Up In The Air

For special images, try shooting from a special place

- Blaine Harrington

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.