Photography

Nicke · #1 08-05-2006, 18:10

I am thinking of taking a helicopter tour of the west coast of Phuket for some photography, e.g. the main beaches from air and maybe some photos for map making.

As I am still an amateur, I dont want to waste money on heli if my photos are bad so I would like to hear your advices and tips for successful photos from air. (I will be able to open the door when I take my photos so no window reflection)

Is there any time of the day that is more suitable than other times? (E.g. location of sun) Or should I avoid a sunny day and go for a cloudy day, to avoid sharp contrast of shadows/sunlight.

syeatman · #2 08-05-2006, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I am thinking of taking a helicopter tour of the west coast of Phuket for some photography, e.g. the main beaches from air and maybe some photos for map making.

As I am still an amateur, I dont want to waste money on heli if my photos are bad so I would like to hear your advices and tips for successful photos from air. (I will be able to open the door when I take my photos so no window reflection)

Is there any time of the day that is more suitable than other times? (E.g. location of sun) Or should I avoid a sunny day and go for a cloudy day, to avoid sharp contrast of shadows/sunlight.

Have you thought about having a chat with Helicam Asia They obviously know what they are doing when it comes to aerial photography.

steve@thaib · #3 08-05-2006, 18:35

I would have thought that a bright day would be best because you can use higher shutter speeds, you dont want camera-shake blurring your pictures.

What sort of cost is involved Nicke? Sounds like a fantastic opportunity.

steve@thaib · #4 08-05-2006, 18:37

Oh, one more thing. One of the best tips I have had here (thanks Syeatman) was getting a polarizer filter for bright, sunny conditions. It's really helped me since I started using it.

syeatman · #5 08-05-2006, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve@thaib

Oh, one more thing. One of the best tips I have had here (thanks Syeatman) was getting a polarizer filter for bright, sunny conditions. It's really helped me since I started using it.

Was going to say the same, there will be quite a lot of water in the pics, so a polariser will cut out all the reflected light that ruins alot of photos

Nicke · #6 08-05-2006, 18:50

I have such filter, so I will use it then. I thought it was mostly for make more colors into the picture of a sunny day.

I am aware of Heli cam and have met some of the crew a few times but I am not interested to buy photos from them, want take my own photos from air myself (as I dont mind being in a heli either)

Usually I actually like cloudy days for photos, but dont really think the sun will be a big problem anyway, was just thinking of the optimal photo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve@thaib

Oh, one more thing. One of the best tips I have had here (thanks Syeatman) was getting a polarizer filter for bright, sunny conditions. It's really helped me since I started using it.

steve@thaib · #7 08-05-2006, 19:06

I think pictures looking back at the beach would be great. I've seen a couple of shots of yachts under sail from the air as well, they look good from that angle and full marinas always look good.

syeatman · #8 08-05-2006, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I am aware of Heli cam and have met some of the crew a few times but I am not interested to buy photos from them, want take my own photos from air myself (as I dont mind being in a heli either)

Yeah, I meant have a chat as they should know exactly what to do and what to avoid doing when shooting from the air - sounds like a cool day out!

steve@thaib · #9 14-05-2006, 04:22

I read something today that made sense; don't use a lens hood as the wind will get inside it and make it harder to get a steady shot.

Nicke · #10 14-05-2006, 04:34

Lens hood? The sun protection thing?

steve@thaib · #11 14-05-2006, 04:43

Yes, bit of a wind trap when you look at it and would shake the camera around.

barfly · #12 14-05-2006, 15:45

If the sun is overhead make sure you don't get a shadow of the helicopter in the shots!
If it is bright enough then early morning or evening when the sun is lower gives the best pics. This is when the cameras with optical stabilisers come into their own.

ToTheBeach · #13 14-05-2006, 16:50

Barfly.... correct...
Early morning or late afternoon will give you the best shots as you have way more contrast.

Have been involved in marine photo shootings, always early morning....

syeatman · #14 15-05-2006, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToTheBeach

Barfly.... correct...
Early morning or late afternoon will give you the best shots as you have way more contrast.

I think you mean less contrast. Shooting in the middle of the day is a waste of time for this reason.

More contrast is a bad thing, especially for digital cameras which have a smaller dynamic range than film cameras