Also, it is important to note that aerial photography is a specialized area in photography for professionals who are looking for excitement and amazing images. To become an expert photographer you need to know the different types and methods of aerial photography and also need to be adventurous.

1.Kite Aerial Photography (KAP)

This method of photography involves flying of kites in combination with cameras to produce dramatic aerial photos. This method had been existence for a while, and its an inexpensive way of taking nice aerial photos. The disadvantage is kite aerial photography cannot be used under high wind rainy conditions.

2.Balloon aerial photography (BAP)

This is another method which utilizes balloons to take the cameras up into the high elevations. In contrast to kites, balloons will not be handicapped by the lack of wind, however high windy conditions will make it maneuverable difficult. The advantage is it is a low noise or low impact method which will not disturb the public. In many parts of the world this method is used and many people make use of this photographic method as it can allow you to get more absorbed with the environment and you have ample time to concentrate on good photos.

3.Helicopter aerial photography or HAP

This is a method which involves a helicopter to capture aerial photos or video. The photographer can take photographs or vide of the landscape while inside the helicopter. The advantage of using a helicopter is that the flexibility of movements which give the photographer or the video taker an excellent maneuverability and excellent control resulting in dramatic and clear shots. The disadvantage is that helicopter produce noise which may be a nuisance to public. Thats why this method is considered high-impact shooting. However, this method is very popular among movie makers, because of easy maneuverability.

4.Radio controlled aerial photography (RCAP):

This method uses a remote controlled helicopter to take photographs or video of the surrounding environment. Its a very economical and effective method, which allows the user more responsibility and control over any given situation. Additionally, this is some what low impact method. Numerous aerial photographic companies (exist all over United States) which popularly use RCAP. Although this method is popular, the human factor is lacking, as such photographers who are looking for high involvement and excitement may not use this method

Now you have brief idea of aerial photography, if you need further information, there excellent online resources which will provide you valuable guidelines and opportunities. Start right now.
All in all, aerial photography is an important topic which not only gives excitement but also great pictures. If permits, do not forget to take a digital SLR camera on a flight, as aerial photography will certainly give enjoyment and fantastic rare photos on any terrain.

Fixed Wing Aircraft Balloons Kites Helicopters Dirigibles and Blimps Rockets Parachutes Poles

The History of Aerial Photography

Gaspard-Felix Tournachon was a balloonist and photographer from France, he was the first person to practice Aerial Photography. He was widely known as ‘Nadar’ in Paris (France) 1858. It was on April 24th 1909 the first use of a motion picture camera was used, this camera was mounted to a heavier-than-air aircraft and was used over Rome. It was used in ‘Wilbur Wright und seine Flugmaschine the 3:28 silent short film.

Some of the uses of Aerial Photography

Aerial Photography has many different uses, and is becoming more and more popular today, as technology gets better, the images and ways they can be taken in an aerial sense also improve. Bellow are some examples of what Aerial Photography is used in today:

Cartography uses Aerial Photography; they are particularly relied upon in Photogrammetric Surveys. Photogrammetric Surveys are often the basis for Topographic Maps Commercial Advertising – The camera is usually mounted on a plane or helicopter allowing a great range of movement and speed to achieve the required photography. Surveillance – This is performed similarly to the Commercial Advertising but will use very high tech equipment, that can take many shots in a short period of time, the image quality will be great zoomed in aswell Archaeology Movie Production – This type of Aerial Photography will be like Surveillance, also high tech equipment but also accompanied with video footage. Conveyancing Environmental Studies Artistic Projects – Aerial Photography will tend to focus on landmarks and great views above land.

GIS systems are often what are used to process Aerial Photography. Property Analysis (Phase Environmental Site Assessments) heavily use Aerial Photography in the United States.

Low altitude Aerial Photography is now possible by radio control due to advances in today’s technology (Radio Controlled Models). The camera equipment is mounted on to radio controlled equipment like (planes and blimps), Blimps are usually the preferred choice as they are easier to control at low speeds. Real Estate advertising has greatly benefited from this, this is because a full manned aircraft by law is prohibited from flying at low altitudes above populated locations. Therefore small scale model remote controlled models which are allowed to fly above populated areas open up the possibilities for better Aerial Photography. These small planes cannot replace a full size aircraft tho as they only have short fly times. Lower altitudes and can carry less equipment.

In this article, we will discuss three different types of aerial photography: Oblique, Vertical, and Panoramic. Each method will produce a very different result and it is important to choose the method most suited to the situation you want to display.

Oblique Aerial Photography – In oblique-angle aerial photography, the camera is focused at any angle between three degrees from vertical and  the horizon. There are two basic types of oblique: high-angle and low-angle. In high-angle oblique, the apparent horizon is shown, while in low-angle oblique the horizon is not. With high oblique photography, atmospheric haze and clouds often prevent the viewer from seeing the true horizon. The furthest point viewable in high oblique aerial photography is called the apparent horizon.

Vertical Aerial Photography – In vertical angle photography, photos are taken from an aerial platform, either stationary or moving, where the camera axis is truly vertical at the moment of exposure. In photographic terms, a 3-degree variance can occur, after that, it becomes “oblique”. The advantage of vertical aerial photography is that the scale is essentially constant. Measurements of directions are easier and generally more accurate than on an oblique photograph. These types of shots often resemble a map as they look straight down and can be used to plot points on land.

Panoramic Aerial Photography – Panoramic photography is achieved by stitching a number of photographs together to form a single “Wide” shot. Panoramic aerial photography can be done using full-sized helicopters, their unmanned counterparts, or pole cams. Pole cams are good for very low altitudes but they are limited to about 100 feet and road access is needed. Full-sized helicopters are the platform of choice for high-altitude panoramas; however new technologies permit unmanned helicopters, coupled with advanced GPS autopilot stabilization systems, to be positioned within a few feet from any elevation or location. This type of aerial photography is perfect for showing views from proposed or under-construction high-rise buildings.

Knowing the different types of aerial photography available can help you get the exact type of photos you need.

Mast Photography is where a camera is elevated from a fixed point on the ground using an extended pole or mast. This is often hydraulically operated although some manual systems still exist. Conventional Aerial Photography utilizes an aircraft such as a Cessna or a Robinson Helicopter. Both mast and conventional aerial photographic companies will often have their own extensive Aerial Photographic Library.

Although it would appear that mast photography would be lower cost it must be remembered that the photographer (with mast) must travel to the site and once at a site it takes time to set up the mast in each position. Due to these timely processes the price is often similar.

Event Photography is often undertaken using a combination of both mast photography and aerial photography due to the differences in the results. It also allows greater coverage and a much greater variety of angles.

Although some forms of Construction Photography benefit from mast photography large construction projects will often require conventional aerials as greater height will be needed. This is especially true if local transport links need to be included which may be several miles from the site. Progress Photography of building projects will often have a similar brief but ultimately the type of photography used will be dictated by the size of the site and the desired content.