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How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Caption: A bird’s-eye view photo of Shwedagon Pagoda, a Buddhist temple in Yangon Myanmar. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)Caption: A bird’s-eye view photo of Shwedagon Pagoda, a Buddhist temple in Yangon Myanmar. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)

Bulgarian architect and amateur photographer Dimitar Karanikolov loves to travel and capture vantage points that no one has ever seen before.

 

I’ve never studied photography and I only do it when I'm in the mood for it,” he told me. But you’d never know that by looking at his work. From Palawan Island in the Philippines to Venice, Italy, he takes stunning photos that show breathtaking views of places he visits. 

 

“What I do in my daytime job is architectural visualizations. These are more or less ‘virtual photographs of future buildings.’ The same principles of composition, light and color are used,” Dimitar said. “So there is a lot in common between my photography hobby and my work as architectural visualizer and architect.”

 

Caption: A 360 photo of Dimitar Karanikolov in a hot air balloon filled with other people in Bagan, Myanmar during sunrise on a partly cloudy day. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)Caption: A 360 photo of Dimitar Karanikolov in a hot air balloon filled with other people in Bagan, Myanmar during sunrise on a partly cloudy day. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)

Dimitar enjoys exploring different subjects and themes in his photography. “People, landscapes, streets, aerials, architecture, abstract---I like to experiment with all of it,” he said. “And also with using different cameras: mobile, DSLR, mirrorless, 360, and drone.”

 

I recently interviewed Dimitar to learn more about his aerial photography series, From Above, and his experiences as an amateur travel photographer. Below are his responses which have been lightly edited for clarity.

 

Could you tell me about the inspiration behind your “From Above” photography series?

I love aerial photos and especially love topdown photos. These straight down projections are very architectural,  almost like a plan view or like a drawing. There’s no perspective, no horizon. You capture familiar places and buildings at a very unusual angle that’s completely different from the human point of view. Some things and scenarios that look pretty ordinary from the ground, sometimes look much more exciting from above---and vice versa.

 

What is your process for taking these aerial views?

This is a technology that has been available for only a couple of years now and it is amazing how good the quality of the camera is from a gadget that you can literally carry in your pocket. The flight range is huge--up to 7 kilometers. So, you can explore and photograph much more things around you from the air than you could possibly shoot with your normal camera.

 

When I travel now I always carry a small, foldable drone with me. Since you can “pause” the drone just above the object, you can fine tune its direction and altitude to frame the perfect composition.

 

Caption: An aerial view of Venice, Italy. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)Caption: An aerial view of Venice, Italy. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)

How do you select which cities you photograph?

I improvise most of the time and don’t do much planning. I just travel and search for interesting places on the go.

 

Do you have one that stands out as a favorite?

Every city has hidden gems---areas and buildings that look amazing from above!

 

What's one of your favorite photos from the series? Why?

Inle Lake in Myanmar was probably the best place for aerial photography I’ve been to so far. The amazing floating villages and gardens in the lake look even more impressive from the air. And I’ve never before seen aerial pictures of that place.

 

Caption: An aerial view of two boats paddling down Inle Lake in Myanmar surrounded by greenery. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)Caption: An aerial view of two boats paddling down Inle Lake in Myanmar surrounded by greenery. (Courtesy of Dimitar Karanikolov)

What advice do you have for new photographers?

Don’t go too much into the technical details about cameras or drones. I only know how to start the drone and which button to press to take a photo and which for a video. It’s all about the good composition and interesting subject!

 

Check out more of Dimitar’s work on his Instagram and Facebook pages.

 

Want to learn more about getting a bird's-eye view of places you go? Watch this video with helpful tips from a Local Guide in Jakarta.

40 comments
Level 10

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Wow.For big any  place  better to understand this type short too much helpful .

Mahabub Hasan
Level 7

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Jesus, that was a awesome post. Thank you @AriMar for share!

 

Incredible perspectives, I would dare say it's a cleaner and more beautiful view than Google Maps currently has with satellite photos.

Level 9

เรื่อง: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Wow Amazing photo..

That it bestter for conceptidea.

Level 9

Bls: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Hallo @AriMar Saya harus berkata “wow...” karena selama ini saya belum pernah melihat foto-foto hasil karya fotographer hebat sepeti teman kita @Dimitar Karanikolov. Pengalaman yang Sangat berharga buat kami yang lain untuk mengikuti jejaknya. Salam sukses dari saya Lera76

Lera76
Level 9

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Hello @AriMar

Amazing photos especially Shwedagon Pagoda looks wonderful, thank you for sharing with us.

Level 10

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

As aerial photographer I have to tell everyone that is really not adviced to make drone shoots over main historical landmarks in Italian cities.

In the above photographs you can see a top view of Venice: every day, tens of tourists got their drones confiscated by local police in this place, fines could be up to 5000 €.

So, please, take care, wake up very early in the morning, and take off far from your target.

Great photos indeed, thanks for sharing this photographer portfolio @AriMar

Level 9

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Awesome photography @AriMar u done a fabulous post...Thank you for sharing with us...

Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

Hi, @AriMar

thanks for sharing these wonderful captured Its amazing and thrilling shots how these photos captured beautifully the unique architect design is very impressive

Level 9

Re: How this architect brings unique perspectives to photography

amazing photos @AriMar 🙂

special thanks to Dimitar Karanikolov 🙂