All Posts By

Andy Wills

4th May 2018
0

Hovershotz Aerial Drone Photography, Filming & Surveys GDPR Privacy Policy Statement

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Hovershotz Aerial Drone Photography, Filming & Surveys GDPR Privacy Policy Statement

Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Collecting and using your personal information

Images & Video 

Hovershotz take the utmost care when we film. We confirm that all images of identifiable individuals, even captured inadvertently, when using cameras fitted to our drones, will be subject to the Data Protection Act (DPA) & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As these acts/regulations contain requirements concerning the collection, storage and use of such images, photographs, and video from filming. Hovershotz confirm that we are complying with any such applicable requirements or exemptions. Further information about the DPA/GDPR and the circumstances in which it applies can be obtained from the Information Commissioner’s Office and website: www.ico.org.uk

 

Privacy Statement

For each visitor to our Web page, our Web server automatically recognises no information regarding the domain or e-mail address. We collect the e-mail address of those who communicate with us via e-mail, aggregate information on what pages consumers access or visit, user specific information on what pages consumers access or visit and information volunteered by the consumer, such as survey information and/or site registrations. We do not keep email addresses used from our contact form.

The information we collect is used for internal review and is then discarded, used to improve the content of our Web page, used to customize the content and/or layout of our page for individual consumer and used by us to contact consumers for marketing purposes.

Site Security

Hovershotz are one of the few drone operators in Cumbria who use a SSL secure website with a https url. This ensures any visitors to our site data is secure as everything is encrypted.

 

Terms of Use Statement

You understand and agree that the owners of this site shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, including but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, data or other intangible losses (even if the owners of this site have been advised of the possibility of such damages), resulting from the use or the inability to use the product(s) and or service(s) or any misuse of the product(s) and or service(s) in a manner not in accordance with their intended use.

Cookies

This website uses cookies. By using this website and agreeing to this policy, you consent to Hovershotz use of cookies in accordance with the terms of this policy.

 

Cookies on our website

 

Google Cookies

Hovershotz uses Google Analytics to analyse the use of this website. Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about website use by means of cookies, which are stored on users’ computers. The information generated relating to our website is used to create reports about the use of the website. Google will store and use this information. Google’s privacy policy is available at: http://www.google.com/policies/privacy

For any additional clarification, please contact the data controller at Hovershotz Aerial Drone Photography & Inspections Cumbria, 172 Windermere Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5EZ. info@hovershotz.co.uk

We keep our privacy policy under regular review. This privacy policy was last updated 23 April 2018.

© Hovershotz Aerial Photography Video & Inspections Cumbria 2018 the leading Lake District aerial photographer – protecting our customers and your data

2nd May 2018
0

Approved legal drone pilot in Cumbria and the Lake District

By | UK Drone Legalities | No Comments

The UK drone industry is still regarded as being in its early days, however Hovershotz ensure that there is at least one professional drone operator available in Cumbria and the Lake District that is at the leading edge of legislation and law interpretation. Whether it is aerial photography in Cumbria or aerial drone filming in the Lake District there are strict rules that should be followed. We are aware of several drone operators in Cumbria & the Lake District operating commercially without the required CAA permissions (PFCO), which is both illegal and dangerous. Equally as bad is footage we have observed of CAA PFCO holders in Cumbria flagrantly breaking the rules, who should know better.

Something worth keeping in mind is that the CAA have a safety first approach for all operations, be it drones, gilders or military jets flying in the Lake District. Obviously, this is a good thing. It helps to ensure operations involving drones in the UK are safe and controlled.

Hovershotz  WILL ALWAYS CARRY OUT THE DUE DILIGENCE AND PREFLIGHT CHECKS TO ENSURE A LEGAL FLIGHT.

Hovershotz prides itself in ensuring compliance with the law – this is something that that cannot be guaranteed in the same way if you the client choose to use another operator in Cumbria. Hovershotz who hold a PfCO are aware of a number of drone operators with permissions in our local area (North Wewst of England – Cumbria, Lancashire & the Lake District) that still manage to break the law. Having a license doesn’t mean the operator can do what he or she wants – it just means they know what the rules are and have permission to fly for valuable consideration.

