Cheryl West finds solace in the serenity of flying drones. She values the uninterrupted focus it provides, immersing herself in a realm of tranquility. Alongside her husband Kirk Lee, Cheryl shares captivating drone footage showcasing the scenic beauty of Saskatchewan’s countryside and quaint towns through their Facebook page, Cheryl’s Videos and Pics/Wild West Drones, attracting a substantial following.
Living in Grenfell, approximately 100 kilometers east of Regina, Cheryl’s perception of rural Saskatchewan’s allure transformed once she witnessed it from an aerial perspective. The aerial views offer a unique vantage point, granting viewers access to unseen vistas, a sentiment cherished by their growing audience.
Introduced to drones by her son six years ago, Cheryl initially hesitated, questioning her ability to operate a drone in her 50s. However, delving into this hobby became a source of solace amidst challenging times. Supporting her daughter through daily epilepsy seizures and navigating the grief of losing multiple family members left little room for personal mourning. Flying drones, supported by her husband Lee, emerged as a therapeutic outlet.
For Cheryl, drone photography extends beyond capturing images; it serves as a connection to her late father, an avid photographer. Embracing the art form, Cheryl feels a profound sense of carrying on her father’s legacy through her drone photography endeavors.
Spending countless hours on the road weekly, Cheryl and her husband indulge in drone flying sessions while she captures ground footage with a camera’s sound recording. The meticulous editing process, lasting three to five hours, includes selecting the perfect accompanying music to complement the visuals.
Reflecting on the profound impact of drone photography on her mental well-being, Cheryl acknowledges its instrumental role in providing her with a therapeutic escape. The immersive experience of drone flying offers her a much-needed respite from life’s challenges.
Photographer Dre Erwin echoes a similar sentiment regarding the therapeutic benefits of photography on mental health. Emphasizing the positivity and beauty inherent in photography, Dre recounts his personal journey and the transformative effect photography had on his life and the youth he mentors in northern Saskatchewan.
Moved by personal adversities, including surviving a tornado, Dre found solace in Pinehouse, 200 kilometers north of Prince Albert, where he leveraged photography as a tool to uplift his spirits and those of the local youth. Through his lens, Dre introduced the wonders of the northern lights to his mentees, instilling in them a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding them.
Ultimately, photography serves as a gateway to fostering a deeper appreciation for the world, prompting individuals to seek beauty in unexpected places. Dre emphasizes that Saskatchewan, often misconstrued as flat and unremarkable, harbors hidden beauty waiting to be unveiled through various forms of photography, including drone photography and night photography.
