Framed from Above

Brad Walls Rises to New Heights

By Jordan Staggs | Photography by Brad Walls

“My work explores the intersection of movement, geometry, and space, capturing moments from above that reframe how we see the world, and ourselves, within it,” says visual artist Brad Walls. His work, often presented as highly choreographed aerial photography, yields striking images that are sharp, colorful, and, at times, slightly surreal. The precision and patterns within his photographs of athletes, architecture, landscapes, and models often lead viewers to question whether they’re looking at a photo or a painting.

“Through my work, I aim to create images that feel both structured and dreamlike, offering viewers not just something to look at, but something to step into,” Walls shares. “I design each composition with intention, often sketching and mapping scenes before a camera is even lifted. Whether I’m photographing dancers, swimmers, or architectural elements, I’m not documenting reality; I’m constructing visual rhythms that invite stillness and reflection.”

Born in Sydney, Australia, and now based in New York, Walls has garnered numerous awards for his unique works since he first started flying a drone over his hometown about eight years ago. His pieces have been featured in publications, galleries, and exhibitions worldwide, including in thirteen metro stations during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Viewers are also invited to delight in his debut photography book, Pools from Above, which was released in November 2022.

Mosaic

Most recently, Walls completed a very special project, which he says had been on his mind for years before he was able to see it come to fruition. Partnering with four professional ballet companies, he coordinated sixty dancers atop a massive red carpet within a vast NYC warehouse to shoot his mesmerizing 2025 series titled PASSÉ.

Visual artist Brad Walls | Photo by Rochelle Wallace

“I’m drawn to the elegance of order: the quiet structure within chaos, the symmetry hiding in human form, the beauty of repetition and restraint,” says Walls. Working with ballerinas, synchronized swimmers, and others allows the artist to explore the balance of tension and elegance that world-class athletes must learn to exhibit when they compete. Look for more from the PASSÉ series coming in VIE’s December 2025 issue!

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Visit BradsCanvas.com and follow @bradscanvas on Instagram to learn more and see more work by Brad Walls.