GALLERY OF THE MONTH - MAY 2023 - FOCUS ON THE WORLD BELOW
As a pilot-photographer, I’m privileged to see the world from above, on an almost daily basis. Since the early days of aviation, the view from above has fascinated people all over the world but we tend to forget that a large portion of them has never seen such a thing!
For myself, Aerial photography is without a doubt, one of my favorite genres of photography.
While I have a dedicated Aerial photography portfolio gallery with only a few dozen images, a much larger gallery with over 600 images, shows a much wider range of Aerial work, titled: FOCUS ON THE WORLD BELOW. It's actually the largest gallery I have online. Makes for a great slideshow to stream on a TV by the way
Before we go any further, let's have a look what Aerial photography really is and how it all started a few centuries back!
Aerial photography, the art of making images of the surface/water from an elevated position normally not supported by a ground based structure, is almost as old as photography itself. It started in the mid 19th century from balloons and kites, and then eventually changed to shooting from heavier-than-air aircraft-like airplanes and helicopters. Over the last 10 years, drones (UAV or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have taken over a large part of the aerial photography scene but have also somehow stimulated this specific genre of photography. For the purpose of this post, we will stick to the original form of aerial photography, shot with both classic cameras (all Fujifilm) and a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
BEST AERIAL PLATFORM?
Aerial photography is typically done by using airplanes, helicopters, balloons or drones. While over the years I've used all platforms listed and will share some images shot from balloons, airplanes and drones below.
HOT AIR BALLOONS
While balloons drift with the wind, it's hard to shoot something very specific out of a balloon. The surprise on the other hand where one will end up, makes it interesting.
AIRPLANES
Photographers often underestimate the work they shoot from the passenger cabin of an airliner. I’ve shot a large variety of images from a passenger window seat in the back of an airliner, including some dramatic images of thunderstorms and the Northern Lights during long night flights.
If you can choose your seat, try to sit either well ahead of or behind the wing, except in the instance of your wanting the wing to be part of the image. While the outside layers of the passenger windows are made of glass, the inside is normally plastic and often not very clear.
Companies like Lenskirt make specific hoods to get rid of reflections when shooting against glass but trying to block the reflective light by using a rubber lens hood and wearing black will already go a long way.
While I fly airliners for a living, I also fly small planes for fun and for aerial photography. Images like the ones above are typically shot from about 500 to 1000ft (150m/300m).
DRONES
Quite often drones can be much more practical and cheaper for aerial photography. Especially if one can easily get to the location. I shot the image below of a ship that sank on a beach near Dunkerque in WWII.
Unfortunately drones are no longer allowed in Dubai for recreational use. Probably at least partially due to people flying them irresponsibly, which is really a shame as the UAE is full of potential when it comes to aerial photography. From cosmopolitan cities to remote desert scapes and everything in between!
TIME OF DAY AND WEATHER
Aerial images sometimes seem to come out looking two-dimensional and lacking in contrast. Even more so than for other genres, the time of the day is vital. I tend to use a lot of shadows and patterns to make more interesting images.
My preferred season for aerial photography is, without doubt, autumn (or fall for fellow Americans!). Most non-pilots overestimate the visibility and even a little bit of haze will spoil your image with a dull look. On most days, flying early morning is preferred to just before sunset as the air is generally calmer.
WHAT TO SHOOT?
When I’m not shooting specific landmarks or buildings, I’m always looking for interesting patterns and textures. Check out the work of Yann Arthus Bertrand, one of the masters of aerial photography.
I'm writing the post a week before I plan to fly to Belgium to do quite a bit of new Aerial photography with both my 1954 Piper Super Cub (see below) and my DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
If you enjoy the images part of the blogpost, make sure to check out the entire gallery here. If interested in seeing the images on a slideshow (can be streamed to a SmartTV), click on the play button on the top right banner.
BJORN
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