A photographer in a helicopter ascending vertically refers to a photographer taking aerial photos while flying straight up in a helicopter. As the helicopter gains altitude, the photographer can capture unique top-down perspectives of the landscape below.
A Photographer In A Helicopter Ascending Vertically – This vivid phrase sparks the imagination, conjuring up visions of a daring photographer leaning out an open helicopter door to photograph the ground receding below. We wonder about the spectacular, bird’s-eye scenes they are documenting and the thrill of ascending rapidly into the sky.
Photographers in ascending helicopters leverage the vertical mobility and visibility these aircraft provide to take photos from an aerial vantage point as altitude increases. Images shot straight down provide a topographic perspective, while oblique angles offer a dramatic viewpoint over the terrain. Careful timing allows photographs that capture the changing scale and details of the land below.
How does a photographer prepare photography gear for a helicopter flight?
Aerial photographers need to properly prepare their camera equipment to withstand the conditions inside a helicopter. Vibration and abrupt movements of a helicopter can damage gear if not properly secured. Photographers should use a stabilized camera mount or gyroscope to isolate the camera from vibrations.
All equipment should be tightly strapped down with straps or velcro and secured to the aircraft frame. Spare batteries, memory cards, and lenses should all be protected in padded cases or bags. The helicopter environment also exposes gear to wind, noise, and potential moisture, so aerial photography equipment needs to be ruggedized.
Before takeoff, photographers should clean all lenses, check camera settings, and format memory cards. Settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO may need to be adjusted for aerial shooting. Photographers should set up and test all equipment while still on the ground to ensure stable function.
If possible, doors can be removed from the helicopter frame prior to takeoff for clear shots. Any gear used for aerial photography needs to be properly maintained and hardened to withstand turbulent helicopter conditions.
What camera settings work best for aerial photography?
The unique lighting and movement when shooting aerial photography requires photographers to select the right camera settings. Fast shutter speeds, like 1/1000th sec or higher, are needed to avoid motion blur of both the aircraft and the ground below. Photographers should use wider apertures for faster shutter speeds, while balancing depth of field needs.
Higher ISOs, up to 1600 or 3200, may be required to boost shutter speed. Continuous autofocus and burst mode captures multiple sharp frames. Raw image format provides more flexibility for processing later. Manual white balance ensures color accuracy, while exposure compensation balances variable lighting.
Vibration reduction and gyroscopic lenses add stabilization. Cross type autofocus points help lock focus through helicopter windows. Thoroughly testing gear on the ground first allows aerial photographers to optimize all camera settings before ascending.
Can mobile phones be used for aerial photography?
Mobile phones have excellent cameras but limited ability for true aerial photography. Phones lack manual camera controls needed to adjust shutter speed, aperture, focus and other settings critical for sharp aerial images. They also provide no protection for the lens, have basic image stabilization, and overheat easily, all big disadvantages for aerial shooting.
Mobile phones can capture usable aerial shots and video when firmly mounted, especially in ideal lighting conditions. Third party camera apps can unlock manual controls and RAW shooting to maximize quality. But most mobile phones have fixed lenses and small sensors that hinder advanced aerial techniques.
Dedicated aerial cameras have much higher resolution, interchangeable lenses, and rugged build quality that make them far better suited for helicopter photography. Phones work acceptably as a budget option, but for professional results, mirrorless or DSLR cameras are required.
What photography lenses should be used in a helicopter?
The turbulence and confined spaces inside helicopters require aerial photographers to choose lenses carefully. Wide angle and ultra wide angle zoom lenses ranging from 14-35mm capture expansive landscapes and context from the air. A mid range 24-70mm zoom lens offers good versatility for aerial photography.
Telephoto zooms like a 70-200mm help isolate details from higher altitudes. Prime lenses with fixed focal lengths provide maximum sharpness but less flexibility. All lenses should have vibration reduction, fast autofocus, and weather sealing. Carbon fiber construction keeps lenses lightweight, while metal alloy bodies add durability.
Lenses with protective front elements prevent damage from wind and debris during flight. External lens hoods should also be removed. A range of lenses gives aerial photographers creative options as lighting and altitudes change. But switches between lenses must be minimized due to space constraints, vibration issues, and shortened windows to subjects
How does a photographer position for aerial photography during vertical ascent?
To capture stable and compelling aerial photos during a helicopter’s vertical ascent, the photographer needs to brace themselves properly against vibrations. Sitting near an open door or window helps maximize potential shooting angles.
