In this guide, we will explore the many ways light aircraft have helped progress the field of aerial photography and which light aircraft is the best for all-purpose photography!
Ariel photography quickly became a field of interest after humans unlocked the secrets of flight. As photography technology and aircraft innovations progressed, people started to combine both with outstanding results.
Today, aerial photography has become a key component in various fields including surveying and storytelling – and at the heart of this is the humble light aircraft. The ability to capture an aerial perspective has allowed us to not only use this data for research purposes but also to tell captivating stories either through still photos or videos.
In this guide, we will explore the many ways light aircraft have helped progress the field of aerial photography and which light aircraft is the best for all-purpose photography!
Light Aircraft – The Enthusiast’s Choice
Light aircraft have not only profoundly changed the way we travel, but it has also had a huge impact on aerial surveys and photography. Light aircraft are commonly the preferred choice among many aviation enthusiasts. Even Commercial Pilots that are trained for and authorised to fly large passenger aircraft would agree that flying a light aircraft is a more thrilling and freeing experience!
The reason for this is simple: light aircraft offer a range of benefits that are seldom found in larger and more complex aircraft. Not only are light aircraft relatively simpler, but their low weight, aerodynamic design, and accessibility make them one of the most ideal aircraft to fly in aviation.
There are primarily two types of light aircraft: Fixed-wing aircraft, and flex-wing aircraft. These two aircraft make up the bulk of all the aircraft categorised as “light aircraft”.
Fixed-wing aircraft are the most iconic type of aircraft in aviation because they resemble the design of larger aircraft but on a smaller scale. For example, fixed-wing aircraft have a set of lightweight wings attached to a fuselage that can seat as many as six people.
These aircraft are commonly the preferred choice for candidates who want to train to become capable pilots. Since these aircraft have a range of advanced instruments and their cockpit mimics the layout of larger aircraft, they are the perfect machines for people who want to become commercial pilots!
Fixed-wing aircraft can be used for aerial photography and surveys. In fact, they can be a great option for people who want to take their loved ones on a thrill ride. The only disadvantage here is that the photographs will have to be taken from behind a pressurised cabin.
However, in the case of flex-wing aircraft, things are wildly different. Flex-wing aircraft aren’t a new invention. In fact, the first flight-capable aircraft produced by the Wright brothers was made by fitting a fabric over a wooden frame. Flex-wing aircraft are even lighter than fixed-wing aircraft and there are plenty of subtypes of flex-wings too but the one thing that all of them have in common is that they offer a uniquely different experience!
Perhaps the most striking thing about them is that some flex-wings are built using an open-cockpit design. That’s right, instead of having an enclosed fuselage, these aircraft expose the pilot and passenger to the environment.
Due to their lightweight and super compact design, flex-wings can only accommodate two people at a time. While this may put this aircraft at a disadvantage when compared to other spacious aircraft, it also provides aerial photographers with an extremely enticing opportunity: they get to film or take photos without obstructions!
Imagine taking ultra-clear photos and capturing the environment without a limited Field of View (FOV). Since the only thing separating the pilot and passenger from the outside environment is a thin plane of glass (windshield) you can get quite a view of your surroundings.
Not only can you get a 180-degree view of what is in front, but the passenger can turn their head around and get an almost 360-degree view of their surrounding! This makes flex-wing aircraft one of the best types of aircraft for aerial photography.
Helicopters are another excellent light aircraft choice for aerial photography. The ability of these aircraft to take off vertically and suspend in the air makes them an indispensable tool for filmmakers and photographers. In fact, many of the aerial shots that you see in countless movies are taken from a helicopter!
The benefit of using helicopters for photography is that they offer a similar unobstructed view of the environment, just like flex-wings. Since helicopters can move precisely in three dimensions, they can be used in a variety of ways to take various types of shots.
For example, a helicopter can hover over a cliff and the pilot can adjust the distance from the cliff for the perfect shot. In the same way, a helicopter can be positioned just above a subject, in this case, a terrain, and the photographer can take a wide shot from above – this type of photography is widely used for surveys and to monitor wildlife populations.
The Art of Aerial Photography
Now that you know the best type of aircraft for aerial photography, it's time to learn about staging and all the various factors that go into taking break-taking shots from the sky!
Planning and Staging
Planning and staging are two incredibly important pre-flight tools that can be used to take jaw-dropping photographs. Think of yourself as a director: just as a film director would envision the lighting, angle, background, foreground, and subject of a shot, you should take all of these factors into account as well!
