Johan Vandenhecke - It's About Understanding How Photography Works and Then Applying It Over and Over Again (Photographer)

Instagram - @johan_drone_adventures 

1. Tell us about your background and journey. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

For the last 10 years I have worked in sales for the top multinationals in this world, such as Coca-Cola, Nestle and Kraft Foods. Beginning of 2019 my girlfriend and I decided to quit our jobs and we left on a 1-year world trip through Southeast Asia, over Australia and South America.

Prior to our trip and without any photography experience, I had bought a Mavic Air drone to take 'cooler' holiday pictures along the way. I figured it might be fun. However, as I enjoyed flying it on these exciting locations, drone photography quickly became my newfound passion. And the quality of my photos rapidly increased with it.

About 6 months into our trip, I was contacted by a premium stock photography agency, specialized in aerial photography. They convinced me to upgrade my drone to the Mavic 2 Pro, because the Hasselblad camera is just so much better in terms of sensor size and pixel quality. I was already visiting these cool locations and with this increased quality, it would allow me to start selling my photos online as well.

And that was the start of my conversion into being a full-time drone photographer.

In 2020 I also entered some photography competitions and ended up winning the 'abstract' category at the prestigious Aerial Photo Awards 2020 in Paris with my Tatacoa Desert photo. On top of that, I was also shortlisted in the Aerial 2020 competition by Agora Images.


2. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

The most important tip I can give amateur photographers, is to shoot as much as possible. That's the only way to develop your eye for composition. Practice, practice, practice ... In the end it becomes like a trained muscle. This way you can identify good spots faster and you lose less time in the air. Because your battery will only give you about 25mins in the air. So, you need to think quick 

Also follow people that inspire you and try to learn from them. Talk to them, study their photos, buy their courses and think how you can apply these principles to your own photos.


3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

I think a lot can be learned. As I said above, it's about understanding how photography works and then applying it over and over again. Until it becomes part of your skillset. And I should know, because I had never done any photography prior to our trip. And look where I am today.

Of course, some people might have more talent for it, as with any skill. But don't be mistaken, even those people go through the same learning process. Probably just a bit faster.

For drone photography in particular, you need to understand your drone and its flying abilities and you need to understand the basic photography principles, starting with the exposure triangle, how filters can be used to influence this triangle. 

You need to understand basic compositional techniques, subjects and layering. Also not forget about preparation and the necessary location scouting. And finally, how to edit your photo in Lightroom. That is a very important step to define your photo as well.


4. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

In my experience, even if you're not doing this full-time, there are a lot of collaboration opportunities out there. A lot of brands and companies are looking for influencers and content creators to help them spread their message. We have done a lot of those partnerships during our travels, where we would get a car or luxury hotel free of charge, in exchange for my drone shots showcasing their campervan for example or their hotel in its beautiful surroundings.

This is a really easy and fun way to get more experience, before you take the step into searching for paid jobs.

Today I sell on premium stock photography websites, I sell my prints, I work with travel agencies and tourism offices. I have also launched the Drone Adventurer Masterclass, where students can learn how to take amazing drone photos and cinematic videos.

And now in 2021 I'm venturing into exclusive drone photography trips. Where I take 6-7 aspiring drone photographers on the adventure of a lifetime with me. The first one will be hosted on the Azores. An amazing adventure location.


5. Which is your favourite book and why?

The book that changed my whole perspective on life - and especially the rat race I was in - is called 'the 4-hour workweek' by Tim Ferriss. It was first written in 2007, so some concepts have changed a bit already. 

However, the idea of scalability and outsourcing have always been in my mind. And have really helped me to sculp my own business as well. I would definitely recommend this book to the readers 

- Interviewed by - Anushka Gagwari