So let me preface my blog by stating I am by no means an expert about the topic of aerial photography. I've been dabbling with aerial photography using my drone, but that is different from flying in an airplane or helicopter. I like many others, only experience with shooting aerial photography is through the window of a 747, flying at altitudes exceeding 35,000 feet (10,000 meters) and racing across the planet in excess of 500 mph (800 kph). I've always been enthusiastic about aerial photography, but renting a helicopter/plane has been cost prohibitive. I've been able to capture some beautiful shots with my drone, that I wouldn't have been able to get otherwise. My drone has been the next best thing for aerial shots, until recently, I was given the opportunity to fly with an associate. This gave me an excellent opportunity to do what I've been dreaming about doing, aerial photography from high in the sky.
So I set out with camera in hand and took what I thought would give me the best chance to capture some quality photographs, my camera, and a 28-135mm image stabilizing zoom lens. I also added my circular polarizing filter. Although I've read about aerial photography I have now been given the opportunity to put in practice what I learned. With that said, I'm not to the point where I will commit to buying all the gadgets used by aerial photographers, such as a Gimbal or Gyro, but it has peaked my interest.
My first flight, using the old expression, was, "flying by the seat of my pants". The first "Lesson Learned" was, I made the correct choice to use a polarizing filter and image stabilizing zoom lens. The 28-135 was more than sufficient. Unfortunately the co-pilot window was out of commission, so I couldn't open it. Although this was a drawback, it definitely was not a show stopper. I was able to overcome the glare from the window and sunlight with the use of a polarizing filter; and by placing the lens as close to the window as possible. See results shown in the photograph below.
We set out early morning with the intention of circling the island and just shooting at will. The second "Lesson Learned" was, as with land photography the time of day and the position of the sun is critical to capturing a good shot. So if I was shooting a specific location the position of the sun would dictate the time of the shoot. I use an App called The Photographers Ephemeris This will tell you the time the sun rises/sets, the direction, and also give the same information about the moon. Overall it's a very useful App for photographers.
In my opinion, Position and Composition are the foundation of an excellent photograph. My third "Lesson Learned" as stated, the pilot will get you in a good position, but then it is up to the photographer to compose the shot. I like the composition and positioning of the above photograph. I didn't include too much sky which placed the mountain range at the top of the picture. I also included more water to show the relationship between ground and air.
As you can see you can walk away with some really nice shots with a little thought and planning. As always I welcome your comments. I will post Part II next week.
So I set out with camera in hand and took what I thought would give me the best chance to capture some quality photographs, my camera, and a 28-135mm image stabilizing zoom lens. I also added my circular polarizing filter. Although I've read about aerial photography I have now been given the opportunity to put in practice what I learned. With that said, I'm not to the point where I will commit to buying all the gadgets used by aerial photographers, such as a Gimbal or Gyro, but it has peaked my interest.
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| Photo Credit: Benjamin Haueter |
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| North Shore Oahu |
In my opinion, Position and Composition are the foundation of an excellent photograph. My third "Lesson Learned" as stated, the pilot will get you in a good position, but then it is up to the photographer to compose the shot. I like the composition and positioning of the above photograph. I didn't include too much sky which placed the mountain range at the top of the picture. I also included more water to show the relationship between ground and air.
As you can see you can walk away with some really nice shots with a little thought and planning. As always I welcome your comments. I will post Part II next week.
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