Photographers doing planned vertical shoots typically use harnesses or straps to stay secured while maneuvering their upper body out of the aircraft. Most importantly, having at least one hand on a handle or grip at all times aids stability.
Maintaining secure footing and firm grips enables aerial photographers to twist and lean their torso to photograph from straight downward to upward perspectives. Shooting angles are more flexible when aircraft doors or windows open fully to allow cameras on long lenses to point freely.
How can a photographer brace against vibration in a ascending helicopter?
There are several effective techniques aerial photographers use to brace themselves against vibrations during a helicopter’s vertical climb. Wearing tight fitting elbow and knee pads helps dampen vibrations against the aircraft floor and walls. Photographers also brace their elbows or grip handles tightly to root arms against shaking.
The most essential vibration aid is a safety harness fixed to anchor points in the helicopter cabin. These harnesses allow photographers to lean safely out of doors and windows for angled shots without getting buffeted during ascent.
Some photographers use gyroscopic camera mounts which counter minor aircraft vibrations in real time during flight. Staying low to the floor and using available handles also helps mitigate shaking while capturing photos pointing up or down.
What photography angles are possible shooting upwards in a helicopter?
Unique top-down photography angles open up while a helicopter climbs vertically. Photographers can take abstract shots pointing cameras straight up through bubble windows to capture interesting aerial perspectives. Shooting up through open helicopter doors frames narrower views of receding ground levels and emerging cityscapes.
Skilled photographers brace against the tilted aircraft floor to shoot upwards at the helicopter’s rotor blades. As height increases rapidly during vertical lifts, photographers can capture wide angle views of the surrounding landscape dropping away by angling cameras slightly outward.
Pointing lenses straight up also documents the changing sky backdrop and passing clouds. Even shooting vertically through transparent aircraft floors provides an abstract reversing view of the shrinking terrain below. The upward angles possible during helicopter ascents offer photographers many options for dynamic imagery.
Can effective aerial photos still be taken while ascending straight up?
Although shooting precisely vertical scenes limits compositions, skilled aerial photographers can still capture compelling photos during straight upward helicopter ascents. The most direct images come from cameras pointed straight down through bubble windows or doors to document receding ground levels in interesting abstract perspectives.
Photographers hanging in harnesses can take close detail shots by pressing cameras against transparent aircraft floors for unique reversing views of shrinking landscapes and structures below. Angling cameras just slightly outward from dead vertical still yields striking elevated shots of surrounding scenery and expanding city skylines as altitude increases.
And shooting up at the aircraft itself documents its visual impact on the brightening sky. So while vertical composition options are limited, professional photographers utilize creative angles and perspectives to produce stunning aerial imagery even during direct helicopter ascents.
What helicopter doors or openings are best for vertical aerial photography?
The ideal helicopter doors or openings to maximize photography angles during vertical ascents are sliding doors, which open up entire cabin sides for unobstructed outward shooting access. Bubble windows also help by allowing downward and upward camera angles isolated from aircraft vibrations.
Some helicopters even have holes cut in cabin floors so photographers can safely point cameras straight down through transparent plates. For the most flexibility, aerial photographers prefer shooting from open-door helicopters that enable them to lean out of multiple sides by fastening to safety harnesses.
Being positioned near doors enables maneuvering cameras from straight downward to side perspectives without obstructions. The ability to shoot both below and adjacent to the aircraft is key for capturing unique images during rapid vertical ascents into the sky.
What makes vertically ascending aerial photography challenging?
Ascending vertically in a helicopter for aerial photography presents several difficulties. As the aircraft gains altitude rapidly, there are issues with vibration, changing light conditions, motion blur, and limited time to compose shots.
Rapid ascents in helicopters are inherently bumpy. Vibration from the aircraft can result in blurred photographs. The changing altitude alters ambient light, angle of sunlight, and distance to the ground subjects.
Photographers must continually adjust camera settings to account for these variables. The quickly moving perspective also makes it harder to frame and focus shots. Advanced gyro stabilizers, fast shutter speeds, and familiarity help photographers adapt to the challenges.
How does rapid altitude change affect aerial photography?
As a helicopter ascends, the altitude changes rapidly. This affects aerial photography in several key ways. First, the changing elevation alters the ambient light and angle of the sunlight hitting the ground. Photographers have to continually evaluate and adjust exposure settings.
Second, the distance to subjects on the ground transforms very quickly. Lenses have to be refocused constantly to keep pace. Third, haze and atmosphere between the camera and ground increases with height. This can reduce image clarity if not addressed properly. Overall, rapid changes in altitude present technical hurdles.
