A popular trendwith drone operators this past Independence day was capturing fireworks displays with their drones. After watching a few videos, I have to say the unique perspective is stunning. That being said, I’m fairly sure not all of the video was captured legally. I can’t recommend you try this at home folks, at least not without first checking your local drone laws and regulations.

This past weekend Christopher Kao and his girlfriend, Alexis Kim, were inspired to “walk across the [Ben Franklin] bridge after having shot drone footage of the fireworks near the bridge,” said Kao.

Spending his first summer in the City of Brotherly Love, the FAA Part 107 certified commercial drone pilot wanted to show his family some of the firework displays “in the nation’s most historic city.”

“We really wanted to showcase Philadelphia’s amazing fourth of July events,” said Kao, who captured the Wawa Welcome America 4th of July Fireworks show with his camera-equipped drone and the help of fellow Penn student, Matt Mizbani.

Aerial photographer and software engineer captures stunning views of Philadelphia