The Sky is Her Canvas: Joanna L. Steidle's Journey to Redefining Drone Photography
In the dynamic frontier of aerial photography, where cutting-edge technology meets artistic expression, Joanna L. Steidle stands as a transformative figure. One of only ten female DJI Creators worldwide, her evolution from single mother to acclaimed aerial artist exemplifies the potency of unwavering dedication. Her distinctive approach melds technical precision with an artist’s sensitivity, reshaping the possibilities of drone photography.
The power of her vision crystallized in her recent triumph at the 2024 Siena Drone Photography Awards with “The Gateway”—a masterful capture of a spinner shark piercing through a school of menhaden. This image, simultaneously dramatic and elegant, showcases Steidle’s exceptional ability to seize fleeting moments of natural drama from unprecedented perspectives, establishing her as a pioneering force in aerial artistry.
In an exclusive conversation, Steidle revealed the layers beneath her work: her profound connection to the Hamptons’ coastal landscapes, her innovative technical methods, and her commitment to environmental storytelling. She emerges not merely as a photographer but as a visual poet who harnesses advanced technology to unveil nature’s hidden narratives, bridging the divide between human observation and natural wonder.
From Dreams to Drones: A Journey Born of Determination
Steidle’s foray into aerial photography was born from a potent mix of unwavering determination and meticulous planning. Reflecting on her beginnings, a quiet strength resonates in her words: “At 21, a single mom, the dream of flight felt impossibly distant.” But instead of letting her circumstances confine her, she pursued her passion with calculated precision.
Unable to become a pilot, Steidle pivoted to drone technology. Her journey began with a deliberate choice to master the basics before tackling more advanced equipment. “I started with a simple, non-automated drone,” she recounts, describing her early experiences learning flight control, enduring crashes, and acquiring the technical know-how to rebuild – each setback fueling her growing expertise.
The watershed moment arrived in 2016 when she acquired her first camera-equipped drone. “That inaugural capture remains eternally vivid in my memory,” Steidle reflects, her eyes lighting up as she describes the scene: a lighthouse lantern room emerging from the morning mist, silhouetted against an unexpected sunrise, with a fishing trawler completing the composition. “In that singular moment, as I gazed at that image, I experienced an absolute clarity – this was more than just a photograph; it was a calling, a path forward that would define my artistic journey.”
Finding Beauty in the Familiar: The Hamptons Through New Eyes
Steidle’s work showcases a masterful eye for composition, honed through years of dedication to Long Island’s unique landscapes. Her top-down perspectives reveal hidden textures and abstract patterns, turning marshlands, coastlines, and farmlands into works of art.
“Our landscape presents an intriguing paradox,” she said. “While we lack dramatic vertical elements like mountains, this flatness pushes me to find beauty in subtler forms.” Seasonal changes also play a crucial role in her work, with winter’s long shadows offering stark contrasts, and spring’s vibrant renewal providing endless inspiration.
A Spiritual Connection to Nature
For Steidle, photography is more than a visual art form – it’s a spiritual practice. “My relationship with nature transcends mere observation,” she said. “Every sense becomes heightened: the warmth of sunlight, the texture of sand, the symphony of waves and birdsong.”
Steidle begins each session with quiet reflection, asking Mother Nature to guide her to the images that need to be shared with the world. This reverence shapes her artistic process, which combines meticulous planning with intuition. Her method involves conducting 360-degree surveys of landscapes, carefully analyzing recordings to identify compositions that capture the interplay of light, shadow, and texture.
Moments That Transform
When asked about the most transformative moment in her career, Steidle recalled her first whale sighting, an encounter that continues to profoundly shape her perspective.
“After years of flying and months of dedicated searching that season, spotting the magnificent creature felt visceral,” she said. “Goosebumps raised across my skin, the hair on my neck stood up, and my hands trembled with excitement.”
Following strict ethical guidelines, she maintained a respectful distance of at least 100 feet, using her drone’s sophisticated zoom capabilities to capture intimate footage without disturbing the whale. At 150 feet up, her drone became a speck in the vast ocean expanse.
