Roost Air Lounge => The Classroom => Topic started by: YawningMan on February 05, 2007, 03:40:29 PM
Title: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: YawningMan on February 05, 2007, 03:40:29 PM
This poll brought to you by the wonderful aerial shots seen in Imax films, National Geographic films, Animal Planet footage, etc.
All I want is to be a camera not connected to the ground. What do you think?
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: Gulfstream Driver on February 05, 2007, 06:04:39 PM
I'd like to clarify my answer by saying get thy helicopter certificate after a fixed wing. Cheaper that way.
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: switchtech on February 05, 2007, 11:32:38 PM
This is a tough choice - since the types of pictures you want to take affect the answer. Helicopters are great, especially as video and movie platforms. But the local shop that does aerial photography uses Cessna 172's - taking pictures of the land.
I should point out that National Geographic used an UltraLight for a series they did in Africa (I think it was Africa). They called the ultralight the "Sky Cam." It flies low and slow, though I'd think the noise would spook most wild-life, they did get some great shots.
jbs
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: tundra_flier on February 06, 2007, 04:58:41 AM
Quote
I should point out that National Geographic used an UltraLight for a series they did in Africa (I think it was Africa). They called the ultralight the "Sky Cam." It flies low and slow, though I'd think the noise would spook most wild-life, they did get some great shots.
Surpizingly I found that wildlife didn't seem to notice, much less be bothered by my ultralight. I guess since they have no natural predators that fly, and have never been hunted from the air they just don't see it as a threat.
As for the original question, I'd say just make good friends with someone who's already a pilot and has a plane with good visibility, preferably side windows that can open up all the way out of the way. It's tough to take good photo's while piloting.
Phil
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: undatc on February 07, 2007, 06:33:34 AM
I have no experience in this, though I'd imagine you'd want something low, slow, and with minimal vibration, perferably two seats so you dont have to fly it when taking shots. Maybe make a list of things like this, then look for what meets that list.
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: YawningMan on February 08, 2007, 09:59:41 AM
Actually, I'd prefer to be the pilot to being the photographer.
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: TheSoccerMom on February 08, 2007, 10:51:41 PM
Ditto, on all the good advice above. Also, in some airplanes it is very easy to drop the door or just remove it, so, if the weather cooperates, then you have an unobstructed view for your subjects! :)
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: Frank N. O. on February 09, 2007, 07:40:15 AM
A photo company in Denmark seems to use a Maule M-7 that can surely fly slow and low (it did right over our house a few weeks ago) and maybe you can have a flip-up window cub-style on it.
Frank
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: tundra_flier on February 09, 2007, 04:20:53 PM
Some friends of mine do professional aerial photography out of their C-170. They've rigged the passenger side window to open all the way.
Phil
Title: Re: Aviation + Photography/Video
Post by: YawningMan on February 19, 2007, 10:33:14 PM
Looks like I'd be on track to go fixed wing as a start, then.
Well, time to stop dreaming and start making plans and putting them to action.
