Gallery: A Bird’s-Eye View of Pipeline and Beyond

Using a drone to capture high-above vantage points has opened up a whole new playing field for surf photography. It's only once you’re airborne, with a camera, that you can begin to scout endless new angles this new technology allows a photographer. Now lensmen everywhere are able to play with framing that was only possible using helicopters not long ago. Even while shooting stills, I tend to fly differently and often take a much more pulled-back composition than I would if I were shooting motion. 

The North Shore offers so much opportunity to learn more about drone photography. The abundance of different waves and talented surfers–paired with stunning lighting– makes the winter season a damn good time to experiment with the drone photography. 

Here are some of my favorite shots I've taken from above during this winter season.

All photos and captions by Ryan "Chachi" Craig