Kerry Mapes: how she pulled off that viral Barbie drone photoshoot

You would possibly know Kerry Mapes for her Barbie-inspired drone photoshoot, which went viral. Launched across the time of the Barbie film, the Barbie shoot was the brainchild of a staff of artistic ladies — and Mapes led the aerial side of it.

However flash Barbie drone photographs aren’t essentially what Mapes does on a regular basis on the subject of her drone images. Her love of nature shapes a lot of it. The staff at Drone Woman lately had the chance to attach with Kerry Mapes, an aerial photographer based mostly in North Carolina, to seek out out extra about how she pulled off such a singular Barbie mission, what’s her must-visit place to fly drones, and break right into a profession in drones.

The viral Barbie second

Although Mapes is primarily a nature photographer with experience in mapping, she made headlines with an aerial photoshoot she carried out based mostly on Barbie.

Initially featured in “Coronary heart of NC Weddings,” the photoshoot was executed in tandem with an article on Barbie bachelorette and bridal inspiration. Mapes’ aerial picture encompasses a blonde, Barbie-esque lady laying on a pink convertible, clad in a pink swimsuit and surrounded by pink flowers.

The Barbie shot drew inspiration from the Barbie film round its launch time, and was initially printed on the Coronary heart of NC Weddings web site in July 2023.

“It wasn’t completely my concept, however I used to be thrilled to shoot it with my drone,” Kerry mentioned. She mirrored on the joy of collaborating with varied distributors, together with these specializing in hair and make-up to floral preparations.

Kerry highlighted how drones provide distinctive views usually missed by conventional images. “Folks normally take into consideration handheld cameras, however drones reveal particular angles.” She used a DJI Mavic 3 Professional for the shoot.

“It’s not day by day you get invited to one thing like that,” she mentioned. “It was very particular. I’d like to take part in additional shoots like this.”

Combining nature and drones

Regardless of the novelty of movie-inspired photoshoots, Kerry’s ardour lies in capturing nature.

With an undergraduate diploma in biology and conservation ecology, Kerry finds a pure connection between her tutorial background and her drone work.

“No less than 75% of my work entails some side of the earth or nature,” Mapes mentioned.

Dwelling in North Carolina, Kerry says she is drawn to marshes.

“They’re my favourite ecosystem to discover,” she mentioned. “Seeing them from above presents a singular perspective.”

Kerry travels extensively, at all times with a drone in tow. A few of her favourite locations embody Scotland and Utah.

“Utah is a must-visit for drone photographers,” she mentioned. “It’s like nowhere else.”

Mapes makes use of varied mapping software program to scout thrilling places, a ability she honed throughout her graduate research and her profession at Geo Owls. 

“Drone mapping was my introduction to drones,” she mentioned. Her Instagram deal with, @unmappearth, displays that.

Being a feminine drone pilot

Kerry’s journey into drone piloting started in graduate college at UNC, the place she used drones for information assortment and mapping.

She met her mentor, Dr. Narcisa Pricope, there, who opened Kerry’s eyes to the huge prospects of drone know-how.

In a discipline usually dominated by males, Kerry credit her mentor with serving to her navigate the drone world.

“Having a mentor was essential,” Mapes mentioned, emphasizing the significance of supporting and uplifting different ladies within the trade. “She’s why I understand how to fly.”

Now a longtime drone photographer, Kerry dedicates time to mentoring others by way of instructing and workshops.

“Seeing somebody hesitant at first fall in love with drone piloting is extremely rewarding,” she mentioned.

So, for girls contemplating getting into the drone trade, Kerry’s recommendation is simple.

“Simply do it,” she mentioned. “Don’t let anybody maintain you again. It’s so rewarding, and regardless of what the statistics say, the drone group is extremely welcoming.”

Do you know any nice drone ladies who deserve a profile (together with you!)? Contact us right here. 

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