Published: Sunday | December 20, 2009
Breathtaking, magnificent, colourful and amazing are words that can be used to describe Robert Davis' aerial photographs of Jamaica.
He is not selfish though, as Davis aims to share his pictures with the world through his book Jamaica by Air. Incidentally, that was the management consultant's aim when he decided to undertake the personal project to take aerial photographs of the island. "I love Jamaica and though it would have been great to share how beautiful Jamaica is, I also wanted to share a view of Jamaica that most people have never seen," said Davis.
With excitement in his voice, the photographer reminisced on the project. He said that during nine months of taking photographs from a helicopter, he went on 12 separate flights and spent more than 16 hours in the air.
"It was a wonderful experience. It was great seeing Jamaica from that angle," Davis said.
"Hanging out of a helicopter is a fantastic experience because there is nothing between you and what you're shooting, there are no doors. I'm literally standing on the skid, held in by only a harness and a seatbelt".
Armed and ready
Davis told The Sunday Gleaner that while it was not his first time hanging from a helicopter, it was a different ball game once the camera was in his hand.
He was armed and ready for battle. He had read several books on aerial photography and had done research to learn other tips and tricks.
When the moment was upon him, he was prepared. After initially taking a few poor shots, he was in his element and he decided there was no time to be nervous.
"You're so captured by what you see that you don't have time to be nervous," he said confidently.
Now, the final product that Davis exhibits is evidence of his dedication and commitment. Every page that is turned in Jamaica by Air evokes new imagery, colours and a unique perspective of places in Jamaica.
Davis, who has been taking photographs as a hobby for more than a decade, said the book would not have come to fruition without assistance from sponsors, Jamaica National Building Society, which was the first to get on board, Dolphin Cove, the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) Limited, and Claro.
The book, which is in full colour, is now available at Sangster's Bookstores, and it has already received positive reviews from family and friends.
"People love it. The response has been fantastic. Many people say 'wow that's what it looked like from the air?' I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to do it," said Davis, who has committed to a launch and book signing session on December 19.