The Isles of Scilly is a photographer’s paradise, wherever you look, there are camera opportunities but seeing the islands from above is something special altogether. We’ve caught up with Matt from Aerial Cornwall to hear about his favourite places he’s captured by drone on the Isles of Scilly.
In Matt’s words…
Beaches
When you think of the Isles of Scilly, you think of an island paradise; tranquil and peaceful. I think this image says all that and more! I love the unique layout of this horseshoe-shaped beach on Tean.
Par Beach, St Martin’s
Sometimes when shooting aerial photography, you don’t need to be very high. Just a slight elevation can really change the way we see the world.
Uninhabited islands
You often hear “Cornwall or the Caribbean?” I think this photo really makes it hard to tell the difference. The white sands and clear water on the islands are simply stunning shown here with this image taken off Tresco.
Gig racing, St Martin’s
Gig rowing is an important part of the Isles of Scilly. It was great to capture the finish of this race on St Martin’s. I love the long shadows from the spectators on the beach in the evening sun.
Birds eye view
Water clarity can really be shown off from the air. I love a straight down birds eye view to show this, it’s always an interesting perspective.
Tean, island
Tean is my personal favourite island to photograph. This was taken on a long summer’s day in July, Round Island Lighthouse is seen in the distance.
Old Grimsby, Tresco
Boats make excellent subjects from the air and when they are floating on crystal clear water it’s even better.
*Tip – Make sure you use filters on the camera to cut through the glare and reflection of the water.
Boats
The water taxis play a vital role in transport to and from the islands. I really like the shot of this boat zooming through a deep-water channel at low tide off St Martin’s.
Penninis, St Mary’s
The golden glow of the first light on St Mary’s. I love the rugged coastline around Peninnis Lighthouse and it’s a great place to watch the sunrise.
Lower Town Quay, St Martin’s
Moored up yachts are a common site around the islands. This image shows the length of the southern side of St Martin’s and the Daymark in the distance.
Hugh Town, St Mary’s
This is one of my favourite images, Hugh Town separating the sheltered boats in St Mary’s Harbour from the open ocean and the last of the evening sun on Peninnis Lighthouse.
The Daymark, St Martin’s
The Daymark on St Martin’s is one of the first sights you see when flying into the islands, so I had to capture this view. Luckily the wind was light and the air visibility was superb. I could easily see Cornwall in the other direction.
Would you like to see these stunning views in person? A visit to the Isles of Scilly is easily accessible, being just 28 miles from the coast of Land’s End. You can choose to fly with Skybus or sail from Penzance aboard the passenger ferry Scillonian III.
Whether you visit this autumn or spring, the landscape is forever changing with the seasons and always bringing a different perspective. The great thing about Scilly is, it doesn’t matter if you are travelling on your own, with family, partners or friends; it’s safe, friendly, calm and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
You can view more of Matt’s work at: aerialcornwall.com
Note: If operating a drone on the Isles of Scilly it is vital you inform Air Traffic Control at St Mary’s Airport prior to all flights.