For special images, try shooting from a special place
![Up In The Air](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5800/178573/57a9ff990f9f9_1/Up-in-the-Air-for-Special-Images-Try-Shooting-From-a-Special-Place.jpg)
PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, I love shooting from the air. I get to see the world revealed in a whole new way, and I can capture photographs that capture the imagination.
My flights in helicopters, small planes, and hot-air balloons are often provided by clients as part of my assignments; if I’m shooting for stock, I’ll pick up the hire fee. Aerial tours are widely available to tourists and photo enthusiasts alike, and there’s certainly no limit to spectacular locations you can photograph from above.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned that help me get the most from time spent aloft.
FLIGHT PLANS
Helicopters offer one major advantage: control over what you’re seeing. On tour flights, pilots can fly a route and at an altitude they know works for photos. On private flights, they can hover in place on request.
A fixed-wing plane is less expensive than a helicopter, and if you book a solo flight, you can choose to sit in the co-pilot’s seat, which will allow you to open the window.
A hot-air balloon is going to provide the smoothest, calmest flight, but you’re going with the wind and have little control over its direction or the path it’ll take.
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Shutterbug.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Shutterbug.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Traveling Companions
What I shoot with, part two.
Lights Of My Life
My favorite lighting tools, tips, and techniques.
In The Right Light
How expert lighting is key to a successful portrait photography business.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Lois greenfield’s simple lighting captures the complex movements of dancers.
Adventures In Light Painting
How to use digital tools to breathe new life into old lighting techniques.
![Jay Maisel: The Power Of Perception](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5800/257622/5a6896179e11c/crp_Jay-Maisel-The-Power-Of-Perception.jpg)
Jay Maisel: The Power Of Perception
HOW THIS MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER USES GESTURE IN IMAGES TO TELL A STORY
![Long Story Short](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5800/257622/5a689734d86fc/crp_Long-Story-Short.jpg)
Long Story Short
STEPHEN WILKES COMPRESSES TIME TO CREATE STARTLINGLY ORIGINAL IMAGES
![Manitoulin Is His Muse](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5800/257622/5a6897cfe8d32/crp_Manitoulin-Is-His-Muse.jpg)
Manitoulin Is His Muse
THE OLYMPUS OM-D IS HIS CAMERA
![Perfect Storm](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5800/219551/590a955e50dbd/crp_Perfect-Storm.jpg)
Perfect Storm
An intrepid storm chaser captures an imagined image.
![Looking Sharp](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5800/219551/590a9654c03f2/crp_Looking-Sharp.jpg)
Looking Sharp
How to effectively sharpen digital images.