Platforms of Aerial Photoghraphy

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

Platforms of Aerial Photoghraphy

Aircraft

Full-size, manned aircraft are prohibited from flights under 1000 feet, over congested areas and 500 feet above more sparsely populated locations.

Radio-controlled model aircraft

Advances in radio controlled models have made it possible for model aircraft to conduct low-altitude aerial photography. This had benefited real-estate advertising, where commercial and residential properties are the photographic subject when in 2014 the US Federal Communications Commission, issued an order banning the use of "Drones" in any commercial application related to photographs for use in real estate advertisement's.This ban has since been lifted, as the FAA Part 107 regulations for small UAS became effective on August 29, 2016.

Small scale model aircraft offer increased photographic access to these previously restricted areas. Miniature vehicles do not replace full size aircraft, as full size aircraft are capable of longer flight times, higher altitudes, and greater equipment payloads. They are, however, useful in any situation in which a full-scale aircraft would be dangerous to operate. Examples would include the inspection of transformers atop power transmission lines and slow, low-level flight over agricultural fields, both of which can be accomplished by a large-scale radio controlled helicopter. Professional-grade, gyroscopically stabilized camera platforms are available for use under such a model; a large model helicopter with a 26cc gasoline engine can hoist a payload of approximately seven kilograms (15 lbs). In addition to gyroscopically stabilized footage, the use of RC copters as reliable aerial photography tools increased with the integration of FPV (first-person-view) technology. Many radio-controlled aircraft are now capable of utilizing Wi-Fi to stream live video from the aircraft's camera back to the pilot's ground station.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_photography

[Monirul Islam]

5 Powerful Platforms for Capturing Scenic Aerial Photographs

here are various ways to capture stunning shots from up above, from conventional ones, such as hot air balloons and cranes or lifts, to modern devices like drones and helicopters.

•    Hot Air Balloons

Using a hot air balloon is one of the oldest methods of capturing aerial photos. Because there are no windows in a hot air balloon, the photographer has the opportunity to take pictures in all 360 degrees. Aside from ballooning, other conventional methods of shooting aerial photographs involve the use of kites, rockets and pigeons. 

•    Cranes

These lifting devices are typically used in movie-making to capture photos or videos of actors and locations in various angles. A crane shot is achieved by a camera mounted on a platform and connected to a mechanical arm, which can be moved up or down and away from the subject.

•    Drones

Using a radio-controlled unmanned aircraft, referred to as an aerial photography drone, brings a whole new freedom when taking pictures in the sky. This unmanned aircraft system (UAS) provides a wider breadth of coverage by giving a limitless view of the locations from up above. Businesses operating drones here in Australia are required to hold an operator certificate. The pilots are also required to get a license from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

•    Helicopters

Using helicopters is one of the most popular methods of capturing high-angle shots. Today, a helicopter is commonly used in film-making because of its ability to hover over an object. Among the advantages of helicopter aerial photography is that it can be done both during the day and night. The shots are captured with the use of a high-powered camera mounted on the nose or undercarriage of the helicopter, or by a photographer travelling as a passenger and shooting through the windows.

•    High-altitude Locations (e.g. Skyscrapers and Mountainsides)

Windows or rooftops in skyscrapers provide good vantage points to capture unique bird's-eye view images of buildings, people and cities. Other high-altitude locations that can provide you with stunning images are mountainsides and rocky outcrops.

Bottom Line

Beautiful aerial shots can expand the tableau of a film, which helps capture your audience's attention and gives them a wider perspective. To help you create visually stunning images or videos for film cinematography, ad campaigns and sporting events, consider tapping these creative platforms for aerial photography.

Source: http://www.aeroview.com.au/blog/5-powerful-platforms-for-capturing-scenic-aerial-photographs/