I have an oppurtunity to do some aerial photography!

firstarsbrnwhite

But have never done any. I know a friend with a small plane locally that could fly me around to different shooting locations but im not sure if planes are sufficient for aerial photos or you need a heli. Im sure heli's would make things easier but I can't see why a plane wouldn't work as well. Just may need to crank up the ISO alittle bit to get higher shutter speeds. Anyone have experience with this? Would it be required to have a gyro? Either way excited about this oppurtunity

Current Equipement...

5D MK II
17-40L
50mm 1.8
28-135
24-105L
70-200 F2.8L non IS - thinking this would be a good lens for aerials
100-400 4.5-5.6L

firstarsbrnwhite

also think i might need to bring some velvet to knock away some of the reflection from the glass

ziggy53

We've had some previous discussions, so let's start there:

http://www.google.com/cse?q=aerial+photography&sa=Search&cx=015490029931808806336%3Awyeua6yybvs

firstarsbrnwhite

thanks... should have searched first.. i should know better

ziggy53

After some thought, I moved this to "Mind Your Own Business", since it seems to be a business related question.

My own experience with aerial photography has been with older high-wing aircraft. Ideally, you want something with a slow stall speed and either window(s) that flip down or removable doors. (Some sky diving aircraft are said to work great.)

My best adventure was one morning when my friend and I went up in his Aeronca Champ. We left in calm air and found a very steady stream aloft at around 700 ft or so (rural terrain). The stream of air was just above the stall speed of the aircraft, so he could point into the wind, drop the flaps and trim the engine, and we just hovered for about 15 minutes, or so, at a time. At one point he was able to reduce the throttle enough that to a land observer we were flying in reverse. Fun stuff.

Stabilization in the lens may or may not help, depending on the vibrations of the aircraft and the capabilities of the I.S. system. Best to try it both ways for critical shots. Very high shutter speeds are more reliable.

Roadkill

From my experience a helicopter is better but not necessary, because of their ability to crab .. like flying sideways. I also preferred to sit or stand in the doorway so I had left to right flexibility (depending on aircraft) usually with a harness. ( I fell out once… funny story)

A preflight discussion with a plan so you can accomplish what you need is a must along with in flight communication during the shoot. The plan might include preferred altitude and directions of approach etc. Much of this depends on what needs to be accomplished in the shoot. You will be giving instructions to the pilot, such as your approach and some times hard banks, again depending on what you need to accomplish.

Its been a while… I miss it.

bob swanson

I am always envious when someone has an opportunity to shoot aerials. The great secret of mine is that I would probably shoot a commercial job for free if it included aerials and a helicopter to boot. As has been mentioned a high wing slow airplane is preferable so that you won't require such a fast shutterspeed with a slow old airplane. Also, as I remember DOF might be almost nonexistant. Usually what you shoot is at the end of the DOF scale unless you are shooting close of which is unlikely. A gyro would probably just get in the way if the airplane is small. I found myself, usually cramped as it is with just a DSLR and medium telephoto. You also will more than likely have to dodge the wing strut in many cases. This might favor a high wing plane (and you would need to communicate with the pilot to do a partial roll so you can get your shot. Also have a tentative shot list in mind. And keep in mind where the sun will be and in that situation, try to avoid high noon as it deminishes shadows of which might be your only indication of depth of subject. I'm just rattleing off some thoughts from my last "impromtu" aerial shoot. Good luck, bsvirginian

firstarsbrnwhite wrote:

But have never done any. I know a friend with a small plane locally that could fly me around to different shooting locations but im not sure if planes are sufficient for aerial photos or you need a heli. Im sure heli's would make things easier but I can't see why a plane wouldn't work as well. Just may need to crank up the ISO alittle bit to get higher shutter speeds. Anyone have experience with this? Would it be required to have a gyro? Either way excited about this oppurtunity

Current Equipement...

5D MK II
17-40L
50mm 1.8
28-135
24-105L
70-200 F2.8L non IS - thinking this would be a good lens for aerials
100-400 4.5-5.6L