If you don’t live in or near Rochester, N.Y., you may not have heard of John Kucko, but more than likely you’ve seen his pictures and drone photography. Like his picture of a lake house encased in ice, a viral sensation last March. If you live in Rochester, you know Kucko as the sportscaster on […]
If you don’t live in or near Rochester, N.Y., you may not have heard of John Kucko, but more than likely you’ve seen his pictures and drone photography.
Like his picture of a lake house encased in ice, a viral sensation last March.
If you live in Rochester, you know Kucko as the sportscaster on WROC, Nexstar’s CBS affiliate, where he’s been behind the desk covering sports for more than 25 years.
This behind-the-camera part of him is relatively new. “I needed to find a hobby,” said Kucko, “because I was such a workaholic in my sports career.”
So he bought a camera and stated taking pictures. Although he never took a photography course, people liked them and so he started a Facebook page, John Kucko Digital, more than a year ago and it took off.
“I go out and get the killer visual,” said Kucko.
These days, his killer visuals, whether they’re still photos or drone videos, have been seen on CBS News, ABC News, Good Morning America, USA Today, The Weather Channel and soon, Time magazine.
Although Kucko does not, as yet, have a commercial drone license, his drone videos are stunning.
“I’ve had some compelling shots with the drone, but I’m very responsible and careful flying it.”
Kucko expects to have his commercial drone license shortly. Until then, he allows outlets to use his work for free.
These days, on WROC, Kucko anchors the 4 p.m. news, which, after the news of the day is done, is digitally driven, a showcase for viewers’ photos and his own, a segment called “Kucko’s Corner.”
“People like the positive upbeat visuals,” said Kucko.
Kucko uses a Canon T6i, (a base model is about $600), which he said takes great video and captures still pictures in 24 megapixels.
Kucko said he’s been documenting erosion on Lake Ontario, “and it’s been getting a lot of attention and play.”
Another project that’s caught Kucko’s eye has been the rebuilding of a historic railroad bridge, using his drone to “get that unique perspective you can’t really get any other way.”
Kucko says he’s “just a traditional broadcast guy who’s embraced the digital era.”
Click here to read How John Kucko turned a sunrise picture into world-wide internet sensation.
Comments (0)
Reader Interactions