In the vast realm of exploration, two seemingly disparate fields - molecular biology and drone photography - have found an unexpected connection. At first glance, one delves into the intricate study of biological molecules, while the other soars high above, capturing images through unmanned aerial vehicles. Yet, beneath the surface, a narrative of shared methodologies and conceptual parallels unfolds. 

Just ask Galveston resident and molecular biologist Michael Grimes - who professionally oversees a research laboratory while dedicating every available moment to capturing intricate landscapes and objects from stunning aerial perspectives.

 “I do my best to separate the two; working in research labs there is no real chance for the two to interact,” said Grimes, a biocontainment manager for Houston Methodist, which is comprised of a nationally recognized academic medical center, six community hospitals, a longterm acute care hospital, physician organization, research institute and a global health care organization.

 “Now, one cool thing, though, is I work in the Med Center, so it gives me a lot more opportunity to expand my drone photography to a much larger downtown environment. Since I always carry my drone with me, it’s not unusual for me to grab my bag and take my drone out during lunch to get some skyline photos.” 

 

While the subject matter of molecular biology and drone photography may differ significantly, the methodologies, technologies, and interdisciplinary nature of these fields create interesting parallels. Both contribute to our understanding of the world, whether at the molecular scale or from a new perspective in the skies. 

From the heavens, drones descend with a mission to capture intricate details, their high-resolution cameras and advanced imaging technologies ensuring clarity and precision. 

Simultaneously, molecular biologists delve into the minuscule realms, employing techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to visualize biological molecules at an atomic level, revealing the exquisite precision within cellular structures. 

When it comes to the worlds of molecular biology and drone photography, Grimes technology becomes the unifying foundation. 

“I love technology - I am naturally drawn to cool new tech - and to me drones are some of the coolest. I mean it’s like a remote-controlled car, but in the air,” said Grimes, who uses two drones: the DJI Mini 3 Pro, a versatile beginner drone with an impressive camera, discreet design, and long-lasting battery; and the DJI Avata Cinewhoop, which is his preferred choice for fun aerial maneuvers and creative video shots, ideal for exhilarating flights and potential stunts like barrel rolls and building dives. 

“My wife likes to joke that all it took for me to get into photography was for them to put a camera on a remotecontrolled helicopter. She wasn’t wrong.”

 Grimes seizes every opportunity to deploy his drone, capturing the exquisite natural beauty of his cherished residence, Galveston Island. His aerial perspective, akin to that of seagulls and other airborne creatures, offers a unique glimpse of scenic surroundings. “Having lived on the island the majority of my life I felt that I just wanted to see all these places that I have always seen from a different perspective,” said Grimes, an FAA certified drone pilot.

 “I want to get more ability to get shots of hard-to-fly places - Moody Gardens during Christmas would be amazing, and I really want to get photos of the Colonel Paddlewheel moving through Offatts Bayou. I also would love to follow the duck tours in the same area. Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark would be really cool to fly around. Just the way the different slides are setup would make for great topdown shots. I am also going to start venturing out more to the west end of the island,” he said.

 

 “Beyond that, the island has a natural beauty that just begs to be captured and it is never the same, so I have an endless number of amazing possibilities.” 

Two drone opportunities he’s experienced, in particular, continue to resonate with him.

 “First would be last year’s Mardi Gras. After many years of volunteering to be one of the drivers in the parade, I am fully aware of the path taken and exactly where they stage and how they stage the floats. So, I was able to stay ahead and get some really cool shots,” he said, adding the overhead video he captured helped increase traffic on his Facebook page, 409 Dronegraphy (Galveston’s local area code is 409) and interest in his drone photography work. “That bump of endorphin from people liking and being interested in my pictures was a great feeling.” 

Another favorite of his is Galveston’s Parade of Sail, part of the three-day “Tall Ships Challenge,” an annual series of tall ship races and maritime port festivals in April that rotate among the Atlantic Coast, Great Lakes, Pacific Coast and now the Gulf Coast.

 The event typically involves the gathering of tall ships, which are large sailing vessels with multiple masts and traditionally rigged sails. These ships often harken back to the era of sailing ships and are known for their majestic appearance and historical significance. 

“It was a perfect day, everything was great. My pics turned out wonderful, everything just worked out so well that day. I was flying over the Gulf getting awesome pictures of tall ships while standing shin deep in the water; a perfect island moment for me.” 

But the highlight, he said, was finding out that Captain Jan Miles, senior captain of the legendary Pride of Baltimore II - who in 2013 was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Tall Ships America - used one of Grimes’ photos for his personal blog, The Old Salt Blog. 

