How to Photograph Airplanes
Photographing aircraft--especially in flight--can be a challenging, but rewarding pastime. People of all ages love airplanes. Kids and adults alike enjoy looking at pictures of airplanes. Airplanes have many aesthetic qualities that make them interesting photographic subjects. Their sleek aerodynamic lines lend themselves well to photographic compositions. Airplanes are some of the best looking of all modern machines. You can print out your digital photos at home with an inkjet printer. They will look good framed and hung on your walls. Airplane pictures also make exciting backgrounds for your computer screen.
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan and scout out your location for photographing airplanes in advance. Check the weather conditions for the day you will be shooting pictures. Look for air shows in your area as they provide many opportunities for photographing vintage and fighter aircraft. Go to your local airport for pictures of jumbo jets and personal transportation airplanes. Airplane museums like the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, have a wide selection of photogenic planes.
-
2
Adjust the settings on your digital camera before shooting. Use an inexpensive zoom camera or a digital SLR with a 50 mm and an optional 300 mm lens. Don't use the full auto setting, instead select manual, aperture priority or shutter speed priority for best results. Set your camera on the daylight setting. Use a 1,600 by 1,200 or larger size setting for printing 8 by 10 pictures. Use a 640 by 480 small size setting for emailing or uploading your photos to the Internet.
-
-
3
Shoot stationary aircraft on the ground with the sun at your back. Shooting into the sun gives overly dark pictures. Obey the basic rules of composition. Frame the planes in the picture without cutting off parts. Avoid a cluttered or busy background. Don't always center the plane in the middle of the picture; asymmetrical compositions are visually interesting. Include relevant elements such as pilots, control towers or clouds in your pictures.
-
4
Zoom in for tight shots of interesting details. Shoot from different angles and perspectives. Move in closer to the planes when using your 50 mm lens as a long zoom shot makes things look flatter. Use a tripod or monopod for zoom shots or set your camera on a stationary surface to avoid blurry photos.
-
5
Take lots of photos and frequently check your LCD display to see which settings and techniques are working. Adjust your settings according to what looks best. Don't worry if your exposures aren't perfect; you can adjust and crop them in a picture processing program on your home computer.
-
6
Use a low shutter speed and pan your camera to follow the moving airplane for in-flight shots. Keep your camera level and turn your body to follow the movement of the plane. This is tricky and will take a little practice to master. When done correctly, the plane will be in focus with a blurred background.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Photograph aircraft on the ground or in the air in bright, clear weather.
Clean your lens with lens paper before shooting.
Avoid restricted areas of the airport.
References
- Photo Credit airplane image by Mariusz Blach from Fotolia.com
