Capturing the World from Above with Drone Photographer, Mark Burstein

For many travelers, photography is a way to document memories—but for our very own Storyteller, Mark Burstein, it’s a way to unlock entirely new perspectives.

What initially began as a backpacking adventure through the Philippines quickly evolved into a deep passion for drone photography, allowing Mark to showcase landscapes in breathtaking, cinematic ways. Having traveled to 26 countries and counting, his work offers a unique glimpse into the world from above, showcasing beauty, depth, and scale that traditional photography often can’t contest. Let's dive into Mark's journey and see the world through his lens.

MUDRA LOVE: Can you share a little bit about your background and how you got into drone photography?

MARK BURSTEIN: My journey into drone photography started with my love for travel. I bought my first drone to capture my first backpacking trip through the Philippines where I spent a month exploring. That trip changed everything—it made me realize how much a new perspective can transform the way we see the world. Since then, I’ve been hooked on capturing landscapes from above.

MUDRA LOVE: What intrigues you about drone photography that perhaps you can't capture with a regular camera?

MARK BURSTEIN: It’s all about perspective—seeing places from an angle that’s impossible to experience on foot. Drone photography allows me to showcase landscapes in a way that feels both surreal and cinematic, offering a sense of scale and depth that a regular camera just can’t achieve.

MUDRA LOVE: Can you name the destinations you have captured thus far?

MARK BURSTEIN: The list is long! So far, I’ve traveled to 26 countries and counting. My top three? Iceland, Norway, and Australia—each offers landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet.

MUDRA LOVE: What's on your bucket list?

MARK BURSTEIN: New Zealand in spring for the lupine season, Japan and Patagonia in autumn for the fall foliage, and a classic USA road trip to explore the hidden gems across the country.

MUDRA LOVE: Is your medium a form of self-expression? Are you trying to tell a story or gain knowledge/understanding of something?

MARK BURSTEIN: For me, drone photography is like treasure hunting. I research locations, plan for the perfect lighting and conditions, and then set out to capture something that reflects how I experienced that place in the moment. It’s both a creative process and a way to document the beauty of the world in a way that invites people to see it differently.

MUDRA LOVE: What are some challenges you've faced in developing your craft? How have you worked through them?

MARK BURSTEIN: Weather is the biggest challenge. You can predict it, but you can’t control it. I’ve learned to adjust my schedule when necessary, and in the worst-case scenario, I mark that spot for a return trip. Some locations are worth the wait.

MUDRA LOVE: Are there some new skill sets you're looking to adopt or improve?

MARK BURSTEIN: I’m currently working on FPV drone flying to create more immersive experiences. It adds a whole new level of movement and storytelling to my footage.

MUDRA LOVE: Can you share a little about what it's like working for Ember Media? How do you help clients tell their story? What is your guiding philosophy when working with others?

MARK BURSTEIN: I love working for Ember Media—we have an incredible, creative team that covers all aspects of marketing and storytelling. My approach is always to understand a client’s brand and background first, then use my skills to tell their story in a way that’s visually engaging and meaningful.

MUDRA LOVE: If you could have one superhero power, what would it be and why?

MARK BURSTEIN: Teleportation—hands down. Imagine being able to wake up in Patagonia, have lunch in Tokyo, and end the day under the Northern Lights in Alaska. No long-haul flights, just pure adventure!

MUDRA LOVE: What's next for you? What are you excited about?

MARK BURSTEIN: I have an exciting lineup of trips ahead! Alaska for the aurora season in March, New Zealand in the fall (their spring), Australia for New Year’s, and hopefully a road trip through Oregon and Washington in the summer.