Simply Amazing Aerials from Valentin Valkov, Bulgaria

Valentin Valkov has a keen eye for colour, evident in his landscape and aerial portfolio on 500px.  Having captured stunning images using his drones as far and wide as the Dominican Republic, and most recently Tuscany and the Dolomites, we interviewed Valentin to find out more about what got him into aerial photography. Valentin has share some stunning images from his travels as well as a gorgeous footage prompted by the love of his life – and his love affair with the Dominican Republic.

Can you please tell us a little bit about who you are, and what you do?

I work in a telecommunication company in Bulgaria. I mainly do still photography but one late night in 2012 I was watching Youtube and saw an amazing drone footage that blew my mind. I immediately made a note in my wish list.

Bulgaria

What steps did you take to become an accomplished drone pilot and photographer?

I started with a DJI Phantom 2. Now I have an Inspire 1 Pro and a Phantom 4 Pro+, the latter being my favorite as it’s small enough that I can always have it with me.

What would be your next drone purchase? Why?

Maybe the next generation Phantom 5 or 6. Something with the same or smaller form factor but I’m really looking forward to a better sensor performance.

You have photographed many beautiful scenes in your aerial gallery; what is your favourite type of scene to shoot?

What I mostly look forward is good lighting conditions. Just after sunrise or before sunset works best. Despite it being very humid and a bit dangerous for the drone, I love flying in the fog.

Tell us a bit about your visit to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic). What brought you to conduct your aerial mission there?

Dominican Republic is a very special place for me. This is where I proposed to the love of my life and where we eventually spent our honeymoon. 2 years after I came back to document this amazing place from above.

If you could fly anywhere else in the world for an aerial shoot, where would it be? Why?

I’m passionate about tropical scenes and I dream about flying over the wild beaches and islands in the Philippines. There are more than 7000 islands, 700 of which are uninhabited.

Dominican Republic

How do you see the drone technology expanding or changing in the next 5 years?

I hope to be lighter, smaller and better performance full frame sensors, changeable lenses. Lighter, more compact with better, hopefully full frame sensors, interchangeable lenses and more safety features.

The next 20 years?

In 20 years there will be a lot of computer generated scenes and we will experience everything in VR. In my opinion we should focus less on advancing technology and more on finding ways to preserve our planet. Otherwise in 20 years I will probably fly drones over Mars!

The Dolomites and Tuscany

Where can readers find out more about what you do?

Please visit me on:

Instagram, Youtube and 500px

About Valentin Valkov

I’m 33 years old aerial photographer based in Varna, Bulgaria. I love traveling, photography, videography and my supportive wife and two year old daughter. I was a still photographer for over 7 years before I discovered the world of drones, which helped me elevate my work to the next level, capturing the way I see the world in a new perspective.

More from Valentin Valkov

@valentin.valkov