Photo Shoots From The Air

Author: Amelia Stenson

Aerial photographs generally have an ethereal quality about them with unusual and sometimes symmetrical patterns emerging, making for unique and often prize-winning shots. Yet photo shoots from the air are quite tricky and demand an excellent partnership with the pilot and his support staff.

A stable mode of transport is essential

Successful aerial photo shoots rely heavily on a stable mode of transport and while fixed wing aircrafts are occasionally used, it is generally helicopter charters that are the preferred choice of professional photographers.

Viewed from above, the planet is an extraordinary convolution of delicate hues, dramatic colours and zigzag patterns and helicopters are able to offer the photographer a range of angles to shoot at, each with a completely different end result . The added agility and manoeuvrability of a helicopter allows the pilot to literally swoop into the subject but if the shot is missed the first time around, it is really easy for the pilot to turn around for a second, third or even fourth attempt.

Helicopters can fly at lower altitudes than fixed wing aircrafts

Helicopter hire is often preferred because whirlybirds are able to fly at lower altitudes than aircrafts, even small ones like Cessna’s. Apart from the obvious advantage of getting up close and personal to the chosen subject, it also allows for better angles that often result in far better pictures.

The fact that helicopters are able to hover continuously over a particular area or subject is yet another added benefit of helicopter rental, and it is critical that whichever aircraft chosen for the job has windows that open completely.

Choose a helicopter pilot with experience in aerial photography

A tip for aspiring aerial photographers is to choose a helicopter pilot that has had experience with aerial photography. They will be familiar with angles and views that will make your photography quite breathtaking and can also assist with the correct timing of the picture in relation to visibility.

Aerial photo shoot tips

• Don’t shoot through windows with a telephoto lens, or any lens for that matter, as it will lead to distortion
• For landscapes, opt for a panoramic camera
• To overcome helicopter vibrations on the shoot, use a fast lens that has excellent focus when the aperture is opened up

About the Author:

Explore the breathtaking wonders of the Cape Peninsula with any of NAC Makana Aviation’s popular helicopter tours of Cape Town and enjoy the freedom of our helicopter hiring services - spoil yourself and discover the Cape’s magic and beauty.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Photo Shoots From The Air