Tips for photographs from planes!

michelleans

I'm flying this Sunday and have 2 flights to get to my destination. (First flight to Istanbul, second is an internal flight) Along with two more home in July... I've tried shooting from the window before and ended up with bad results... I'll be flying into Istanbul when it's dark and would love to get a nice shot of the lights below. Tripod is out as the plane will be shakey, so I know it's a long shot but any tips for shooting from the window of a plane?

Changing flights I'll be on the tarmac beside the planes and boarding by stairs so I'm going to try and get some shots while everyone else goes past me to board, though sometimes I'm told not to take photos..

Can't wait to get some people shots inside the airport too..

Well first make sure you get the window seat,you don't want to be setting up a tripod on some random guys lap

Taking clear photos is always going to be a difficulty with airplane windows.They always seem to be extremely scratched and dirty,but the clone tool should sort this out later.I don't have many tips for this sort of thing but the results from the tripod should be interesting.You're never going to get a clear shot at night but the light trails of the cities should be interesting,escpecially as you're coming into land in Dublin.I've flew out of Dublin at night a couple of times and the view is spectacular.

Borderfox

One from my last trip, probably be hard at night to get good clear shots of lights below. Dont worry about the scratched window as you only need a little piece to shoot out of.

pansyflower

Problem is that all digital cameras etc have to be turned off on take-off and approach to landing.

Covey

Stop down, at least one stop, maybe up to two.
Use only the centre focus point as focus will hunt a lot.
Used a fixed focal lens if you have one, if not set a focal length and don't zoom.

michelleans

Deleted User wrote: »

Well first make sure you get the window seat,you don't want to be setting up a tripod on some random guys lap

Taking clear photos is always going to be a difficulty with airplane windows.They always seem to be extremely scratched and dirty,but the clone tool should sort this out later.I don't have many tips for this sort of thing but the results from the tripod should be interesting.You're never going to get a clear shot at night but the light trails of the cities should be interesting,escpecially as you're coming into land in Dublin.I've flew out of Dublin at night a couple of times and the view is spectacular.

Ah yes I always check in early and get the window seat Though you know men are usually quite ok with the old tripod on the lap

I'll just ask to be seated near the least scratched window, that should sort that out

Borderfox wrote: »

One from my last trip...

Very cool, feel like you're just about to slide down the wing

pansyflower wrote: »

Problem is that all digital cameras etc have to be turned off on take-off and approach to landing.

You don't actually adhere to this do you? Studies show any electrical equipment would have to be up on top of the equipment in the cockpit before any real interference could take place...

Covey wrote: »

Stop down, at least one stop, maybe up to two.
Use only the centre focus point as focus will hunt a lot.
Used a fixed focal lens if you have one, if not set a focal length and don't zoom.

Thanks for these tips! I'll be trying them out.

deevey

Open the door


but seriously ... a rubber hood will help with excess light and glare as you can press it flat to the glass.

Borderfox

Cant you guess (Ryanair) I was on the wing!! :eek:

City-Exile

There are a couple of things about electronic equipment, during landing & takeoff.
iPods etc. should be removed, so that you can hear any instructions from the captain/cabin crew. Mobile phones broadcast, so there's a slight risk of them causing interference with the plane's communication equipment, which is necessary when talking to the Air Traffice Control.

Other things such as laptops & cameras, etc. are a safety risk, because they could fly out of your hand, if there was a sudden change in altitude.

I was accosted on a TAP flight for having a camera, because the paranoid crew member said it was illegal to record anything on the plane. MORON!

acquiescefc

Assuming your going into Ataturk?

Was on the left side and could see the blue Mosque and agia sofia etc looked amazing from the air. Wish id thought and had me camera with me.

Play 'count the mosques' you'll lose count...seriously

Ainekav

cant figure out how to upload a photo from my harddrive onto this thing. i have a very similar photo borderfox and also a few of dublin at night, just taken with a point and shoot, turned out pretty well. i actualy used one of the wing ones (just like yours) for an exhibition recently i think theyre cool. i was just thinking last night as it turns out how would one take shots while skydiving??!! would you strap it onto ya or what!? cos now THAT would be cool...

Shzm

I've taken pics paragliding before, you just clip your camera on to the harness, mind you that was just a p&s and tandem!

I think most skydiving photography is taken from helmet mounted cams?

mehfesto2

deevey wrote: »

Open the door


but seriously ... a rubber hood will help with excess light and glare as you can press it flat to the glass.

Or if you dont have one handy, wrap your scarf around the lens' rim (learnt this at the Zoo a few months back.)
Am dying to give this a go this summer - good call on the early check in!

Pigwidgeon

Problem is that all digital cameras etc have to be turned off on take-off and approach to landing.

i was never told this, i took photos while landing and taking off before and nothing got said to me

got this one at what i think was sunrise (time zones and long flights= confusing to whether its morning or night)