Welcome to our Aerial photography section.

Aerial photography can be best described as taking images of the ground from above. This can be done from a plane or any object that will put you at a distance from the ground. You do not need to be in an aircraft to take aerial images - if you are standing on top of a tall building or on the top of a mountain you should be able to capture good aerial images.

Depending on what type of aerial images you tend to take, getting started can be quite easy. Aerial shots from buildings or mountains are straightforward. Images from aircraft will have a cost factor. Pilot costs will vary, but they should be able to guide you to the best locations.

What and when to Shoot:

Like all types of photography, shooting when the sun is low in the sky will create more dramatic images. Aerial images in low light will be difficult to expose for the amateur. Beginners should start by finding a large building in their hometown or city to take the first steps into their aerial photography. Real estate images or construction images always look good from an elevated point. A city skyline will also make for an impressive sight.  All outdoor events should make for interesting aerial images.

Aerial Photography Composition:

Timing is key to good aerial photography composition when in an aircraft. You will not have the pleasure of time on your side so you must react quickly when the opportunity arises.  Composition from a static point will be a lot easier and similar to landscape photography.

The rule of thirds should be closely followed. Keep your images simple. Like all types of photography your image should have a focal point and a theme.

Aerial photography exposure and camera settings:

If you are shooting from a plane or any moving object set your camera before you set off. You will need to use a fast shutter speed; the use of your tripod may not be practical. Set your lens focus to infinity, in manual mode. The aperture setting on your camera should be set between f/5.6 - f/16 for most subjects depending on light.

If you are shooting in bright conditions set the ISO to 200. In low light conditions keep the ISO under 800 to keep noise to a minimum. Shooting on a dull day may not be practical as images will be too dark.

Photography equipment:

Use a camera that you are used to and one that is fully manual.  Most aerial images will be used for larger prints so your camera should meet this standard. . A tripod should be used where possible.  A wide angle will be the most important lens in your bag along with your standard zoom lens. A telephoto lens will not be practical shooting from an aircraft due to camera shake. Also carry a warm up filter, a polarizing filter and a UV filter.

Make money from your Aerial Photography:

Whether you are taking aerial photographs as a career or just as a hobby, the joys and the rewards are endless. 

Aerial photography can cover a range of subjects and can be an extremely profitable type of photography. Commercial work includes real estate photography, government projects, construction, environmental issues and general scenes. There are also many events held each year that require good aerial photography. Because it is such a difficult type of photography that few practice, aerial images tend to fetch good prices when published.

Like all types of photography the best way to make money from your aerial images is to supply them to an image agency.  You should also consider creating an online portfolio of your work.