There are often instances when it is necessary to contact authorities to organise flights. For example local councils, police, MOD, air traffic control, Lake District national park rangers might be informed or asked permission to fly. Landowners however do not need notification to enable a flight over their land, so long as the drone that is flying is kept more than 50m away from buildings, the land itself and of course people on that land.

There is no reason to pay anyone anything to obtain overflight permissions, unless there is a bylaw that specifically states there are fees.

Sometimes notice is needed, often 28 days prior to the flight.

locations that should be notified of drone overflight:

  • Nuclear sites/installations/plants – if a flight needs to be undertaken within 3.2km (2 miles) of a nuclear power site, the CAA will be able to help organise this. There are some specific restrictions involved with flights in these areas.
  • Airfelds and airports. Generally best avoided anyway.
  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) – Natural England are responsible for maintaining these sites, with duties and responsibilities being delegated to local authorities.
  • Protected Areas – marine reserves and bird sanctuaries – it is almost certainly a necessity to contact them ahead of flights to ensure you are not unnecessarily disturbing wildlife.
  • There are increasing numbers of reports of less accommodating organisations that feel that it is their place to re-write the rules on behalf of the CAA. What they are trying to do is not actually enforceable, nor ethical, as PfCO pilots are allowed to fly in locations (such as the Lake District National Park or the National Trust) so long as they maintain the 50m separations, and have permission for take off and landing at a location that allows flight within the 500m range allowed. There are numerous references regarding this in CAP722 and CAP393 for further clarification.

 

16th April 2018
0

Hovershotz listed on Cumbria Growth Hub as Aerial Photography experts for Cumbria

By | Aerial Photography in Cumbria | No Comments

Hovershotz have been accepted by Cumbria growth hub, to list our aerial drone services as a Cumbrian business.

Hovershotz are native to Cumbria and the Lake District and can offer the best aerial drone photography filming and survey experience in Cumbria.

We look forward in working B2B with other Cumbrian businesses.

https://www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/listing/hovershotz-aerial-drone-photography-video-inspections-cumbria

Hovershotz aerial filming Lake District

Hovershotz aerial photography Cumbria

Hovershotz  aerial surveys Cumbria

4th April 2018
0

Hovershotz the Lake Districts Leading Professional Drone Filming Service

By | Aerial Photography Filming & Surveys in the Lake District. | No Comments

Hovershotz the Lake Districts Leading Professional Drone Operator.

 

When you examine the facts and figures for drone footage and films produced using drones last year in Cumbria and across the Lake District, you soon realise why Hovershotz is the undisputed leading provider of aerial imagery & filming. Over the past 12 months Hovershotz have provided aerial work for over 230 customers, and flown over 640 hours of missions in the Lake District. Hovershotz Aerial Drone Filming & Photography now has a substantial client base in the Lakes and the North West of England. Many of our clients are film makers, advertising agencies & production companies based in London, looking to hire the best drone filming company based in the Lake District.

 

The work provided has been very varied with a very eclectic mix of projects, such as TV work for BBC, ITN,Channel 4, Channel 5 & Discovery Channel, plus a myriad of independent film companies right through to wind turbine inspections, solar farm inspections, roof surveys, wildlife surveys, forest and woodland inspections & surveys, drone detection missions, the list goes on.

 

Quality professional drone work doesn’t come cheap. In 2018 a DJI Inspire 2 with X5s camera with a variety of lenses, plus at least 10 pairs of batteries is the bare minimum that our discerning clients specify. To operate in the Lake District a 4 wheel drive commercial vehicle is a must (we know of at least one operator trying to use a family car). Hovershotz operate from a Mutsubishi L200 pick-up truck with a sophisticated charging system for our drone batteries, this means we can get to most Lake District locations that would be inaccessible by family saloon car and we can remain out in the field almost indefinitely. Our vehicle has enough luggage space to accommodate extra camera and sound equipment, so we can also transport the film crew. Our vehicle seats five and features screens in the rear, so the director can view in comfort what the drone is filming live in real time. It also features on-board 4G internet, so footage can be streamed live or transmitted quickly.

 

To complement the service Hovershotz , also offer full location scouting across Cumbria and the Lake District. Being native to the Lake District, Hovershotz are able to liaise with local landowners such as The National Trust, The Forestry Commission, The National Parks Authority and United Utilities allowing us to deploy much more quickly and safely.

