Prepare to see Birmingham like never before! Aerial photography has unveiled a hidden side of this city, and it's absolutely breathtaking. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: these stunning images, captured by a drone, challenge the way we perceive urban landscapes. In his latest book, Birmingham: A Drone's Eye View, photographer Jonathan Berg takes readers on an unprecedented journey, starting from the bustling city center and soaring over the sprawling suburbs. Berg reveals that this unique perspective was decades in the making. 'Since the 1990s, I've been determined to capture Birmingham from above,' he shares, recalling his early attempts to charter planes for the perfect shot. 'Drones have revolutionized my craft, allowing me to showcase the city's true essence.'
What makes this project particularly compelling is its timing. Amidst mixed media portrayals, Berg's work celebrates Birmingham as an inclusive, vibrant metropolis full of surprises. But this is the part most people miss: his journey began in 1994 with Positively Birmingham, a book that defied industry skepticism. 'A London publisher once told me a coffee table book about Birmingham wouldn’t sell,' Berg recalls. Undeterred, he and his wife remortgaged their home, raising £20,000 to self-publish. The city rallied behind him, and the book sold out 5,000 copies in just nine months. Is Birmingham truly an underdog city, or has its charm simply been overlooked?
Berg’s dedication goes beyond photography; each book sale supports Sifa Fireside, a local homelessness charity, raising £42,000 to date. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can art like this reshape public perception of a city, and if so, what responsibility do artists have in that process? Published by Positively Birmingham (https://www.positivelybirmingham.co.uk/), Birmingham: A Drone's Eye View isn’t just a collection of images—it’s a love letter to a city that deserves to be seen in a new light. What’s your take? Does Birmingham’s aerial beauty challenge your preconceptions? Let’s discuss in the comments!
