As an aerial photographer, capturing the perfect shot can be a challenge, especially when shooting in low light. To get the best results, it is essential to use all available tools to keep the shutter speed as fast as possible. Some photographers use telescopes and specialized robotic heads with ultra-precision and CCD cameras created specifically for astrophotography, which can create stunning images that are difficult or impossible to capture with a normal digital camera. A helicopter is the preferred choice for aerial photography sessions for several reasons.
It allows photographers to capture the elusive aerial image that was once only seen in books with images of the First World War of fighter pilots or photographs of film productions. While star trails may look great in some shots, they require different techniques focusing on the North Star and won't work for photographs of the Milky Way. As a landscape photographer native to the San Francisco Bay Area, I had been dreaming of the opportunity to do an aerial photo shoot of the Bay Area for years. I had looked at digital images and satellite images that offered an eagle-eyed view of the Earth, but I had never had the opportunity to create aerial photographs myself.
Aerial photographers have their share of challenges, and this one is perhaps the most difficult of all. When using the right equipment, such as a tripod and shutter cable, the photographer can use long exposures to photograph light images. But when taking aerial photographs at dusk, I was shooting without a tripod, in a moving and vibrant shot, with decreasing light and with a high shutter speed. The idea is to not mess with the camera settings in mid-flight, when you should be watching the glorious sunset through the outdoor window over the United States, Africa, Europe, or anywhere else your aerial photography trip takes you.
Even with the window open and the surprisingly warm wind shaking the camera, I managed to capture some excellent aerial images of San Francisco. Whether you're saving money or if it's a paid advertising session, you're already investing a lot to make everything perfect for your aerial photography session. Taking into account everything mentioned about the importance of maintaining a minimum shutter speed, it was crucial to have an aerial camera with the flexibility offered by higher ISOs and, at the same time, maintaining a low level of noise and high quality. To ensure success in your next aerial photography flight, here are some tips from an experienced photographer:
- Use Telescopes and Specialized Robotic Heads - Telescopes and specialized robotic heads with ultra-precision and CCD cameras created specifically for astrophotography can create stunning images that are difficult or impossible to capture with a normal digital camera.
- Choose a Helicopter - A helicopter is preferred for aerial photography sessions for several reasons. It allows photographers to capture the elusive aerial image that was once only seen in books with images of fighter pilots or photographs of film productions.
- Use Long Exposures - When using the right equipment such as a tripod and shutter cable, photographers can use long exposures to photograph light images.
- Choose an Aerial Camera With Flexibility - When taking aerial photographs at dusk, it is important to have an aerial camera with flexibility offered by higher ISOs and low noise levels.
