A helicopter ride offers breathtaking views and a thrilling way to capture unique photographs. However, photographing from a heli Dubai can be challenging due to movement, lighting, and limited space. Below are some essential tips to ensure you take stunning adventure photos while soaring through the skies.
Plan your shot composition:
Before your helicopter ride, think about the type of shots you want. Focus on landmarks, lands, or even the horizon for a variety of perspectives. A wide-angle lens can help capture the vastness of the scene, while a zoom lens is great for focusing on details. Ensure to position your camera to include both the land and any interesting foreground elements.
Use a fast shutter speed:
Helicopters are constantly moving, making it essential to use a fast shutter speed to avoid blurry images. A shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second is recommended, but adjusting to faster speeds, like 1/1000th, will help freeze the motion more effectively. Pair this with a high ISO to ensure your photos remain sharp even in lower light conditions.
Shoot without the window reflection:
Photographing through helicopter windows can create unwanted reflections. Wear dark clothing to minimize reflection and press your camera lens as close as possible to the window without touching it. A lens hood or polarizing filter can also help reduce glare and reflections, improving the quality of your images.
Switch to manual focus:
Autofocus may struggle with the movement of the helicopter and the reflections in the glass. Consider switching to manual focus for more control. Pre-focusing on a particular distance, especially if you’re shooting lands, can ensure that your images remain sharp and clear.
Make use of burst mode:
Since helicopters tend to shift and move quickly, using burst mode (continuous shooting) allows you to capture multiple frames in quick succession. This increases the likelihood of getting a perfectly timed shot, especially when photographing scenes like rivers, mountains, or even wildlife from above.
Capture the experience inside the helicopter:
Don’t forget to document your helicopter adventure from the inside as well. Capturing the view from your seat, your companions, and even the pilot in action adds a personal and adventurous touch to your photos.