Early on in the digital camera era, I figured out there was something intoxicating about taking a decent picture. 

My Olympus camera took pictures that were startling in their color and clarity. The idea that I wasn’t limited to a few dozen photos that may or may not turn out (for a small ransom and a big delay) awakened a creative impulse I didn’t know I had.

A few months ago, a stroll through Costco had the same effect.

No, I didn’t yearn for a lifetime’s supply of Bisquik, appealing as that might be. Instead, I saw a drone. An affordable drone, to be more precise.

To be honest, I’ve wanted one for a while. I passed time during the pandemic watching drone videos of faraway places. The HD footage was impressive; getting lost in pristine landscapes was a vicarious thrill. 

What I saw in Costco led me to research what drones cost and what my budget could get. Long story short: I could get something worth having. 

A new hobby was born.

A few years after starting with a point-and-shoot Olympus, I moved up to a hobbyist Nikon DSLR. And then to an even better one.

I took a few shots I’m proud of, but I loved getting out and working on finding and taking pictures just as much.

So I’m not surprised that shortly after starting with my drone, I’ve gotten deep into flying. I’ve taken some decent pictures and videos. Just as importantly, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of flying it.

About four months after buying a drone, I’ve taken and passed the Part 107 drone test with the FAA (with a 92 percent score). I’ve learned about aviation, weather and all that goes into a world I’ve never really explored. Now I’m looking forward to getting my drone out, seeing my world in a new way and enjoying the work that always goes into creating something meaningful.