These days, to be a good photographer requires being a good pilot too.

Aspiring lensmen can use drones to take beautiful, high-definition photos from heights that were once impossible to reach.

Flat lay Singapore shots

Willy Chandra, 29, has learned how to fly a drone like a true pro.

His photographs have a unique aesthetic -- taking well-known locations in Singapore and turning them into unfamiliar scenes of eerie beauty.

They are the more ambitious flat lay shots.

"I've been involved in photography since 2012, using a DSLR camera at first. I then bought a drone in October 2016 and started learning how to control it. In 2017, I started taking proper photographs with the drone," said Chandra, speaking to Mothership.

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Sci-fi feel

Drone photographs are all the rage, but Chandra's photos could pass as concept art for a sci-fi movie.

Singapore's architecture and landscape have been used for sci-fi movies before, providing inspiration for the planet Xandar in Guardians of the Galaxy and the Nicholas Hoult/ Kristen Stewart dystopian film Equals.

However, Chandra himself is not a sci-fi fan.

"I just took photos of whatever I think looks unique and beautiful to myself," he said.

Takes minutes to set up a shot

Setting up a good shot takes just five minutes, if he's familiar with the location.

For a new area, Chandra can spend up to 15 minutes getting everything ready for a nice shot, depending on the weather.

Chandra hails from the city of Pematangsiantar in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, but he has been living and working in Singapore for the past six years.

He cites the Malaysian photographer Danny Xeero as one of his influences, who also takes breathtaking landscape shots.

Drones open up new ways

The way Chandra sees it, drones have opened up a whole new world for photographers.

"(Drones) are quite nice to have. I can enjoy a live view which I can't (normally) see with my own eyes, and share it with other people."

You can see Chandra's photographs at his Instagram page here, or visit his website here.

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Top image courtesy of Willy Chandra