Keep in mind that you won’t be in the sky for a long time, so when you take off, time will become a scarce commodity. You will have to make the most out of every minute of your flight.
Begin by planning the flight. To do this, we recommend making a flight plan that details the time, place, terrain type, weather conditions, and virtually every other thing that is important to your shot. A well-defined flight plan can not only help you take amazing photos, but it can also help maximise your time in the air.
Another thing that you should keep in mind is the staging of the shot. Remember, you are the director, and you will have to envision the angle and all the other small details of the shot. You should also take into consideration the type of aircraft that you are going to use. For example, when using a flex-wing, you will need a camera that can capture moving subjects precisely. A helicopter would warrant a different type of camera and lens that is focused on wide shots, or shots that require focus.
You will also need to keep additional gear like battery packs, a bag pack for the gear, memory cards, and a backup camera if needed. All these things may seem redundant, but these tips are typically followed by every successful aerial photographer.
Practice your Shot
How does one practice an aerial shot from the ground? Well, you try to stimulate the environment of the shot!
As mentioned above, if you opt for a flex-wing, then you can bet that you will be moving at a relatively fast speed, which means that you will need to take shots of moving objects. Try to develop a sense of this type of photography by practising in a moving car. This will help you orient yourself to a changing environment and can help you come up with the optimal camera settings required for incredible shots.
You can also practice using a harness, which can offer stability. Please keep in mind that both helicopters and flex-wings will expose you to the environment, and more importantly, the wind. A gust of wind can cause instability which is why you might need equipment to counteract these factors.
We recommend keeping a gyro-stabilised camera just in case. Not only can these cameras be used for breath-taking still photography, but they are also fantastic for videography.
Finally, master the camera setting for your shot. Since time will be of the essence, you will need to quickly change the camera settings for your shots. If you spend a lot of time adjusting your camera while in the air, then you will certainly miss out on a lot of shots.
Look for Inspiration
Having trouble figuring out the right type of shot? Then why not take inspiration from other aerial photographers? The best way to learn more about aerial photography is to learn from the masters. Visit online sites or a library to browse through photos that best fit your vision. Closely inspect each photo and try to put yourself in the position of the photographer.
A great way to improve your shots is to reverse engineer a shot. Try to think of the type of camera used for a particular shot. Examine the angle, lighting, time of day and the subject of the shot. This exercise will help you decode the secret behind the photos of successful aerial photographers and will help you take your very own breathtaking shots as well.
For the best experience, we highly recommend that you take shots during the last hours of sunlight. The setting sun is an excellent backdrop for any photo, and we guarantee that you will get your money’s worth during that time. Again, it is all about envisioning your shot and learning from the work of others. Try to find out new or interesting angles and ways that you can take a shot!
Keep in Sync with the Pilot
If you are taking photos with the help of a pilot, then you will need to be in complete sync with them. Learn how to use the appropriate communication equipment to converse with the pilot while in the air.
Despite having a well-thought-out flight plan, sometimes you can run into unforeseen circumstances. This is where being in sync with the pilot can come in handy. If you run into bad weather or trouble while in the air, you can communicate with the pilot with all the available options.
At times, it may be possible to manoeuvre out of bad weather, but if the weather is particularly bad in the area that you want to shoot in, then you can perhaps try an alternative location which should be mentioned in your flight plan.
Some photographers might also want to make last-minute changes in the context of the angle or location of the shot. The key here is to convey these changes to the pilot who can then execute your instructions without wasting time.
Finally, always listen to your pilot. Remember that safety comes first. If your pilot is unsure about the weather or any other part of the flight, then you must listen to their advice and act accordingly. Don’t worry about chasing the perfect shot, the important thing is to have fun and maintain a level of safety while you are in the air.
Editing Photographs
While aerial shots don’t require drastic editing, there are a few ways that you can get even more emotion out of your shot. For example, after taking a great photo, you can use software tools to increase the elements in your shot for more impact.
A great starting point for this could be by editing the sky. Try to increase the saturation of the colours to make the photo pop out more. Similarly, you can also increase or eliminate lens glares or other artifacts that would otherwise ruin your shot.
Chances are, if you use all of the tips and strategies that we have listed above, you will seldom need to make drastic edits to your photos. Keep in mind that the key behind a natural shot is to keep a balance between everything – so, please use all of the best practices for editing aerial photographs for the best experience.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on aerial photography, light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Ervo Rocks on Unsplash