What made this moment particularly captivating was the delicate dance of tracking the whale as it submerged. “Watching for its distinctive white pectoral fins beneath the surface became an intricate process of observation and anticipation,” she explained. “Even when the whale disappeared from view, these ghostly white markers guided us until it resurfaced.”
This moment of pure connection with the ocean’s most majestic inhabitants remains one of the pinnacles of her career, blending technical skill with deep respect for the natural world.
The Ripple Effect of Global Recognition
Being named a “Global Woman to Watch” marked a turning point in Steidle’s career, connecting her with WAD—headquartered in Chicago but serving women around the world—who champion emerging talent. This recognition sparked new opportunities, including her role as a DJI creator, and led to features in Forbes and international publications.
“It created a cascade effect,” Steidle shared, “prompting me to expand my horizons globally while deepening my connection to local art communities.” Inspired by the support she received, Steidle is now committed to mentoring others, fostering a cycle of empowerment that nurtures both individual and community growth.
Mentorship and Advocacy in the Drone Community
As one of only ten female DJI Creators globally, Steidle views her role as both a privilege and a responsibility. “My journey has been shaped by the generosity of others who mentored me,” she said. “Now, I feel a profound responsibility to pay it forward.”
She mentors aspiring drone photographers, helping them navigate challenges like flight controls, spatial awareness, and creative composition. Steidle believes in breaking down the steep learning curve that often discourages newcomers, ensuring the next generation of aerial artists can thrive.
FPV Technology: A New Artistic Frontier
Steidle’s exploration of First Person View (FPV) technology has transformed her approach to aerial photography. Using FPV goggles, she sees through the “eyes” of the drone, enabling dynamic and immersive cinematography.
“FPV allows for fighter jet-like maneuverability,” she said, “threading through natural features with unprecedented precision.” This technology opens up endless creative possibilities while requiring rigorous safety practices, like working with skilled visual observers.
Navigating Drone Regulations with Professionalism
Steidle emphasizes the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of drone operation regulations. As a certified commercial remote pilot, she maintains her Part 107 certification through biennial renewals, adapting to technological advancements and regulatory changes that shape the industry. “Understanding airspace restrictions is crucial,” she said, referencing everything from temporary flight restrictions to differing rules across county parks, city parks, and national seashores. Each new location presents unique challenges, requiring thorough research and preparation.
Steidle also underscores the importance of operating with proper liability insurance and business registration, noting that professionalism isn’t just about compliance – it’s about recognizing the inherent unpredictability of working with sophisticated equipment. “By adhering to these standards, we can continue to push creative boundaries while ensuring the highest level of safety and responsibility,” she said.
Drones as Tools for Environmental Storytelling
Steidle sees drone technology as a powerful tool for conservation and scientific research. Collaborating with environmental organizations and marine biologists, she uses drones to document ecological challenges and reveal patterns that are invisible from the ground.
From tracking beetle infestations in forests to capturing aerial footage of marine life, Steidle’s work highlights the transformative potential of drones. “These innovations are not just changing how we observe nature,” she said, “but fundamentally transforming our approach to conservation research.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Artistic and Advocacy Impact
As Steidle looks to the future, her aspirations include advancing her storytelling skills through film and collaborating on global conservation projects. Her involvement in initiatives like the Vital Impact print sale, which supports indigenous communities, reflects her commitment to using drone photography for meaningful change.
Exciting new ventures, including film collaborations and partnerships with Women and Drones, promise to push the boundaries of her creative vision. “I’m driven by the desire to reveal perspectives that most people never experience,” she said. “These unique viewpoints inspire a deeper appreciation for our world’s natural wonders.”
Epilogue: The Legend of a Sky Artist
Joanna L. Steidle’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and advocacy. From her humble beginnings to becoming an award-winning drone photographer and environmental storyteller, her work is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our world. Through her lens, the sky truly becomes a canvas, revealing the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.