Pursuit of Altitude: Avatar

Artist: Jonas Hornehoj 4126 x 5158

This image was captured above the expansive deltas of Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, a destination I had wanted to visit for years. After a long, questionable public transport journey from Bangkok to Phuket, there was only a 2 hour scooter ride at 4am standing between me and this incredible spectacle of nature.

After nearly crashing into an elephant crossing the highway (yup, it happened) in the twilight hours of the day, I made it to Phang Nga and prepared my drone.

I remember hitting the record button before I ascended, as I was almost certain I would be blown away. I still remember the thrill as if it were yesterday. Climbing in altitude as I peered at the landscape revealing itself behind the vast mangroves, watching the winding rivers unfold as the first light hit the monolithic limestone formations. It transported me to a state of elation. For the rest of the flight time, I felt as if I was exploring the scenes from ‘Avatar’ with my drone.