Jennyrose Ball is an ocean photographer who brings the ocean's ever-changing moods to life through her lens. Based in sunny Florida, the seasoned photographer is also a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone pilot, using cutting-edge drone technology to unveil the enigmatic beauty of the underwater world.
The ViewPoints team had the pleasure of speaking to Jennyrose, the impressive second-place winner of our #DecadewithDJI contest.
Read the interview below to learn more about her passion for blending nature and art, her mission to highlight the impact of climate change, and her top tips for aspiring ocean and drone photographers.
Congratulations on your second-place win in the #DecadewithDJI contest, Jenny! How did your journey with the ocean begin?
I found my connection with the ocean as a little girl. At a young age, I immersed myself in educational books and television series, especially those about the natural world or the outdoors. But I was particularly drawn to anything related to the ocean. I grew up in a beautiful rural area of New York with lush green summers, vibrant autumns, and stunning white winters. Although not exactly close to the coast, I was fortunate to take occasional trips to the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, and Florida. Each trip to the ocean left me more mesmerized and curious about life in the big blue.
I knew well before entering high school that my life would, in some way, be deeply connected to the ocean. My desire to understand the ocean led me to study Marine and Environmental Biology & Policy as well as Environmental Engineering. I’m so grateful to now be able to live near the ocean, document its life with drones, and connect others to it.
How was the technology for shooting ocean photography when you first started, and how has it evolved?
At the same time my connection to and knowledge about the ocean was growing, so was my fascination with cameras. I always had a disposable camera on hand and eventually upgraded to a DSLR and a smaller digital rugged waterproof camera for my ocean visits. When I first learned about drones, I knew they could provide an entirely new perspective into ocean life.
My first drone was the Phantom 4 in 2016, and its first flight over any body of water was a small lake in upstate New York. After that, I was eager to fly over the ocean. My first ocean flight was in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and I was hooked. I spent the next few years practicing my flight skills over various landscapes. After moving to South Florida, I upgraded to the Mini 2 and flew over the ocean every day the weather allowed.
With drone capabilities and camera quality evolving so rapidly, I recently upgraded to the Mini 4 Pro. Compared to when I started, the flight time has almost tripled in these powerful machines, the range extends for miles, and camera quality rivals professional handheld models. Now, there is no limit to what can be documented in the ocean.
Why is the role of ocean photography more important than ever in light of climate change, and how have drones supported this?
Ocean photography serves as a powerful tool to show the ocean’s importance and ties to our everyday lives. Even those who live hundreds of miles from the nearest shoreline are impacted by the ocean’s health. Climate change has already caused some irreversible damage, while other effects may take a lifetime to correct. By documenting ocean life, I hope to connect those who are distant from our incredible oceans and inspire others to learn about ways they can contribute to conservation.
Drones have supported this with what most cameras cannot offer – a unique perspective and the ability to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments that would otherwise go unseen or undocumented. Ocean photography supported by drones is more important than ever and will continue to bridge the gap between science and public awareness.
What has been your most memorable experience while out shooting?
This summer, I finally encountered a Manta Ray here in South Florida after years of flying. This beautiful ray was in crystal clear, calm water – dream conditions for drone flying. I documented the manta for about 45 minutes, watching it feed and at one point, almost jump out of the water to shake off a pesky remora. Seeing a manta ray was on my bucket list, and I was incredibly excited to experience it uninterrupted under perfect conditions.
What are your tips and tricks for ocean photography?
One of the most helpful tools to make your footage stand out is polarized filters. They cut glare off the water's surface, just like polarized sunglasses! Some days, these aren’t needed, but they are handy to have in your camera bag. They are especially useful when filming in shallow water where there’s surface chatter. Another key tip is to always be prepared to move in any direction when tracking marine life, as their movements are anything but predictable.
What is your message or advice to novice drone photographers?
For those interested in drone photography, my biggest and most important piece of advice is research and practice, practice, practice. Respect and responsibility are paramount when working with the ocean and its inhabitants. Always keep a safe distance when filming marine life, using your drone's zoom capabilities when necessary. Drones are incredibly powerful, and with them comes responsibility. When used properly, drones can provide imagery that can truly change the way we see things.
To see more of Jennyrose’s photography, visit www.instagram.com/jrbblue
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Over the past few weeks, we invited the drone community to share their stories as part of our #DecadeWithDJI campaign. The ingenious, creative, and meaningful use cases we received have inspired us to launch a content series of the same name. This series celebrates the drone pioneers, communities, and organizations that have built careers, businesses, and demonstrated positive impact through our drones. Follow the series here. |
