delson, who is an RPS member.
Delson has spent more than 300 hours in the air across the globe searching for those elusive aerial views that are often gone in a moment. He counts artists including Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee and Mark Rothko as his inspiration, and his large-scale prints are rooted in the abstract tradition.
Here, he explains his craft – and why he is not ready to come back down to Earth.
Why are you drawn to photographing the Earth from above?
The aerial perspective is dramatically different from what we see on the ground, and it alters how I perceive symmetry, patterns and textures. From above, everyday grounded scenes with which we may be familiar can transform into abstract compositions.
Much of the art in my Points of View and Flight Patterns collections are whimsically titled interpretations of what I see from above, where things man-made or natural often take on a whole new identity.
I’m passionate about pursuing art that addresses this concept of perception – the interplay between appearance and reality, the realisation that things aren't always what they appear to be at first glance. For me, that has relevance beyond my photography.
‘Times Square' by Donn Delson
How much risk is involved in your work?
I’m in a helicopter so there’s some inherent risk. I always take precautions not to fly under adverse conditions and try to work only with companies with excellent safety records and experienced pilots. I don’t take unnecessary risks. I am not a daredevil or thrill-seeker. I’m a passionate artist who loves photography and uses it to explore and express my artistic perspective.
I’m pleased my work seems to resonate with others. My focus over the past eight years has been from ‘doors off’ helicopters which allow me unobstructed views and the opportunity to share large scale visuals that most people may not have a chance to otherwise experience.
How much has the advent of drones threatened or enhanced your own practice?
I do not use drones. I have the utmost respect for some of the amazing photography I’ve seen lately that has been produced using drones. There are some truly incredible photographers who have chosen that route to produce their aerial art. But I fly to heights as close to 4,000m (12,000ft) as necessary to accomplish a shot. The use of drones is limited to lower altitudes – generally 122m (400ft).
Many of my best images have been serendipitous sightings coupled with the right light, weather conditions, altitude, time of day, angle of the sun or lack thereof, and so on. And sometimes it doesn’t work out. I’ll fly for a couple of hours – not an inexpensive endeavour – and return with no images that excite me. And yet, I never lose track of the real gift, that of being lucky enough to experience the unencumbered joy of seeing so many parts of the world from above. When I find something that takes my breath away and that I can then share with others, well, that’s the icing on the cake.
WATCH: Donn Delson photographs a double rainbow 3,000ft over Molokai, Hawaii
How did the image ‘Perfect double rainbow’ come about?
One early morning in November 2023 we were flying at about 3,000ft over Molokai with the doors off when we were surprised by a sun shower. As we flew through the down spray, I suddenly found myself physically entering into a double circular rainbow, the first I had ever seen.
I’ve been told we don’t normally see double rainbows because on land we’re only able to see 180° due to the horizon. Luckily my good friend Michael Gilbert, an amazing photographer, was sitting in the front seat and captured some quick shots of me shooting through the double circular rainbow.
It’s a gift when these serendipitous moments present themselves. It might be akin to the thrill a painter feels feel when a spontaneous brushstroke perfectly completes a canvas. These fleeting moments remind me of the magic and unpredictability of nature, and the privilege of being able to capture and share such moments.
Which image are you most proud of?
Choosing a favourite photograph is like choosing a favourite child … almost impossible. Most of my images have stories associated with them that arose from serendipitous, unplanned sightings.
One that stands out is a shot I took over the Port of Los Angeles when I spotted six symmetrically positioned, horizontal rows of colourful shipping containers visually imitating the tonal bars on a musical xylophone. I was excited to then see a single white truck drive into the frame from the right side. By getting the pilot to manoeuvre me quickly into position, I got the shot only seconds before the truck moved on.
At first glance, some people see the image as a xylophone, while others are convinced they are looking at bookshelves until they see the white truck.
‘Xylophones, Los Angeles, California, USA’, as seen in my Points of View collection and featured above, has become one of my most iconic images.
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'Watercolour' by Donn Delson
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