Hovershotz commercial drone operator Cumbria

16th March 2018
0

Not all drone pilots are photographers, and not all photographers are drone pilots!

By | Aerial Photography Filming & Surveys in the Lake District. | No Comments

Not all drone pilots are photographers, and not all photographers are drone pilots!

One of the most difficult things about hiring a drone operator in Cumbria & Lancashire is knowing what you are going to get for your money , or if the drone operator you are hiring is going to be able to handle the job that you are placing!

At the present time, the UAV market is very young and is generally separated into 2 camps.

Camp No.1 Is full of photographers and videographers. They love cameras, they love to use the UAV as a creative tool, producing all kinds of beautiful images by carefully manipulating the complex cameras that can be mounted on even the most basic of UAVs. Ask them to carry out an aerial survey with Pix4D or similar and they turn white with fear.

Camp No.2 is full of drone pilots who see UAV as a game changer in a million different industries. Ask them to carry out an aerial survey or a roof inspection and they cant load up the mini van quick enough. But ask them to produce some stunning and creative aerial content and they will put the camera in auto mode and hope for the best!

Whilst these two camps are the stereotypical illustration of the marketplace at the moment, in my experience, they are not far from the truth! So how do you find the right camp? The answer is to look for both.

Check out your potential partner’s website.

•    Does it look up to date and well designed?

•    Does the content look good, or is it shaky and fuzzy?

•    Does the website talk more about surveys and inspection, or more about photography and video?

•    Are they using up to date professional equipment or using obsolete drones like the Inspire 1?

Once you have narrowed the field down, call your potential partners and ask them about the services they offer.

•    Are they knowledgeable, are they passionate?

•    Have they previous experience of your project?

•    Do they sound like your kind of people?

•    Are they charging the correct price? (if it’s cheap then ask questions)

And of course, the most important thing to ask is for a copy of their CAA permissions and insurance details before you go any further. Plus check their photographic qualifications.

Hovershotz hold a diploma in photography & videography and have been building & flying remote control aircraft for over 20 years. We have a wealth of aerial filming in the Lake District for filmmakers. In addition to aerial filming and drone photography, we are very experienced in aerial drone surveys.

3rd March 2018
0

How many lakes are there in the Lake District? Is it 0, 1, 16 or 92?

By | Aerial Photography Filming & Surveys in the Lake District., Uncategorised | No Comments

How many lakes are there in the Lake District? This is a bit of a trick question, coined in the 1970’s as a pub quiz question in the south of England. Wrongly, the pub quiz claimed that there is only one Lake in the Lake District, which is Bassenthwaite Lake. We can see why Southerners wrongly believed this fact and perpetuated this myth. Bassethwaite is the only lake with lake in its title but that doesn’t make it the only lake in the Lake District. There are the 16 lakes that are considered the main lakes of the Lake District and a further 76 bodies of water that could be considered as lakes, however theses have mere, tarn or water in their names. A glance in the dictionary might be helpful, both the Oxford English and the Collins define meres and tarns as lakes. Also, if there is only one Lake in the Lake District is it called the Lake District.

We here at Hovershotz are native to the Lake District and are well used to the old Westmorland and Cumberland dialects (Cumbric), which in part form the root cause of the belief that there is only one Lake in the Lake District.

Lets examine the facts.

Wikipedia lists Bassenthwaite as the only lake in the Lake District, so then there must be only one lake in the Lake District, right? Well, no this is wrong! Up until the mid 1800’s Bassenthwaite was known as Bassenthwaite Water, until that is, when a Victorian industrialist bought a large property on the shores of Bassenthwaite and didn’t think Bassenthwaite Water (in fact it was then called Baffenthwaite Watter) sounded posh enough for his city slicker friends and guests, who thought Water conjured up an image of a pond, so he decided to rename Bassenthwaite Water as Bassenthwaite Lake.

So if the Lake District is called the Lake District, why aren’t all the bodies of water called Lakes? Well, they are, at least in Cumbrian (Westmorland & Cumberland) dialects they are.

