8 tips for taking better photographs of your aircraft
- The right light
The best time to photograph your aircraft will be a few minutes before and after sunrise and sunset to achieve the perfect soft light on the paint! this will help you taking better photographs of aircraft.
- Avoid shadows and reflections
You should avoid shadows and reflections on your aircraft and foreground (especially your own). Try and have an open space behind you like the airfield, open taxiways etc. Try and avoid taking photos with airport buildings and hangars behind you. You are trying to enhance the sleek aerodynamic lines of the aircraft, reflections can detract from this.
- Propellers / rotors in motion
Please be very careful when doing this and do not leave the aircraft controls unattended while taking photographs. Show off the power and precision of your flying machine by taking photos of your aircraft with propellers or rotors in motion.
- Landing lights on
Take better photographs of aircraft with its landing lights on (be careful not to drain the batteries). The soft light will make your aircraft lights sparkle, and will elevate the shine off your freshly detailed aircraft paint.
- Background
Make sure your background suits the aircraft and the feeling you’re trying to evoke. Avoid having things in the background that will distract the eye. Things like dustbins, power lines and other aircraft can detract from the image. Hangars can be suitable, however ensure it is clean and tidy or park your aircraft on the hardstand with the hangar doors closed. The way you maintain your hangar can reflect on how you maintain your aircraft.
- Interior photos
It may seem obvious; however it is regularly overlooked. Remove all loose items from the aircraft, charts, flight bags, windshield protectors and headsets can create clutter. We understand you want to display the utility of certain aircraft, the best way to do this is to remove everything demonstrating the maximum amount of space in the cabin / luggage area.
Take photos of your interior in higher light than the interior cabin to appear larger. This can mean rolling the aircraft out of the hangar into open space to have blue sky appearing through the windows rather than dark hangar walls.
- Photograph the details
Close up photos of the aircraft design details are very effective. The reflective propeller cone is a classic, however the common mistake is to have your own reflection in the photo.
Better photographs of aircraft engines are great if it is well presented. Take the time to degrease drip-trays and ensure there is sufficient light by opening the engine cowling on both sides of the engine bay where possible.
- Angles
Enjoy viewing your aircraft from different angles, high / low, left / right. The obvious front-on and side-on shots are not always the best. Move yourself 30 degrees off centre and position yourself low to the tarmac pointing up or from a ladder pointing down (be sure to have someone hold the ladder and secure yourself before taking better photographs of aircraft).