“It really felt like a cool moment.” 

As an FAA-certified drone pilot, Grimes has a better shot at being granted access to controlled airspace - which includes areas where air traffic control services are provided - at or below 400 feet above ground level, or AGL. 

“Normally, anything within five miles of an airport is a big no-no yet having a Part 107 gives me more leeway with gaining access to fly in those areas through the LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability).” 

The primary constraint on the island is the five-mile radius surrounding Scholes International Airport at Galveston. Initially established as Galveston Municipal Airport in 1931 and officially dedicated on May 14, 1932, the airfield underwent expansion in 1942 to serve the U.S. Army during World War II . After three years, the federal government deactivated the airport and handed it over to the City of Galveston. 

Designated by the FAA as a General Aviation Reliever Airport, Scholes International Airport now accommodates various activities, including private aviation, corporate travel, and air taxi operations. 

 

“On an island this small, five miles takes up a lot of the main parts of the city. Basically, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is the eastern border of the controlled airspace, and Spanish Grant Beach Neighborhood is the western border,” he said.

 “Everything in between is mostly zero-foot altitudecontrolled airspace - which means there is no flight allowed higher than zero feet off the ground.” 

It’s imperative - and beneficial to everyone - that drone operators have a working knowledge about things like airspace, how weather affects the flight, how manned aircraft takeoff and land at an airport, etcetera, he said. “It really helps understand that there is a whole lot more than you think going on up there, and it makes for a much safer drone pilot.” 

In addition to airspace restrictions, the island features a multitude of helipads, and helicopters frequently operate at low altitudes. Although not explicitly classified as limitations, these factors should be taken into consideration, he said. 

Additionally, there are specific areas on the island that are restricted, including the U.S. Coast Guard base, correctional facilities, and “unfortunately,” the ports. 

“I say unfortunately, because that limits some of the ability to fly around the docked cruise ships - though as long as you stay over the water, it’s okay. Other than the area around the airport and the various restricted areas, the island is in uncontrolled airspace.”

 Though he has no prior experience in photography, Grimes’ combination of technical skills, attention to detail, patience, and creativity contribute to his ability to capture wellcomposed photographic pictures. These skills, when applied to the art of photography, result in compelling and visually engaging images, a discovery he had not expected. 

“I remember the first time I posted some drone pictures in one of the drone groups I was in, and I asked their opinion, ecause I was new, and this was the first time I’d ever posted anything and the response was ‘you may be new to drones, but you definitely have a photography background,’ which I absolutely did not,” he said. 

“Things like that are encouraging, and, honestly, they push me to try harder, so I have just kept moving forward, learning new things and trying them out, if I mess it up, it’s ‘oh well just try again.’ This is not my job; I am having fun, and I will keep it that way.” 

His inherent interest and in-depth research into the world of aerial photography has yielded positive results, and his videos have captured a lot of attention. 

“As I started getting more confidence in flying my drone and editing the photos and videos, I would randomly post them to different social media sites, but not anything that I could tell people to follow or find me,” he said. 

“So, I started a Facebook page, and I started sharing, and I think it was the best thing I could have done; it has really pushed me to learn more, get better, try more, and with it came new questions like, ‘Do you do roof inspections? Do you do real estate? Can I buy that picture?’”

 With his FAA certification, the sky’s the limit. The spirit of collaboration is another common thread linking his two seemingly distinct interests. Microbiologists join forces with experts in biochemistry, genetics, and ecology, creating a symphony of disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms. 

In the world of drone photography, collaboration extends its reach, as hobbyists and professionals share their knowledge and expertise.

 “I have to say there is a really great community out there, with so many people involved in every facet of drones, and all of them are always willing to help out. The island is full of amazing photographers. I am very much a novice in comparison,” he said. 

“We have an amazing community here on the island and a growing group of photographers are utilizing drones and their many years of experience to show off the absolute beauty of the island and build excitement and hype for the island. People like Toby Dawson (Toby Dawson Photography), David James (Heavy Haul Photography), and Waters Edge Digital Photography (Stephen Thompson and Nikki Andrus) are out there finding new places to fly and getting great unique shots of the island.” 

Similar to the realm of scientific exploration, progress and advancements occur as individuals build upon the work of their colleagues, leveraging each other’s contributions to achieve remarkable heights. 

“Because of them and many others, we can build off each other and continue to grow and get better with each and every shot,” Grimes said. “At the end of the day, the island wins.” 

To see more of Michael Grimes’ drone photography, visit his Facebook page, 409 Dronegraphy