Before the railways opened up the Lake District to tourists in Victorian times, very few people visited and local place names and features were called by their historic names handed down through the generations. These were:

  • Meres – comes from Old English (Anglo Saxon) and refers to a pond or a lake
  • Tarn – comes from the Norse Tjorn meaning small lake
  • Water – is from Danish/Dutch warter or Norse vatten
  • Lake – comes from the French word Lac

In modern English:

  • Mere -refers to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth
  • Tarn – A small mountain lake (usually created from glaciers with no tributaries)
  • Water – Suffix for any body of water that can be defined as a lake

Interestingly in Thomas West’s Guide to the Lakes in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire published in 1778; Thomas refers to Bassenthwaite as called Bassenthwaite Water but describes it as a Lake. He also describes all other Waters as Lakes, such as what he calls Windermere Water. So, clearly in the 1700’s waters & meres were considered lakes.

 

So, to go back to the original question of how many lakes are there in the Lake District? If you answered one, then you are wrong. It’s a trick question; there is only one lake in the Lake District with Lake in it’s name (Bassenthwaite Lake but even that was named Bassenthwaite Water until recently) but any body of water with Mere, Water or Tarn in it’s title can truly be considered a Lake if you are a Cumbrian. However, the mis informed will continue to smugly answer that there is only one lake in the Lake District. We think that there are 92 bodies of water in the Lake District that meet the Cumbrian (Cumberland & Westmorland) definition of a lake but there again there are 16 of these that are considered the true lakes of the Lake District, so our answer is there are either 16 or 92 lakes in the Lake District, depending on what you define as a lake. What is clear though, is the claim that Bassenthwaite is the only lake in the lake district completely wrong (although it’s easy to understand how this myth perpetuated).

Hovershotz are based in Cumbria and offer aerial drone filming and photography across the Lake District.

 

https://www.hovershotz.co.uk/list-of-all-lakes-in-the-lake-district/

15th February 2018
0

Importance of a drone firmware & software policy within your CAA PFCO operations manual

By | UK Drone Legalities | No Comments

The recent debacle of when Apple launched IOS 11.2.5 which caused serious issues with the DJI Go app, highlights the need for professional PFCO drone operators to have a robust firmware and software update policy.

Many drone operators who rushed out to update to Apple’s latest IOS found out that their drones were either grounded or more worryingly dangerous to fly. Despite manufacturers testing their latest updates, incompatibility will always creep in between the aircrafts firmware, the mobile devices operating system and the app controlling the flight, meaning that drone operators are being used as guinea pigs to iron out any bugs.

We can understand how hobby flyers may be unaware of this but we were shocked at the number of CAA PFCO holders who blindly update their drones and associated equipment without checking what the implications are first.

At Hovershotz, we do dot update any of the firmware or software of any of our equipment before closely following our drone firmware and software update policy (this includes checking forum & Facebook group posts from users reporting any issues and then conducting very detailed flight tests). Hovershotz always carry multiple drones to jobs, both IOS & Android tablets and also we have the Litchi app available in addition to the DJI Go. We think it should be made mandatory by the CAA to include a robust update policy within their operations manual.

Hovershotz are a CAA PFCO operator providing aerial drone filming photography and surveys in Cumbria Lancashire and the Lake District

23rd January 2018
0

Finding a legal CAA approved drone operator in Cumbria & the Lake District

By | UK Drone Legalities | No Comments

DRONE DIRECTORY WARNING

If you searching for aerial photography or a drone operator in Cumbria then, beware of ‘drone directories’ that don’t do their checks…..

Almost each month we see a new drone directory pop up. Hovershotz are listed in most drone directories but we are concerned that some are listing illegal pilots.

Sadly, it has become evident that many drone directory websites are not doing their commercial drone pilot checks thoroughly.

On closer inspection, it is evident that many drone directories have pilots listed with out of date, invalid paperwork or non-existent paperwork checks.

Why is this important?  When it comes to aviation safety – cutting corners is unsafe and unacceptable.  The UK’s aviation safety standards are set high to avoid accidents.

Hovershotz are aware of a ‘drone hire directory’ that doesn’t even ask for CAA certification from their pilots listed.  That means that anybody who wishes can ‘say’ they are CAA approved (even though they are not) and then be promoted as a legal drone operator.

Here’s what one drone directory said when asked whether they check for CAA Approval (PFCO) :

We don’t require a copy of your PFCO,  but every listing agrees to terms of use of the site which states information supplied to us is correct, we also carry out random checks against CAA register.

