About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
Chasing Light A Drone Photographer’s Journey
The alarm rang at 4:30 AM. Outside, the sky was still a deep shade of navy blue, and the air carried the crisp ocean scent. With our gear packed and ready, we entered the darkness, heading toward Busselton Jetty.
We weren’t just here to take photos. We were on a mission to capture the raw beauty of WA’s South West from the sky.
Armed with four cutting-edge drones, we spent days chasing sunrises, waiting for the perfect golden-hour light, and sometimes battling the unpredictable forces of nature.
This is what it takes to tell a story from above.
The Art of Being in the Right Place at the Right Time
Photography is about light and timing.
Every shot is a mix of planning, patience, and luck. And this trip was no different.
On our first morning, we reached Busselton Jetty just as the horizon turned from indigo to fiery orange. We launched the DJI Inspire 3, its motors humming as it climbed above the calm water. From this height, the entire jetty stretched like a ribbon into the sea, its reflection shimmering in the stillness.
A few hours later, the wind picked up, and the water transformed from a glassy mirror into a restless surface. That’s the reality of shooting outdoors. Conditions change fast, and you need to be ready.
Battling the Elements at Sugarloaf Rock
Not every location gave us perfect conditions.
Sugarloaf Rock is known for its dramatic beauty. A rough formation rising from the ocean, constantly pounded by waves. But when we arrived, the wind was relentless. We could barely stand upright, let alone launch a drone.
Clearly, this location wasn’t an option, so we made a call. Drive to Eagle Bay instead.
It was worth every minute.
The water glowed in brilliant shades of turquoise, and the golden afternoon light softened every detail of the coastline. The sky was clear, and the conditions were perfect.
Every frame captured the magic of the moment.
The Challenge of Flying the DJI Avata 2
Each location demanded a different approach, and we came prepared with four drones, each suited for a unique shot.
- DJI Inspire 3 – Our cinematic workhorse, perfect for 8K ultra-sharp details and smooth tracking shots.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine – Captured high-resolution wide shots, bringing out the rich coastal colours.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro – The go-to drone for fast deployment, giving us quick panoramic shots when the light changed.
- DJI Avata 2 – A game-changer for FPV (first-person view) flying, allowing us to glide over cliffs and weave between rock formations for immersive angles.
But flying the DJI Avata 2 in strong winds was nearly impossible. The instability made precise control a challenge, and with gusts pushing against the drone, navigating through tight coastal spaces became too risky. Sometimes, the conditions win—and that’s part of the process.
The Reward A Collection of Breathtaking Aerial Photographs
After days of shooting, reviewing, and fine-tuning, we ended up with an incredible collection of high-resolution aerial photos from some of WA’s most stunning coastal spots:
- Busselton Jetty – Aerial panoramas of WA’s most famous jetty stretching into endless blue.
- Canal Rocks – Rugged rock formations, swirling turquoise water, and dramatic coastal energy.
- Castle Bay – Tranquil, smooth blue waters dotted with moored boats.
- Dunsborough – Scenic coastal trails, golden beaches, and aerial landscapes.
- Eagle Bay – White sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking golden-hour shots.
We also explored other stunning locations, which will be stories for another post.
Explore the Full Collection of Photos Here
Why These Photos Matter
These aren’t just beautiful images.
They are powerful visual tools for:
- Businesses – Perfect for tourism, marketing, and advertising.
- Websites and Creatives – High-quality content for digital media, social campaigns, and blogs.
- Personal Use – Stunning wall prints to bring the beauty of WA into your home.
All images are available for instant download and commercial use.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a reminder that nature doesn’t wait for you—you wait for it.
And in the end, if you’re lucky, you walk away with something special.
Did you like the content? Here is the link to the second part of this trip.
