PHOTOGRAPHY
Unlock a breathtaking perspective with aerial photography. This unique vantage point transforms landscapes and urban environments into spectacular visuals that offer insights unreachable from the ground.
Aerial photography and videography open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to capture breathtaking views of landscapes and architecture from angles you can't achieve on the ground. These high-up perspectives are perfect for industries like architecture, real estate, and environmental studies, giving a bird’s-eye view that adds a new dimension to any project. Before you take to the skies with your camera, think about what you’ll need for shooting from different heights—whether it’s a drone or a tall building. Knowing the right gear and apps to bring along is key to nailing those stunning aerial shots.
Choosing the right type of aircraft for aerial photography really depends on what you need to shoot. If it’s something straightforward like real estate or site planning, a drone might be all you need—simple to operate and kind on the budget. But if you need to go higher or cover larger areas, stepping up to an airplane or helicopter might be the way to go. These allow you to bring along more gear and capture those crisp, high-resolution images that make all the difference.
Drone aerial photography provides an accessible and environmentally friendly gateway into aerial photography in Australia, with advancements in drone technology increasingly mimicking the capabilities of high-end cameras. For those seeking the highest resolution in aerial imagery, consider either high-spec drones or models that can accommodate sophisticated camera equipment. Always check local regulations to ensure you’re cleared for takeoff in your chosen locale.
Airplanes are ideal for high-altitude shots and covering large areas beyond the reach of drones. Surprisingly affordable and easy to book, these flights enable you to bring along advanced photographic gear to capture detailed, gallery-quality images. Aerial photographer Alex MacLean recommends opting for a high-wing plane like the Cessna 172, which features a design that keeps the wing above the cockpit, offering an unobstructed field of view for shooting.
If your shoot demands low-altitude hovering or precise maneuverability over a particular spot, consider chartering a helicopter. Unlike airplanes, which must stay above 1,000 feet in populated zones, helicopters can swoop lower to capture detailed shots of specific sites or crowded areas. While typically pricier than hiring a plane, the investment in a helicopter could be just what you need for capturing sharp, up-close images of smaller or densely packed locations like residential complexes or sports arenas.
Aerial photography is all about the right preparation. "You can do anything. It just comes down to a permit and a budget," aerial photographer Toby Harriman points out. Before you set off to capture breathtaking aerial shots, it’s crucial to have all your bases covered.
Flying in restricted airspace can have serious consequences. For peace of mind, charter flights are advantageous as pilots are well-versed in airspace regulations and can secure all necessary clearances. For drone enthusiasts in Australia, ensure you register your drone with the CASA.
The ideal lighting for aerial photography is when the sun is about 20 degrees above the horizon, usually during early mornings or late afternoons, according to aerial photographer MacLean. This timing varies by location and season, so for precise sun positioning, tools like SunCalc.org are invaluable. When shooting from elevated structures, aim for the sun to dip slightly lower than 20 degrees for the best illumination.
For the clearest shots free from glass interference, request your pilot to open the aircraft's window or door. Secure your camera within the frame to avoid it being jostled by air currents. If opening isn’t an option, wear dark clothing to minimise reflections on the glass which could impact your photos.
Before takeoff, strap and clip your camera gear securely to yourself, particularly if you'll be shooting from an open point. Equip yourself with clothing that has zippered pockets to safely hold small essentials like your phone and keys.
Choose lenses equipped with image stabilisation to counteract the vibrations typical in flight, though you may need to deactivate this feature at higher shutter speeds to avoid image degradation. A range covering 28mm to 400mm is optimal; anything wider might inadvertently capture parts of the aircraft, and longer lenses could blur from excessive magnification. Additionally, consider a gyro stabiliser to further minimise blur, and always have a spare camera body ready for quick swaps.
To ensure sharp images, maintain a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second. Keep your camera on autofocus, secured with painter’s tape to prevent accidental switches to manual during the action.
As light conditions wane, you may need to increase your ISO settings substantially. Outdoor photographer Justin Bailie advises starting at lower ISOs like 200 or 400 and incrementally adjusting up to 1600, 3200, or higher as darkness encroaches, ensuring your aerial shots remain crisp and clear throughout the flight.
“Flying is expensive. Once you’re out there, you might as well take a little time to shoot for yourself,” says MacLean. “I feel like I haven’t taken advantage of flying if I’m doing an assignment and I just go out and photograph it and come back.”
Early in your flight, double-check your camera settings to ensure everything is as you planned, Harriman warns. “When you have one tank of gas and you’re paying by the hour, you’ll be trying to get everything you can. You’re not really looking at the scene or digesting what’s happening until you land.”
While it’s crucial to check your settings, keep in mind that your time in the air is fleeting and every second presents new vistas. Focus your attention out the window as much as possible while you’re in the sky. “Don’t be seduced by checking how you did when you’re still up in the air,” says MacLean.
Post-production can significantly enhance your aerial shots. Utilise tools like Adobe Lightroom’s Dehaze to clear up elevation fog, or the Dodge and Burn tools to adjust specific areas of your photos for better clarity and detail. For those looking to perfect their technique, resources like Michael Shainblum’s step-by-step drone aerial photography videos are invaluable.
Exploring new perspectives from the air can open up a world of possibilities, whether you’re discovering new aspects of a well-known cityscape or delving into the untouched beauty of nature. “When I spent $300 on my first one-hour flight, my parents thought I was mad,” Harriman says, highlighting the potential rewards of aerial photography. “But that flight turned into tens of thousands in paying jobs.”
For those seeking thrill in their craft, high-altitude photography offers a unique challenge. Renan Ozturk, a renowned climber and photographer, merges climbing with aerial photography to capture breathtaking views of mountainous terrains. Starting such ventures can be daunting, but “you should forgive yourself if you’re a little distracted. It’s a very distracting environment,” says MacLean.
As you take to the skies to explore the stunning vistas from above, remember that aerial photography is more than just capturing landscapes—it's about discovering unique perspectives and telling stories that ground-based photography cannot. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the serene landscapes of the Outback, the sky offers an endless canvas for your creativity.
Harness the full potential of your aerial adventures by mastering the tools and techniques that make your photographs stand out. Adobe Photoshop provides powerful editing capabilities to enhance the clarity, colour, and impact of your photos, ensuring every shot is as breathtaking as the view from above.
Join Adobe's vibrant community forums to share your work, gain insights, and draw inspiration from fellow photographers. Here, you can connect, learn, and grow as you push the boundaries of what is possible with aerial photography.
In aerial photography, the only limit is your imagination. So strap in, take off, and let your creativity soar to new heights. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting out, every flight is an opportunity to capture something spectacular. Don't just fly—soar with purpose, and let Adobe Photoshop help you turn your aerial images into works of art.
Alex MacLean, Toby Harriman, Justin Bailie
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