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Marleetet
07-04-2006, 03:15 PM
Any pilots out there or anyone that has shot from a plane?

While on a business/vacation through the Northwest US and Canada, we had the opportunity to fly past some pretty impressive places. My hands were pretty full with flying, so my wife took the shots utilizing the auto, sport and shutter priority settings (she is not a photographer, but wants to learn). When possible, I put the sun on my side of the plane, but that was not always doable. Some of her shots were pretty good (well composed). The problem is shooting through the plexyglass. I assume, close to the glass and at a 90 degree angle is best: but a little turbulence and altitude restricitions (flying over Wilderness areas and National Parks usually has a 2,500 foot restriction) can make that impossible.

Window glare, haziness, wing tips and struts don't really add to the picture. I have some good shots of sea stacks, mountains, beaches and such that need some serious PS, probably more than I know how to do. Funny enough, the shots of Seattle after take-off look very good, as is.

Mark

buruburu
07-05-2006, 12:23 AM
Out of curiosity, aren't airplane windows polarized?

Marleetet
07-05-2006, 08:27 AM
On the smaller planes like mine, it is made of acrylics. I know that you can get new ones that are tinted, but I have never heard of polarized. Possibly on the big jets.

Mark

Rhys
07-05-2006, 09:17 AM
I used a 35mm Olympus XA3 for my air-photos. It had a nice wide lens and from 5,000 feet showed the lie of the land and what lies immediately underneath the surface beautifully. I was more interested in the archaeological aspect. The plexiglass was pretty horrible. The best way to do it though is to open/remove the door and shoot.