Amateur Photographer Magazine

Over India: Kite's Eye , Photographs of India

Saturday 16th August 2008

By Nicolas Chorier

Title: Over India: Kite's Eye , Photographs of India

Author: Nicolas Chorier

ISBN: 978-1-86205-813-2

Publisher: Pavilion

Edition: Hardback

Aerial photography is forbidden in India without prior permission from an assortment of government agencies‚ something Nicolas Chorier didn't have. However, the enterprising Frenchman wasn't prepared to let this technicality stand in his way. By combining a camera and a kite to ingenious effect, the 45-year-old recorded the landscape, people, animals and the architecture of this stunning country, and all without falling foul of the law. To achieve his bird's-eye view, Nicolas attached a remote-controlled Leica camera to a cradle suspended by string from the kite. The rig is operated by remote control that can achieve a full 360 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt. A ground-to-air video link sends a signal, which provides real-time monitoring on a portable TV screen for accurate framing and composition. This is one of the best books on India I have ever seen.

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