Stunning Aerial Photos Reveal the Natural Human Connection with Water

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“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.

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Xerriex, Malta.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Yellowstone Park.”

His incredible, abstract views give viewers a sense of scale.

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Flooded housing, Surrey, England.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Island, Lismore, Scotland.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Offhore windfarm, North Sea.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“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.

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Surfers, Wakiki Bay.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Sea and beach, Honolulu.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Swimming pool, Central Park, New York.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

“Patterns of fish Farms in Loch Awe.”

Aerial Photos of Water by Jason Hawkes

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

Jason Hawkes: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jason Hawkes.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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