Exploring Perspectives (and Throwback): My First Steps with the DJI Mini 2

A few years ago, during the post-COVID restrictions, life felt surreal. Hospitals were like fortresses, keeping out visitors to protect the vulnerable. It was during one of these moments, while waiting outside a hospital as my wife took our daughter in for a scan, that I decided to make use of the time—and the small park across the street—to try something new. That day, I powered up my DJI Mini 2 drone for one of my first flights. Little did I know, this little drone would soon become a catalyst for a newfound passion.

The images I captured that day hold a special place in my memory. Let me take you through them and the story behind their creation.

Aerial Discoveries

The first photo showcases a stunning bird’s-eye view of the hospital—a mix of modern architecture surrounded by neat rows of suburban houses. The sunlight bathes the scene in a soft golden hue, and from above, the rigid structure of the buildings contrasts beautifully with the organic sprawl of the neighborhood. It was fascinating to see how the view from the sky transformed something so familiar into something extraordinary. It made me think about how perspective changes everything.

In another photo, I captured a nearby stadium and its surroundings. With the drone hovering above, the symmetry of the running tracks and the tall lights standing guard around the field took on a new level of detail. Beyond the stadium, a sea of green trees stretched into the horizon, providing a serene backdrop that balanced the man-made elements below. The clarity and depth of the shot showed me the untapped potential of this little machine.

One of my favorites from that day is a straight-down shot of a path lined by blooming trees. The delicate blossoms, set against the fresh green grass, looked like an abstract painting from above. This angle, impossible to see from the ground, felt like a small secret shared only between the drone and me.

Then there was the golden-hour shot, with the sun low in the sky casting long shadows over the treetops. The warm light and the distant haze created an atmosphere that was both calming and nostalgic. It was one of those moments when the beauty of nature felt overwhelming, and I was grateful to have captured it.

Lastly, the winding curve of a stream cutting through the park caught my eye. From above, the interplay of sunlight filtering through the trees and reflecting on the water created a dynamic composition. The drone allowed me to freeze that fleeting interaction of light and shadow—a small piece of time that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

The Spark of a Passion
That day marked a turning point. Seeing the world from above for the first time was exhilarating, and I was instantly hooked. The DJI Mini 2 proved to be a perfect gateway into aerial photography. It was compact, easy to fly, and produced surprisingly high-quality images. So much so that shortly after, when the Mini 3 was released, I didn’t hesitate to upgrade. Still haven't upgraded to the Mini 4 Pro though, but eagerly waiting for something with a 5 in it...