Representation, Extension and Integration: Aerial Photography and Body

Abstract

Aerial photography with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) as the main equipment has developed into an important way of creation. It has seen a wider range of application, including the production of movies, TV dramas and documentaries. Also, aerial photography is often used by individuals in daily creation. Against such background, aerial photography endows movie and television with new aesthetic features and visual presentation. The ultra-view of aerial photography not only offers its viewers a brand-new visual experience, but also gives photography, featured by embodied practice since its birth, with a strong sense of detachment from the body. Robert Capa, a well-known photojournalist, had such words of wisdom, “If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough.” Now it seems justified to adapt is as “if your pictures aren't good enough, your camera flies not high enough”. What aerial photography sees in front of the aperture is extraordinary visual images and behind the aperture, the desire of human to represent, extend, and integrate into their body.