25-05-2025
Drone photographer's unique view helps with depression
About 12 months ago, Brett Williams picked up a camera drone for the first time. Before this he had never even owned a camera.
A member of the Leader Camera Club Facebook group, the 52-year-old, from Mold, began to share his aerial images on social media of locations from across the county.
He often has a positive message behind his shots - recent images and videos have been in support of the fire service and British farmers - and as time went on, had a strong urge to share them.
There has been a learning curve in using the drone, including being a responsible operator. This has included applying for permission to fly in restricted airspace, such as around Hawarden Airport.
What initially began as a hobby, has become much more to Brett, who is a carer for his wife Carrie Williams.
Drone photographer, Brett Williams. (Image: Brett Williams)
He said: "It's all completely new to me but I've found a bit of a release in flying the drones.
"I've put in quite a bit of time to learn to control it, for safety if nothing else.
"I enjoy the flying and the photos. The purpose now is through the images, to bring people together, sharing with those who can't get out.
"My drone is a little heart in the sky. There's power in a photograph. It's about building people up in a different world, people over likes."
Brett, who has struggled with depression since his teens, has found some peace in his new creative interest.
He said: "Depression has been a blight on my life but photography has been the best medicine.
"Part of my motivation is to lift someone with a photo, and the support has been brilliant."
One recent image was of Mold Cemetery, called Our Shared Loss. Brett had asked on social media for people's thoughts before attempting it, not wanting to be disrespectful but the overwhelming response was a positive 'yes'.
Our Shared Loss (Mold Cemetery). Photo: Brett Williams
Of this image, he said: "I felt a deep sense of sadness on a recent flight over this cemetery, thinking about the pain of loss felt by all the people who had lost loved ones.
"Something we all have to face but at least we can support one another when it happens. Love to all."
His bird's eye view of everyday places have proved a hit. An initial fun subject matter was roundabouts, and Brett began getting requests from driving instructors for certain ones, using the unique view to help teach students. Brett has now compiled a file of roundabouts specifically for driving instructors.
His perfectly framed shots are more than just the image he sees on the drone.
Brett added: "I try to pack in as much as I can about each photo, there has to be more to a picture.
"I feel a photo, I'm guided by emotion."
• To see more from Brett, and group members from across the region, visit the Leader Camera Club Facebook page.
