The pioneers of drone photography have captured some unique images of the island of Cyprus.
Manos Manoli sees Cyprus differently. From the towering city skyline to the hidden heights of the Troodos Mountains, his perspective is unique. Luckily, this is a point he loves to share...
He is an aerial photographer and a pioneer of drone photography on the island.
He is known for his breathtaking views of Cyprus from above: its cities and villages, the sea, secret valleys and snow-capped peaks. He is known to fly drones deep into the depths of the earth – a keen explorer who has recorded and photographed in many hidden caves.
"My profession is shipping," said the 50-year-old Limassol native. "But my two loves are Cyprus and its environment. My mother was a painter and my father was an avid outdoor enthusiast – I guess I had them thanks to my aesthetic sense and passion for nature! ”
While genetic factors may play a role, Manos' stunning lenses and images are entirely his own gift: suggesting that he has always liked to see the world "from a completely different perspective." Long before drone photography appeared, I would spend most of my weekends exploring the island with my camera, looking for unusual views and viewpoints. I completed rock climbing lessons so I could climb higher – photographing things that others couldn't see so I could share them with friends and Facebook. ”
By 2012, Manos already had a following on his social media pages: people who liked his novels enjoyed the beauty of the island.
"Honestly, I'd be a terrible wedding photographer!" He smiled. "I've always loved looking at things from different angles, whether it's exploring caves deep underground, climbing to the top, taking photos of the ocean floor, or using my sea dome to take photos of half-in, half-out water. I love images that really stay in your mind, photos that inspire the audience's emotions. For me, it's all about looking at an unusual composition from a unique perspective. ”
But in 2013, when he bought his first drone in Cyprus, he was able to broaden his horizons even further. "I ordered a DJI Fandom 1 from USA Online; probably one of the first drones ever to come to Cyprus," he revealed. "There was no camera when the drone came, so I had to bring my own GoPro. They also don't come with high-tech software or stabilization devices – so flying can be a risky affair! ”
Technical challenges aside, Manos "immediately fell in love with this way of photography." Take photos from 60 meters above the ground – it's a completely new concept! Despite the pressure of having €1,000 in the sky above me, being able to explore Cyprus from this new perspective is incredibly free.
"I remember my first flight just like yesterday," he added. "I chose Limassol Marina because it can take off and land safely and there are few people. But within 30 minutes, I was attracting hordes of children, hordes of adults, and two patrol cars. Apparently, hundreds of callers convinced the police that the first alien invasion of Cyprus was underway! ”
Ten years later, drones are a commonplace sight in Cyprus.
Manos often carries his drones (there are now seven in total, ranging from light to long-range models) when he and the "Cyprus From Air" team accompany guests on foot into the interior. He also specializes in commercial aerial photography and mentors many young drone pilots. But his first love was always to share his unique vision of Cyprus with others...
"A lot of my photos and videos can be found on Facebook," he explains. "So it's free for anyone — schools, universities, media companies, individuals — as long as it's for non-commercial purposes and includes the source of my photo." The whole reason I do what I do is to celebrate Cyprus and show the beauty of this island from a unique perspective. This is something I feel I should share with everyone. ”
Today, Cyprus has an emerging community of drone pilots and aerial photographers. "But I do think it's critical to understand what you're doing before you buy," Manos said. "Drone pilots must comply with EU Aviation Safety Agency regulations. It is also highly recommended that anyone intending to fly a drone attend an online training course from the Cyprus Aviation Authority and obtain an A1/A3 license. ”
For those who want to go a step further - like Manos himself - have an A2 license, which requires courses, in-depth knowledge of regulations, detailed knowledge of meteorology, and the ability to conduct a thorough risk assessment...
"Obviously you shouldn't fly near hospitals, prisons, police stations, military bases or airports," Manos explained. "But you also need to be able to assess where you take off and land: are there trees, wires, crowds? Will the weather change? And, most importantly, will you negatively impact the environment in any way? ”
With a deep love for Cyprus, Manos is passionate that everyone – drone pilot or not – cares about the island's unique beauty. Aerial footage of any local wildlife he photographs is always carefully evaluated beforehand and often requires telephoto lenses "so you don't bother anything and don't hurt anything." Drone piloting involves a lot of multitasking," he noted. "Long before you choose a subject and take pictures, you need to plan your flight time, take into account the obstacles, and start thinking in three dimensions instead of the usual two.
"But it is," he added, "it's definitely worth it." As long as you are safe and trained, aerial photography is a wonderful hobby. You'll see," he concluded, "things you never thought about." You will experience Cyprus like never before. You will enjoy a unique perspective of this beautiful island. It doesn't get much better than that! ”
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