Aerial photos are both breathtaking and useful. Taking photographs from airplanes and helicopters can be a challenging endeavor. However, when done correctly, the aerial photos you take will be will worth the effort.
Instructions
1. Choose to use an airplane or helicopter. Airplanes are sometimes easier to find and rent, but you will often be shooting around a strut or a wing. Planes are also not allowed to fly lower than 1000 feet above congested areas or 500 feet from any person, structure or vessel according to FAA regulations. Helicopters may be harder to find but they can fly lower to the ground, fly slowly or hover. To find an aircraft check the telephone book for local airports or rental facilities.
2. Fly at the right time of day for the best light. The best time to fly is in the early morning or late afternoon. At these "golden hours" the sun is at an angle that provides you with better definition of the objects you are shooting.
3. Decide between a digital or film camera. While in the air you will want to take multiple photos of each object. Digital cameras can have a larger capacity to hold photos and memory cards can be modified and reused on the spot. Film cameras can also be valuable because you can regulate film speed and exposure easily.
4. Reduce vibration and blur in your photos. The factors that influence vibration blur are shutter speed, your ISO setting, aircraft speed and in-camera or in-lens image stabilization. The easiest way to avoid vibration blur is to use a fast shutter speed. On a full-frame camera 1/500th or 1/750th of a second freezes most blur with lenses up to 100mm in length. With a digital SLR, set the exposure mode to "S" for shutter priority or "Tv" for time-value priority and the select 500, 640 or 750. The camera's internal meter will determine a lens aperture for correct exposure.
5. Pick the correct lens and zoom for your aerial photos. Plan to be at least 1000 feet above the subject in an airplane or 300 feet above in a helicopter. Refer to your camera's manual for the best lens and zoom for these distances.
6. Take multiple photographs from different angles. The steeper the angle, the less conventional the photo. The more pictures you take the more choices you have when you get back to the ground. Remember to enjoy your flight and ask the pilot for suggestions on locations.
Tags: feet above, vibration blur, 1000 feet, 1000 feet above, lens zoom, photographs from, shutter speed