Behind the Scenes: Filming Ian Lawson’s Book Launch at Rheged with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
This September, we had the exciting opportunity to capture footage of the book launch for Herdwick: A Portrait of Lakeland, Ian Lawson’s stunning visual journey through one notional year in the Lake District National Park. Held at the Rheged Centre, Cumbria, UK this event was not just a celebration of the book but a tribute to the Lakeland landscape, the iconic Herdwick sheep, and the harmony between man and nature that exists in this breathtaking region. To capture this unique moment, we brought along the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, allowing us to document the occasion from a fresh and creative perspective.
Ian Lawson’s ‘Herdwick: A Portrait of Lakeland’
Ian Lawson is a photographer known for his exceptional ability to capture the soul of landscapes and their people. His latest book, Herdwick: A Portrait of Lakeland, is a testament to this, documenting the life of Herdwick sheep and the human communities that care for them. The book follows the ebb and flow of seasons in the Lake District National Park, celebrating the deep-rooted connection between the landscape, its inhabitants, and the resilient Herdwick breed.
The event at Rheged marked the culmination of years of dedication and exploration, as Ian’s images presented an intimate portrait of Lakeland life. From sweeping mountain vistas to the close-up details of Herdwick sheep, the exhibition drew visitors into a world where nature and tradition are intertwined.
Filming with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
To truly do justice to the grandeur of the landscape and the atmosphere of the event, we chose to use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. Equipped with advanced camera features, including a Hasselblad sensor and enhanced low-light capabilities, the drone allowed us to capture both sweeping shots of the surroundings and close, intimate footage of the book launch itself.
The Mavic 3 Pro’s versatility shone through, especially as we maneuvered it around the Rheged Centre’s within the exhibition space. Its ability to record in 4K resolution ensured that every detail of the book launch.
Capturing the Atmosphere of Rheged and Lakeland
Rheged, a renowned arts centre and cultural hub, was the perfect backdrop for Ian Lawson’s exhibition. Its unique location at the edge of the Lake District National Park echoed the themes of the book. Filming inside Rheged posed certain challenges, particularly with lighting and space constraints, but the DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s agility and precision made it possible to capture a bird’s-eye view of the event without disruption.
We also took the opportunity to capture some of the surrounding landscapes of the Lake District, echoing the beauty documented in Lawson’s book. The combination of aerial shots and close-up details created a visual narrative that complemented the tone of Herdwick: A Portrait of Lakeland.
A Celebration of Lakeland’s Heritage
The event was more than a book launch; it was a celebration of the Lake District’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Ian Lawson’s work serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the enduring importance of the relationship between people, animals, and the land. Our internal filming at Rheged sought to reflect this message by capturing the essence of the event with the same care and attention to detail.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro enabled us to offer viewers a unique perspective, mirroring the majestic landscapes and intimate moments documented in Herdwick. Through the lens of this incredible piece of technology, we were able to share in the beauty, tradition, and sense of community that this launch – and Ian’s book – encapsulates.
Final Thoughts
Filming the book launch of Herdwick: A Portrait of Lakeland with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro was an inspiring experience. It allowed us to contribute to the storytelling of the event in a way that honoured the beauty of the Lake District and Ian Lawson’s artistic vision. As we continue to explore new technologies in capturing live events, we look forward to more opportunities to share such powerful stories with the world.
For those who have not yet, we highly recommend visiting the Rheged Centre and diving into Ian Lawson’s breathtaking work.

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