In Autumn 2021 the Civil Service Cricket Club (based in the Phoenix Park) reached out looking for aerial photos of their sports ground. The Phoenix Park has multiple sections of prohibited air space also referred to as a ‘No Fly Zone’. We knew early on that it was going to be challenging to get permission to fly there. But we were also really excited about the opportunity to capture the beautiful park from above!

We began our application as usual with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). We received a phone call from a Garda enquiring about the shoot. That week, our office was visited by two plain clothes detectives. They were very nice asked about our plans for the material captured and the flight itself. They took copies of our IDs and took note of our personal details for a background check. Another few days later we got their approval for the flight. Lastly, we contacted the OPW who run the park. We shared the approvals from the IAA and the Gardaí and they gave us the final greenlight.

It was so worth it. We got lucky with the sunrise and took some incredible photographs of the city with the Wellington Monument, some great shots of the Phoenix Park and some great images of the sports club too. Our client was more than happy with the results. We are especially proud of the image that shows the length of the Liffey from Heuston Station and Guinness all the way to Poolbeg and the lighthouse beyond. A great shoot with fantastic results!