Drone fine art photograph — aerial photography by Xynn Tii

Those brutal, cold nights through the arrondissements of the French capital. I could never forget how it all started. Being rejected by 250 consecutive companies, and then recognized by a Jewish family known as the Levin’s who gave me a shot.

All I had was a budget and half-baked plan of capturing iconic destinations near River Sienne. But the moment I landed in Paris, my creative direction took over. I walked everywhere, capturing moments between that otherwise would go unnoticed.

21 years of age with mediocre camera equipment and no excuses given. My tunnel vision has always focused on making the most of any opportunity. To Fred, Martin, and Phillip, thank you for paying attention when everyone else ignored me.



Composition at the eastern façade of Musée du Louvre. Cute couples in the city.

Little brothers wrestling at the base of Tower de Eiffel. Those everyday moments.



Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle. Jardin Des Plantes symmetry at the exterior.

Naked trees have always been my favorite element of nature. They had my attention.



Invalides above. The Tower below. Dramatic clouds. Taking what Paris gave me.

“What are you up to?” “Oh, just playing basketball next to Eiffel Tower. NBD.”



The time I walked from my hotel to The Louvre at 3 in the morning. 10 Degrees.

The only way to capture this place without any people in the frame. Commitment.



Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Cloudy night. Freezing my fingers and toes off.

How dramatic do the naked trees make this frame, right? Could not get enough.



Institut de France. Palais Garnier. Cathédrale Notre Dame. Les Catacombes.

Underground cemetery was the highlight of the tour. Skeletons on skeletons.



Nighttime was by far the coldest time of day. But that def did not phase me.

Hiking up to Basilique du Sacré Cœur in the north was worth every footstep.



50mm. Irreplaceable

Eiffel, Meet Bokeh

Reflecting on how this all began in 2012 is what keeps me grounded. Executing on assignments, regardless of unforeseeable obstacles, is what keeps me a motivated. Discovering new challenging opportunities everyday is what keeps me hungry.

It is important to acknowledge those who helped pave the way for opportunity. Yet, it would be a tragedy for one not to also acknowledge their own work ethic and relentless persistence. Because without it, there would be no potential for opportunity.

Château de Chambord, you still remain on my bucket list for aerial photography.