Flying high and snow-ing off, Galveston drone photographer captures history While residents were out enjoying a rare snow day on the island, local drone photographer Michael Grimes was capturing the scene from a bird's-eye view. Armed with his drone and a mix of an artist's vision and a heart for Galveston, Grimes, the founder of 409 Dronegraphy, spent the day documenting the snow-covered streets, landmarks, and neighborhoods of Galveston, offering his perspective on the winter wonderland. Among his shots were images of the Pleasure Pier and Bishop’s Palace, but his focus extended beyond the landmarks. “I wanted to capture the neighborhoods — people love being able to say, ‘Hey, I can see my house from here.’” The day wasn’t without challenges. Strong winds set off drone alarms, threatening to derail his plans. “I thought, ‘Please don’t crash!’” Grimes recalled. Despite the rough weather, he managed to capture breathtaking shots of the island cloaked in snow, a scene not seen since 2004. “The snow added this rare, moody vibe,” Grimes said. “It wasn’t sunny, but that’s what made it special. It was cold, yet the energy from people out playing made it feel warm.” This versatility has led to a range of projects, from event coverage to inspections. He even once captured a wedding, although he admits, “I don’t normally do weddings!” The response to his snow day photos has been overwhelming. “People are calling this a once-in-a-decade event, and the reaction to the pictures has been incredible,” Grimes said. Beyond the buzz, the demand for his photography has grown, prompting him to fast-track the development of his website, 409Dronegraphy.com. For now, Grimes shares his work on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. His goal is to showcase the beauty of Galveston year-round. “Galveston is great in the summer and the winter. Yesterday felt like a festival with so many people out enjoying the snow,” he said. As the city relishes its winter moment, Grimes continues to explore new ways to capture and share the island’s unique charm. “It’s encouraging to see the community come together like this,” he said. “I’m just happy to be part of it.”

Posted by i45NOW Eduardo at 2025-01-22 20:12:24 UTC