In-flight photograpy challenges part I - Autofocus
Taking pictures from a plane is challenging. Thanks to digital photography, it’s possible to rely on a “shoot a lot” strategy, hoping to find a couple of good shots in the series. I’m not an expert in photography, but I wanted to go beyond this strategy. This series is about what I found out to improve the quality of my photos. Any tip from your side is welcome.
Autofocus and autopilots are the same. Your best friend, but always waiting to betray you. I got a number of pictures with the focus on the windshield - all the landscape behind being fuzzy. The next picture is a perfect example of this.
The compass looks cristal clear. It’s a shame that the main subject is outside the plane… How to avoid this ? Here are a couple of tips…
Don’t use autofocus at all. If your camera is complex enough, simply disconnect the autofocus and do the job on your own. It’s not that easy because the plane is constantly moving, and possibly shaking. However if your subject is far out, you won’t have to change your setting a lot.
Clear the windshield before flight. This sounds obvious, but it will make the autofocus job easier. A spotted windshield is the best way to get fuzzy pictures.
Remove the windshield. Sounds silly ? Not that much. Some old planes don’t have windshields at all. Piper Cubs and SuperCubs can fly with open windows. With some special equipments for the passenger, it’s also legal to fly a Cessna 172 without doors. Don’t do it without asking your favorite maintenance engineer, but if you want to make good shots, it really helps.
Shoot above the dashboard. Frequently, autofocus do focus on the dashboard, not on the windshield. So make your frame above the dashboard increases your chances to get a sharp picture. Moreover, light levels inside and outside the plane are so different… more on that in a next post. You can also take photos through the side windows.
If non of these work, then enjoy pictures focused on the windshield. Some of them are great, just like this one taken from a Cessna 172 in a rain shower. Cloud colors in the background and rain drops on the windshield make a pretty contrast.
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
AaronLaplante
Beautiful picture, its been my dream to fly since i was a little boy.. Simply Magnificant!
Apr 2nd, 2008
pat
I’d add:
-Set your automatic program to landscape. This prevents the autofocus from focusing on the canopy and dashboard.
-Disable the flash (lanscape programm usually does this for you)
-Keep your camera as close as possible to the canopy, but don’t put the camera against it to prevent vibrations.
-Don’t zoom in too much. Otherwise you photos may certainly be motion-blurred
-Use a mechanically stabilized camera to reduce the chances of a motion-blurr.
These may be in your next “in flight photography” challenges parts? I hope I didn’t spoil your next posts on this topic.
Apr 3rd, 2008
PlasticPilot
Thank you Pat for your additional tips. You did not spoil anything. I’m not an expert in this field, and any contribution is welcome.
Apr 6th, 2008
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