 

If you require aerial drone photography video or surveys in Cumbria Lancashire or the Lake District, don’t get caught out by hiring an illegal operator.  If things go wrong you’ll find that your drone operator is not insured.  A drone in the hands of an illegal operator is an accident waiting to happen.

Ensuring your drone pilot is legal

By law anybody operating their drone commercially i.e. charging for the service MUST have permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hold valid commercial insurance.

When hiring a drone operator always ask for a copy of the pilots CAA approval (PFCO) and commercial drone insurance. If in doubt, Hovershotz would recommend that you find an operator listed on Drone Safe Register, where all operators are checked to ensure they are legal and hold a current PFCO and valid insurance   https://dronesaferegister.org.uk

Hovershotz aerial drone photography video and inspections listing can be found here https://dronesaferegister.org.uk/company/hovershotz-aerial-drone-photography-video-inspections-cumbria/

13th January 2018
0

New York television award for drone cameramen from Kendal

By | Aerial Photography Filming & Surveys in the Lake District. | No Comments

TWO Kendal men provided aerial footage with drone-mounted cameras for an award-winning television show pilot shot in the Lake District, reports the Westmorland Gazzette.

Andy Wills  teamed up with graduates National Film and Television School to help film for their reality television pilot ‘Against All Odds’.

The episode, which was shot at prime beauty spots such as Helvellyn, Cautley Spout and Ullswater, has now been recognised at the New York Television Festival’s Independent Pilot Competition.

‘Against All Odds’ was the only UK-produced entry to the competition, which came out on top in the ‘best unscripted pilot/alternative project’ category.

“It’s a great bit of kudos,” said Mr Wills, of Windermere Road who runs Hovershotz Aerial Drone Photography & Video Cumbria.

“I’m not too sure if the drone footage contributed too much but I’m sure it must have helped.”

In Against All Odds, five ordinary strangers each choose one of five locked bags – four contain blank paper and one contains £100,000 in cash. Over three days, the team must carry their bags on an epic journey across some of the UK’s toughest natural landscapes in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales for the chance to split the money at the finish line.

Mr Handley, who owns Skylark Photography and lives near Old Hutton, added: “Andy and I were approached to provide aerial coverage to capture the contestants in areas where the standard film crew were not able to get.

“It was absolutely brilliant. It was a lot of fun and it was the biggest film crew I’ve ever been involved with.”

After the success at the New York Television Festival, Mr Handley added he hoped the pilot would be taken on by a broadcaster.

“It could be that somebody now picks it up and and takes it on to make a television show out of it,” he said. “If Andy and I are lucky enough, we may get commissioned to help produce a series of this.”

To see a trailer of ‘Against All Odds’, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoIP2FJGVdE.

Hovershotz aerial drone photography Cumbria

Aerial drone filming Lake District

Westmorland Gazette aerial photography article

Wstmorland Gazette aerial photography drone article

7th January 2018
0

Demolition & Blasting Videography by Drone

By | Aerial Photography Filming & Surveys | No Comments

Drones are a great platform for aerial videography!

Until recently, it’s been rather impractical to take high-speed video footage of a demolition blast from the air, its been almost impossible to position a camera at just the right height and distance to film an Ultra High Definition video of the moment that explosives ignite. Modern drones can be placed in such locations to gather spectacularly compelling images.

Traditional surface shot footage just doesn’t have the same drama and feels dated and old fashioned. Hovershotz can fly around a structure as it is being demolished giving the whole experience even more dynamism as the video plays out and the structure collapses. We can put several drones in the air to capture the action from many aerial positions as well as deploying cameras on the ground to capture traditional perspectives. Sometimes we will even deploy a few ‘sacrificial’ cameras really close up in an attempt to get far too close!

Hovershotz are able to film aerial drone photographs and video of building demolitions across Cumbria, Lancashire, the Lake District, Yorkshire and beyond.

Chimney demolition photograph by drone Yorkshire

Chimney demolition photograph by drone Yorkshire

Building demolition photograph by drone Yorkshire

Building demolition photograph by drone Yorkshire. Image created from video footage.

Drone footage of tower demolition

Moment of ignition captured by drone from above

Explosion photograph captured by drone Yorkshire

Moment of ignition captured by drone side angle

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