Capturing Art from Above: My Drone Video Experience at Red Rocks

By Chad Zellmer | Emmy-Winning DP + Drone Operator | June 2025

When you get an email that says, "We need a drone at Red Rocks for an art installation," your answer is pretty much always yes. This was my exciting opportunity to document something special.

Two months ago, I was contacted by Barbara Crawford, a professor and installation artist from Southern Virginia University. She was heading to Colorado with a team of student artists to create the first-ever installation art piece at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

“We want it documented from the air,” she said. “We want you to do it.”

📍 The Challenge

Red Rocks is sacred ground—not just for musicians, but also for filmmakers and drone pilots. It’s heavily protected, logistically complex, and visually unlike any other venue on earth. The challenges were abundant.

I only had:

• One hour of private access to the venue

• No crew to assist

• Limited communication from the incoming art team

• A tight post deadline

• A drone battery that wouldn’t forgive mistakes

  
  

These factors created a recipe for potential stress. However, they also fueled my determination to make this project successful.

🛠️ The Approach

Preparation was key to overcoming the challenges. I scouted the amphitheatre in advance to work out sightlines, flight paths, and safe takeoff zones. The installation—a large-scale woven sculpture—would be mounted on the amphitheatre's stairs, elegantly blending into the surrounding rock.

To ensure the visuals remained dynamic, I used various techniques while flying:

• Top-down patterns to illustrate scale

• Low glides through the benches for intimate perspectives

• Orbit shots to contrast the man-made art with the monumental venue

  
  

Barbara’s team provided behind-the-scenes footage, which was invaluable. I edited it into a final video that paired their process with my aerial shots. The result was a captivating product that felt both artful and documentary. This allowed the installation's story to unfold beautifully, showcasing the creativity behind the art piece.

The Importance of Preparation

Without thorough planning, the project could have easily fallen apart. I had to budget my time carefully. The limited hour of access meant that I had to maximize every minute. Preparatory work included:

• Assessing the sun's position for optimal lighting

• Mapping out different angles for various shots

• Familiarizing myself with the terrain

  
  

By putting in this groundwork, I ensured that my time during the actual shoot was efficient and productive.

🎯 The Result

The final piece was more than just a video; it was a visual narrative that captured the essence of both the installation and the venue. Highlights of the project included:

• Premiering at Southern Virginia University and Red Rocks' official archive

• Featuring in a regional art publication

• Helping secure future grants for Barbara’s traveling installation work

• Being, frankly, one of the most soulful projects I’ve ever flown

  
  

This project not only showcased the beauty of art but also emphasized the importance of collaboration between artists and filmmakers. By working together, we created something magical that resonated with audiences.

Here's a look at the final edit:👉 Watch the Red Rocks Installation Video

Conclusion

The experience of documenting an art installation at Red Rocks was a blend of challenges and triumphs. It served as a reminder of the creativity that can emerge when individuals come together for a common purpose. Drone photography offers a unique perspective, allowing us to see art in ways that often go unnoticed.

As we continue to explore new possibilities, I look forward to future collaborations that push boundaries and inspire awe. Whether it’s with artists, musicians, or other filmmakers, the sky is the limit. The beauty of creation thrives when different perspectives unite.

Every shoot presents its own unique set of challenges and creative opportunities. This project stands as a testament to what can happen when preparation meets creativity and passion.