The Kite's-Eye View of Grinnell

Photos by David Montgomery, Sam Calisch, and Anders Ahlberg (all '10)

Did you ever wonder what the kite sees? Three Grinnell students — David Montgomery, Sam Calisch, and Anders Ahlberg (all '10) — were determined to find out. Their kite aerial photography rig captured some fascinating and beautiful images of the Grinnell campus, normally seen only by birds, bats, and insects. Here's a sample of their photos.

A later and much-improved version of the first camera-rig the team made. Both rigs were modeled on the Picavet cross, named after its inventor, Pierre Picavet.

A wintry view of campus from the north on Dec. 13, 2008. Anders Ahlberg, Sam Calisch, and David Montgomery (all ’10) can be seen on the far western edge of Mac Field.

Snowy kiting ... Montgomery, Calisch, and Ahlberg (left to right).

Campus with a dusting of snow ... Ahlberg, Montgomery, and Calisch (left to right) flying the kite and camera from Mac Field on Dec. 13, 2008.

View of Gates Tower, North Campus, and Mac Field, Oct 20, 2008.

Students relaxing under the kite on Mac Field ... Fall break, 2008.

North Campus at sunrise. Fall break, 2008.

North Campus at sunrise. Fall break, 2008.