Drone Photography
For an image to be entered in this competition, the photograph must be taken by a drone piloted by the photographer. The committee may ask photographers for clarification that the image was taken by a drone.
The CASA Standard Operating Conditions must be observed by the photographer at all times. All images are reviewed against the CASA rules prior to being submitted to the judge. While any concerns are always discussed with the photographer before any decision is made, it is worth thinking about what the reviewer can see in the image.
For example, cropping can change the perspective of the image making it appear that the drone is within 30 metres horizontally of people or a populous area. If submitting a drone photograph that includes a marine mammal taken in Queensland, be careful of a crop that makes it appear that the drone was closer than 100 metres horizontally from the animal.
The main CASA rules are as follows:
- Do not exceed the maximum flying height of 120 metres above ground level.
- The drone should be more than 30 metres away from people and never above a person.
- Only fly during daylight hours.
- Do not fly in a populous area, eg., above events or sports games.
- Respect other's privacy and do not fly so as to create a hazard.
- Keep the drone within visual line-of-sight.
- Do not fly over emergency operations.
- Based on the weight of the drone, do not fly close to an airport or heliport. Note: Further details on proximity to airports available on CASA website.
In addition, state and local laws must be observed in relation to "No fly zones", flying over or close to wildlife and areas of cultural sensitivity. Use of a CASA-verified drone safety app is recommended.
Photographers holding an RePL and an ReOC will be aware of the operating exemptions permitted by their licence and Manual of Operations.
All images are entered in the same competition level.