The shifting altitudes significantly impact lighting, focus, and visibility. Photographers must vigilantly monitor conditions and camera settings to counteract issues. Wider dynamic ranges help cameras adapt to varying light. Autofocus and advanced stabilization allow photographers to swiftly refocus.
Do sunlight and glare impact vertical aerial photography?
As height increases during vertical ascents, sunlight and glare become more impactful. The angle of illumination shifts, causing challenging lighting situations. Low sunlight can produce glare off buildings and water. Bright reflections into the camera lens result in lens flare and reduced contrast.
Photographers use bracketing techniques and filters to balance exposures for aerial subjects. Polarizing filters also cut troublesome reflections and glare. Viewing angles directly into the sun are usually avoided.
Aerial photographers try to schedule shoots during overcast and golden hours when glare is minimized. Despite difficulties with glare, skilled photographers properly expose and filter shots.
The changing sunlight angles and reflections present difficulties. But through careful exposure calculation, filters, and optimal timing, photographers counteract issues with glare.
Advanced post-processing can also select the best exposed frame from a bracketed sequence to composite the final image. Although glare poses challenges, it can be overcome with sound photographic practices.
Can a photographer prevent aerial motion blur while ascending?
As a helicopter ascends, vibrations and a quickly moving perspective make motion blur a big hazard. Still, photographers utilize several methods to counteract blur. First, they select fast shutter speeds to freeze motion, usually at least 1/1000th sec. Second, gyroscopic stabilizers isolate cameras from vibration and turbulence.
Third, continuous autofocus tracks the changing focal plane. Photographers use the fastest memory cards to enable sustained rapid-fire bursts. Despite advanced equipment, some blur remains likely during abrupt maneuvers. In these cases, photographers use software to sharpen images and reduce blurring.
Selective masking and smart sharpening bring key subjects into focus while retaining contextual blur when appropriate. Through proactive capture methods and reactive editing, photographers restrict motion blur from ruining shots.
Does vertical ascent allow enough time to compose aerial photography?
The swift changing perspective during vertical ascents allows very little time to carefully compose photos. Photographers must act decisively in the moment to frame shots. Previsualization and familiarity with equipment function helps photographers work quickly.
The rapid camera movement often prevents meticulously refined compositions. Therefore, photographers utilize post-processing to crop, reframe, and alter orientations if needed. While vertical ascent photography requires acting fast, software corrections supplement to finalize image compositions. A World History Of Women Photographers
What types of structures can be captured with vertical aerial photography?
Vertical aerial photography is ideal for capturing tall structures and buildings from unique aerial perspectives. As a photographer ascends vertically in a helicopter, the changing angle allows for photographing a structure from the ground up, showcasing architectural details that are less visible from the ground.
Vertical ascent also enables capturing a whole skyline in one shot without having to stitch panoramas. The height gained during vertical flight is perfect for photographing bridges, skyscrapers, stadiums, and other large manmade structures.
The straight-down angle of vertical aerial photography also excels at revealing rooftop details, building footprints, construction sites, and urban infrastructure patterns that inform planning and development projects. The overview effect of gaining altitude vertically gives a useful top-down perspective for structural engineering, architecture, and urban design applications.
Can people or vehicles be photographed successfully during vertical ascent?
As a photographer ascends rapidly during vertical aerial photography, capturing recognizable images of individual people or vehicles can be extremely difficult. The vertical movement combined with downdrafts from the helicopter make it hard to keep fast-moving subjects in frame without motion blur.
Vertical aerial photography can successfully capture crowds of people or traffic patterns during festivals, protests, marches, and dense urban street scenes. The overview perspective allows seeing the “big picture” of large gatherings across parks and city blocks that ground-level photography would miss.
What natural landscapes are ideal for vertical aerial photography?
Epic mountain peaks, vast open plains, giant waterfalls, and other expansive natural landscapes allow vertical aerial photography to capture unique perspectives. As a photographer ascends, more of the surrounding geography comes into frame, revealing the grand scale and contours of the terrain.
National parks and protected wilderness areas often have the most stunning natural settings suited for vertical aerial photography. Coastlines, islands, lakes, and winding rivers also showcase well during vertical ascent as the view opens up to showcase their size and scope. Shorelines, wetlands, and other ecological transition zones between land and water bodies photograph especially well.
The straight-down angle also reveals otherwise hard-to-see details of forest canopies, growing agricultural plots, and geological formations. Overall, vertical aerial photography excels at capturing the most breathtaking natural landscapes.
