When it comes to capturing stunning aerial photographs, the time of day you choose to fly at will have a significant impact on the quality of your photos and videos. Mid-morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to take aerial photographs, as the light quality is softer and will create more contrast in your photos. The colors will look warmer first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon because the sun will be lower in the sky. However, it is best to avoid the bright midday sun, as strong shadows won't appear and photos will look unflattering when the sun isn't directly above the landscape.
For aerial photographers who want to take full advantage of the interaction between the sun and the landscape, it is important to consider the direction of the light. Sunlight provides excellent contrast for most aerial scenes and allows for faster shutter speeds, but not just any bright sun. If you intend to photograph an aerial view of a house that faces east, you will capture it bathed in full light in the morning, while it could be in dark shadows in the afternoon. I recommend spending some time researching potential aerial landscapes before you go out on a shoot.
To get the most out of your aerial photography session, it is important to plan ahead and consider the time of day you will be shooting. The morning and late afternoon light, when the shadows begin to lengthen, brings visual impact and definition to an aerial scene. By taking into account these factors when planning your aerial photography session, you can ensure that you capture stunning photographs that will stand out from the crowd.
