As drones move across the sky, their 360-degree aerial view is able to capture everyday scenes from new perspectives. Drones can reveal interesting patterns, shapes and contours of the land that are not possible to gauge from ground level. In doing so, they defamilarise the familiar and foster a deeper encouragement with our surroundings, making us engage with them in new ways.

At first glance, it is hard to distinguish what this image represents. The smooth white backdrop with a jagged black circle and veiny lines bulging from its centre outwards suggests a close-up of an eye, a cell, a virus, a tumour or even a planet from outer space. The image is, in fact, of a frozen lake in central Russia. Captured from this unique angle, the image offers a new ways of seeing that reshapes our geographical imaginations and understanding of the world around us.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Maksim Tarasov is an experienced expedition photographer. He has worked in some of the world’s most remote and hostile regions. Maksim is also a licensed drone pilot and operator.