The former chief of cardiology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Michael Simons is a professor of medicine and cell biology at the Yale School of Medicine. Possessing over three decades of experience, he has written more than 300 publications, spoken at numerous professional meetings, and obtained several patents. In his free time, Yale’s Michael Simons enjoys photography.
One of the first steps to getting the perfect aerial photograph is choosing the right aircraft. You need something that provides you with unobstructed views of your subject, so it’s usually not practical to shoot from a plane window. However, flying in a helicopter or a small, private plane with the windows open is one option. You can also use a drone to capture aerial photographs. Regardless of the aircraft you use, make sure your camera is securely attached either to yourself or to the aircraft.
Next, think about the time of day you'll want to get shots and of the angles you plan to get. Considering both this and the weather is particularly important if you are scheduling a flight with a pilot. The beginning and end of each day usually offer the softest, most appealing light, whereas mid-day photography tends to result in harsh shadows. Additionally, make sure your scheduled flight will go to areas that get you the best angles of your subject.
Further, think about the camera you are using. It must have a good zoom lens on it so you can get closer shots while in the air. Zoom lenses also give you the chance to capture multiple angles of the same subject with ease. If you are photographing large subjects on the ground, consider using a telephoto lens for a wider angle. Finally, make sure your camera is set to a fast shutter speed so that your images will not be blurred by the movement of flying.
