Aerial Photography Tips for Your Next Helicopter Trip

Whether you’re an amateur with an iPhone or a professional with a DSLR camera, taking a helicopter flight is a great way to get some fantastic photos. But getting the right photos for your Instagram account or portfolio isn’t always as easy as it seems. Thankfully, we’re here to help! Continue reading to learn seven aerial photography tips in Montana:

• Prioritize safety: We shouldn’t have to say this, but no photo is worth risking your personal safety and the safety of your equipment. During the flight, always remain seated with your harness or seatbelt in place. Rest assured that you’ll be able to get incredible photos while staying safe. Your pilot will cover some safety guidelines before your trip, so be sure to follow all of them.
• Choose the right time of day: Your departure time will significantly impact how your pictures turn out. Sun angles, light sharpness and photo clarity can all be affected by the time of day. When scheduling your flight, tell your pilot what types of photos you’re looking to capture. We’ll schedule a flight that’s most likely to give you optimal results.
• Use the right lens: Be sure you bring the right lens for the images you’re trying to capture. A telephoto lens is a good idea if you’re trying to get detailed shots from high above, whereas a wide-angle lens is perfect for those mesmerizing wide shots of Montana’s landscape. We advise bringing several different lenses so you can get a variety of amazing shots.
• Minimize vibrations: Helicopter rides are bound to be a little bumpy, especially if you’re in a smaller aircraft. To avoid blurry images from the helicopter’s vibrations, don’t rest the camera against the window while taking photos. It’s also a good idea to bring a lens with image stabilization if you have one. This technology will help keep your images crystal clear, even if the helicopter ride is a little bumpy.
• Photograph the helicopter and pilot: It’s always a good idea to get a few shots of the pilot and the aircraft in your flight portfolio. Including the pilot in the foreground with the stunning scenery in the background always makes for a good shot.
• Communication is key: One of our best seven aerial photography tips in Montana is to keep talking to your pilot throughout your trip. Proper communication ensures your pilot helps you get the shots you really want. On top of that, better communication often leads to a safer journey.
• Get a variety of angles: This one isn’t absolutely necessary, but we recommend taking photos from different angles and orientations. Doing so will make your flight portfolio a bit more interesting and more fun to look through.

On top of following the seven aerial photography tips in Montana mentioned above, be sure to choose a qualified pilot to take you on your photo journey. At Rocky Mountain Rotors, our helicopter pilots guarantee you’ll have a safe ride and get some incredible snaps during your trip. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Categorised in: Aerial Photography