A QUADRIPLEGIC drone photographer has described having his images used in a new stamp collection approved as a “once-in-a-lifetime honour”.
Drone photographer James Bedding, who runs Quad Photography, has had several of his images selected for the ‘SEPAC: Iconic Landmarks From The Air’ stamp issue, celebrating Jersey’s most recognisable sites from a bird’s-eye view.
The collection, which is now on sale at Jersey Post offices and online, showcases the Island’s coastline and iconic landmarks as seen from above.
Mr Bedding said: “As a quadriplegic, paralysed from the shoulders down, drones gave me freedom in a way I hadn’t experienced before. They allowed me to explore Jersey from an entirely new perspective, revealing the Island’s coastline, landmarks, and natural beauty in ways I could never access from the ground. From that moment on, I was hooked.
“I bought my very first drone around ten years ago. It was a Ghost E-Hang, and from the very first flight I knew drones were going to change my life. I mounted the controller onto my wheelchair and flew it for the first time at St Catherine’s Breakwater in Jersey.
“Being able to lift a camera into the air and explore places I physically couldn’t reach was an unbelievable feeling, and it instantly opened up a whole new world for me.”
“Drones have given me creative freedom, independence, and a way to share Jersey’s beauty from above.”
Since pursuing a commercial drone license, which he describes as a “massive milestone”, Mr Bedding now holds an aerial work permit, enabling him to carry out commercial drone photography work.
“My drone photography has gone from strength to strength,” he said. “Flying here never gets old, and each flight offers something new to capture.”
When contacted by Jersey Post, Mr Bedding said it was “one of the most surreal and humbling moments of my life, I was absolutely honoured.”
“Seeing my work selected, produced, and officially released on Jersey stamps has been an incredible experience, and one I still can’t quite believe,” he added.
Mr Bedding’s website, quadphotography.je, is updated with new imagery, projects and future plans.
