One of the most enjoyable experiences in my life was photographing four of the eight major Hawaiian Islands from the sky. This is the second part of my two part blog about Lessons Learned while photographing aerial shots from an airplane. If you missed my first blog click on the following link: (Part I) My second flight provided me with more lessons which I will use if there is the opportunity for a third flight.
My fourth "Lesson Learned", Although equipment is important, equally important is hiring a pilot that has some understanding about photography or has had exposure to photography. The pilot must be able to fly from an angle that will put you the photographer, in a good position to compose your photograph. I was fortunate to have such a pilot.
The fifth "Lesson Learned", I mentioned in (Part I ) this reinforces my premise, unlike the first flight, as seen in the above photograph, there is a small window which allowed me to open and get clear shots without an additional layer of glass. This is especially important because sometimes the glass is scratched or is hazy or fogged because of years of exposure to the sun. Another thought, with a nice lens you want to minimize having something between your lens glass and the subject/object you are shooting. However, there are exceptions such as a polarizing filter or neutral density filter, to enhance color or reduce the amount of light. I personally don't use a UV filter to protect my lens. This is a personal choice and I assume the risk of the glass on the lens getting scratched.
Sixth and final "Lesson Learned", use a fast shutter speed, remember you are in a moving object and the longer the exposure, your subject will blur. Unless that is your intention, you will be disappointed when you return and begin post processing. It is best to photograph the subject at a 45 degree angle or better. This is easily accomplished in a helicopter with the doors off or open. More difficult in an airplane. Also a helicopter, unlike an airplane, can hover.
One final thought, in my case the plane was small and space was tight. So I would recommend bring along gear you think will be absolutely necessary to accomplish your task. If your are in a larger plane or helicopter then you can add what you think you will be able to use. Keep in mind if your are paying by the hour you may not be able to use all the gear you lug along. My policy, if I bring it along I must use it. I hope you find my tips useful and as always comments are welcome. I have a few more blogs lined up in the queue, so check back. Aloha!
My fourth "Lesson Learned", Although equipment is important, equally important is hiring a pilot that has some understanding about photography or has had exposure to photography. The pilot must be able to fly from an angle that will put you the photographer, in a good position to compose your photograph. I was fortunate to have such a pilot.
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| Photo Credit: Ben Haueter |
Sixth and final "Lesson Learned", use a fast shutter speed, remember you are in a moving object and the longer the exposure, your subject will blur. Unless that is your intention, you will be disappointed when you return and begin post processing. It is best to photograph the subject at a 45 degree angle or better. This is easily accomplished in a helicopter with the doors off or open. More difficult in an airplane. Also a helicopter, unlike an airplane, can hover.
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| Photo Credit: Danny L. Baker |
One final thought, in my case the plane was small and space was tight. So I would recommend bring along gear you think will be absolutely necessary to accomplish your task. If your are in a larger plane or helicopter then you can add what you think you will be able to use. Keep in mind if your are paying by the hour you may not be able to use all the gear you lug along. My policy, if I bring it along I must use it. I hope you find my tips useful and as always comments are welcome. I have a few more blogs lined up in the queue, so check back. Aloha!
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