Technological advances, especially after the arrival of drones, have increasingly allowed photographers (professional or not) to record aerial images in places that were previously considered inaccessible. Recently, one of these images caught attention when it was posted on a social network. This is the Teatro de Arena da Praça do Ciclo Básico, at Unicamp, a place where students, civil servants and employees circulate daily.
The “aerial click, made by Alex Calixto de Matos, an employee of the Dean of Extension and Community Affairs (Preac), called by him as “mini planet”, is the first image he recorded with his “big people's toy”. Or the Dji Spark drone, also known as Selfie Drone, which films and photographs in high resolution with the help of an attached cell phone. The device, which is for recreational use and guided by GPS, reaches an altitude of 500 meters and can travel a distance of up to 1,5 km. Each battery (it is sold with up to two) has autonomy for a 16-minute flight. The drone was recently acquired by the server with resources from the extra work he does as a photographer in his spare time.
Matos has always liked optical equipment such as binoculars, telescopes, magnifying glasses, microscopes, etc. He bought his first analog camera in 2000. “I didn't invest much because it was expensive to develop the films. My first digital, which had 3 megapixels of resolution, came later. It was from then on that I began to enjoy recording important moments for friends, which helped me gain more experience.”
It was with the drone located 30 meters above sea level, in the center of the Arena Theater, that Matos made the recording. “With the device in the air, I adjusted photography parameters, such as ISO and exposure time using an option on the Drone itself called sphere, which takes 46 photos. After processing, in another cell phone application, Theta+, I created the 'mini planet'".
Regarding flights taking place across campus, Alex issues a warning. “It is necessary to have the appropriate records with the controlling bodies and, before any flight, it is necessary to request authorization from the Airspace Control Department. The main guideline is to always fly safely, respecting space limitations and people’s privacy.”
Currently, the server studies the concepts of traditional photography and researches the great photographers of history. All the techniques he absorbs from reading he applies to his photographic records. Does Matos have favorite photographers and sources of inspiration? Yes. They are: Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) and Sebastião Salgado. Do you have any other hobbies besides photography? Aquarism, shooting sports and collecting friends.
In addition to the image of the miniplanet, Matos has already taken aerial photos with his Drone of the Biology Institute (IB), the School of Corporate Education (Educorp), the Exploratory Science Museum (MC) and Praça da Paz.
Start as a patrolman
Alex joined Unicamp 23 years ago as a patrolman. Today, at 38 years old, he works as a graphic arts technician. “With Preac, I had the opportunity to contribute to several institutional projects by creating websites, logos and visual identities. I recently produced graphic art for the fleet of vehicles for the Campus Living Department and for the Vidas ambulance,” he said.
