
“People in wave pool, Typhhon Lagoon.”
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From the ocean, lakes, and rivers to hot baths and swimming pools, people are drawn to all types of water. For many, these bodies of water are cool, warm, comforting sanctuaries. Even from the early days of humanity, people sought out large expanses of water for survival, but also because it simply feels good to be in and around it. London-based photographer Jason Hawkes celebrates the waters of our world in a series of breathtaking aerial shots.
Hawkes has spent the last 25 years exploring the world from above. From a helicopter, he’s able to capture incredible, abstract views that give viewers a sense of scale. “You get a real sense of freedom when flying,” he tells My Modern Met. “These days 90% of my work is from AS355 helicopters, which are twin jet engine machines. I normally use a Nikon kit, and take four bodies, six lenses, and often shoot tethered to my MacBook Pro importing straight into Adobe Lightroom.”
Hawkes travels all over the world to find the most beautiful oceans, lakes, and gulfs. “I love the amazing array of colors you can get when shooting water, and it fascinates me how people congregate around even the smallest bodies of water,” he reveals. His impressive portfolio includes the vibrant blue lagoons of Malta, surfers at Wakiki Bay, Hawaii, and the amazing pink and orange salt lakes of San Francisco Bay. No matter the location, his photos reveal that a human love of water is present everywhere.
You can continue to see more of Hawkes' aerial photos on his website and Instagram.
Photographer Jason Hawkes celebrates the oceans, lakes, pools, and rivers of our world in a series of breathtaking aerial shots.

“The amazing colours of the salt lakes in san Francisco Bay.”

“Xerriex, Malta.”

“Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Yellowstone Park.”
His incredible, abstract views give viewers a sense of scale.

“Flooded housing, Surrey, England.”

“Island, Lismore, Scotland.”

“Enjoying the last of the days sun on a rooftop pool in Shoreditch, London.”

“The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.”

“Rows of housing and pools, Los Angeles, California.”

“Patterns of rowing boats, Serpentine, Hyde Park, London.”

“The amazing colours of the salt lakes in san Francisco Bay”

“Offhore windfarm, North Sea.”

“Whales and crowds of people, Sea World, Florida.”

“Families enjoying playing in the water at Diana Memorial Fountain, London.”
His photos reveal that a human love of water is present everywhere around the world.

“People swimming at the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta.”

“Surfers, Wakiki Bay.”

“Sea and beach, Honolulu.”

“Swimming pool, Central Park, New York.”

“Patterns of fish Farms in Loch Awe.”

“1200ft up over Television Centre, White City, with London’s newest rooftop pool.”