What other subjects showcase vertical aerial photography?
Beyond buildings, people, vehicles, and landscapes, vertical aerial photography can provide unique perspectives on almost any subject. Infrastructure elements like highways, train tracks, ports, solar farms, wind turbines, and communication towers often photograph well during vertical ascent.
Events such as airshows, races, concerts, and festivals can also result in great overhead photos, albeit likely showing crowds rather than individuals. Other niche vertical aerial photography subjects include archaeological sites, industrial facilities, amusement parks, cemeteries, and golf courses.
Even seemingly mundane sites like landfills, quarries, and construction zones take on graphical abstract visual interest from directly overhead. Almost anything a photographer can imagine can become an intriguing subject seen from above during vertical aerial flight.
What photography editing enhances vertical aerial photos?
Vertical aerial photos captured during a helicopter’s ascent often require editing to compensate for the rapid change in altitude and perspective. Common enhancements include adjusting brightness, contrast, shadows and highlights to balance exposures across large changes in lighting conditions.
Using gradients, vignettes, and radial filters also helps draw attention to key subjects against busy backgrounds. Sharpness, noise reduction, and vibrance adjustments further optimize image quality.
Specialized vertical aerial photo software provides additional tools like automatic horizon leveling, geometric distortion corrections, and advanced stitching for panoramas spanning ultra wide angles. Built-in presets streamline editing batches of vertical ascent photos. Overall, thoughtful editing takes vertical aerial shots from chaotic to striking.
Do vertical aerial photos require perspective corrections?
Because a helicopter pilot climbs essentially straight upwards during vertical ascent, photos captured face a high likelihood of convergence, keystoning, and unnatural perspective. Leading lines such as highways, fences, or shorelines often appear to bend and slope dramatically.
Effective software can analyze lens geometry and camera angles to apply inverse transformations, digitally correcting skewed vertical dimensions. This helps restore natural perspective to subjects.
Some vertical panoramas may even demand cylindrical projections to evenly space angles and distances. Applying manual perspective control using cropping and transforms also proves useful. With corrections, photos showcase subjects as the human eye would see them.
What color adjustments help vertical ascent aerial photography?
Shifting altitudes inherent to vertical ascent lead to mixed color temperatures and inconsistencies within a single aerial shoot. As height increases rapidly, the atmosphere scatters more light. Photos progressively take on a blue cast and hazy veil. Midday sun also often introduces yellowish highlights and hot spots.
The most useful color corrections counteract these effects with targeted HSL panel adjustments. Increased vibrance and selective saturation boosts also help unify tones across sets of vertical aerials. Finally, applying gradients as exposure compensation often balances shadows and highlights. This all leads to more natural, vivid color.
What specialized photo software is best for vertical aerial photography?
Specialized software brings automation and efficiency to editing batches of vertical aerial photos. For example, DroneDeploy and Pix4D offer extensive tools for stitching, perspective correction, and camera calibration designed for drone operators.
Photoshop and Lightroom also provide robust profiles, presets and batch processing to streamline adjustments. However, for most cost effective and user friendly optimization, Capture One leads for RAW processing. Its lens correction tools combined with layers, masks and local adjustments excel at compensating variable conditions in vertical aerials.
FAQ’s
What equipment is needed for vertical aerial photography?
Specialized cameras, lenses, mounts and vibration dampening gear.
What angle is used to capture vertical ascent photos?
A perpendicular angle straight down towards the ground.
Does ascending change the aerial perspective significantly?
Yes, rapid gains in altitude impact framing, focus and exposure.
What post processing helps optimize vertical aerial shots?
Correcting distortion, color shifts, noise and sharpening images.
Who uses vertical aerial photos besides photographers?
Scientists, militaries, governments, businesses and more benefit
Conclusion
A Photographer In A Helicopter Ascending Vertically offers a uniquely thrilling aerial photography opportunity. As the helicopter climbs straight up, new perspectives unfold rapidly. This lets photographers capture rarely seen views. Vertically ascending photography also brings challenges like vibration, variable lighting and distortion. Choosing the right gear and using specialized software are key to success.
In the end, being A Photographer In A Helicopter Ascending Vertically delivers an unparalleled adventure that blends artistry with aviation. Careful preparation enables photographers to translate extreme ascent into striking elevated imagery.
The privilege of documenting the world from rapidly gaining altitudes makes this niche of photography highly rewarding. Both the journey and results of A Photographer In A Helicopter Ascending Vertically stay with those bold enough to attempt it.
