Aerial photographer who loves the Dale
AN aerial photographer, originally from Essex, has developed a passion for Weardale where he uses
his skills to capture the magic of the area from above.
David Wilkin is also a keen cyclist and when he isn’t taking photographs and videos using his
drone, he cycles around the area using the camera on his iphone to take some stunning pictures,
which are enjoyed by people from all over the world via social media.
Under the name of DJ Aerial Photography, the photographs like the ones published here, can be
viewed for free.
David moved to County Durham nine years ago with his wife, who is from the area originally, and
their children. He immediately began to explore the area on his pushbike, spending a lot of time in
the hills around Weardale and Teesdale. He had always enjoying taking snaps and found himself
capturing the magical essence of the dales and loving every minute.
“I never really did anything with the photographs at first,” said David. “But last year, after a little
mental health episode, I wanted to shake my life up a and bought a drone. I just wanted to have
some fun, without knowing where it would lead – and to be honest, I still don’t know – but it did
lead me to exploring much of the north east and enriching myself in the history and heritage.
“Now, I love nothing more than wandering the tracks (and often off tracks) to take me to some
places that history forgot and capture them from above. Firstly to share with others and also to
document so many of these places which are sadly fading away physically and in the memories of
people too.”
David spends a lot of time in Weardale because it is easy for hm to access and he just loves losing
himself in the hills, dales and fells – just his cameras and him.
“It has become a very special place for me, especially the old lead mines. Grove Rake and Sikehead
are two of my favourite locations. They are iconic, grand structures and because there always seems
to be something new to discover with each visit.”
Although David does share his wonderful pictures and videos on social media, he has agreed to
share some for the Weardale Gazette. Readers from around the world will enjoy these stunning,
imaginative pictures taken from above and at angles not usually seen from the ground.”
Watch out for more of these superb photographs appearing regularly.
https://www.facebook.com/DJAerialPhotographyUK
