zaro

How do you take pictures on a plane with a DSLR?

Published in Aerial Photography 5 mins read

Taking stunning pictures from a plane with a DSLR allows you to capture unique aerial perspectives and dynamic landscapes. Success largely hinges on understanding your camera settings and adapting to the specific conditions of airborne photography.

Master Your DSLR for Stunning In-Flight Photos

Capturing breathtaking views from an airplane window requires more than just pointing and shooting. With a DSLR, you have the control to fine-tune settings that account for window glare, vibrations, and the movement of the aircraft itself.

Choosing the Right Camera Mode for Aircraft Type

The key to sharp and engaging in-flight photos often lies in selecting the appropriate camera mode based on the type of aircraft you're on.

For Jet Aircraft (Aperture Priority Recommended)

When flying on a jet, the primary goal is often to capture clear, expansive views of the landscape below, or the majestic wing and engine. In this scenario, aperture priority mode (Av or A) is highly recommended. This mode allows you to control the depth of field, while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed for correct exposure.

  • Aperture Settings: It's best to shoot at f/5.6 to f/8. This range provides a good balance, offering sufficient depth of field to keep distant landscapes sharp without requiring an excessively slow shutter speed.
  • Shutter Speed: Let the camera deal with the shutter speed. In aperture priority mode, your DSLR will automatically adjust the shutter speed to ensure proper exposure based on your chosen aperture and the available light. This is crucial for minimizing blur from aircraft vibrations or movement.

For Propeller Aircraft (Shutter Priority for Motion Blur)

If you're on a propeller plane, you have a unique opportunity to convey a sense of motion and flight by intentionally blurring the propellers. For this effect, shutter priority mode (Tv or S) is your best friend. This mode allows you to set the shutter speed, and the camera adjusts the aperture accordingly.

  • Shutter Speed Settings: To achieve the desired propeller blur, use a speed of 1/25 second to 1/125 second.
  • Why it Works: This slower shutter speed blurs the spinning propellers, making the aircraft look like it's truly "flying, not hanging from a string." Experiment within this range to find the blur level you prefer; faster speeds (closer to 1/125s) will show more propeller detail, while slower speeds (closer to 1/25s) will create a more pronounced blur.

Essential DSLR Settings Beyond Mode

Beyond selecting your primary shooting mode, optimizing other DSLR settings will significantly impact your final image quality.

ISO Sensitivity

  • Goal: Keep your ISO as low as possible (e.g., ISO 100-400) to minimize digital noise, especially in well-lit conditions.
  • Adjustment: If natural light is dim (e.g., dawn, dusk, or heavily overcast), you might need to increase the ISO to ensure a fast enough shutter speed, even if it introduces some noise. Modern DSLRs handle higher ISOs much better, so don't be afraid to go up to ISO 800 or 1600 if necessary.

White Balance

  • Optimal Setting: Start with Auto White Balance (AWB). Your camera is usually good at detecting the correct white balance.
  • Refinement: If you notice an unnatural color cast (e.g., too blue or too yellow due to window tint or artificial cabin lights), you can experiment with specific presets like "Daylight," "Cloudy," or even custom white balance settings. Shooting in RAW format allows for more flexible white balance adjustments in post-processing.

Focusing

  • Method: Use a single-point autofocus mode and direct your focus point on the distant landscape, the wingtip, or any clear subject outside the window.
  • Avoidances: Try to avoid focusing on the window itself, as reflections or imperfections can cause your camera to focus incorrectly. For expansive views, setting your lens to infinity focus (if available) can also be effective.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your In-Flight Photography

To get the best possible shots, consider these practical insights:

  • Clean Your Window: Before you even pick up your camera, gently wipe down your window with a clean, soft cloth. Smudges and fingerprints are amplified in photos.
  • Minimize Reflections: Reflections from inside the cabin (your own reflection, lights, screens) can ruin a shot.
    • Lens Hood: Use a lens hood to block stray light.
    • Dark Cloth: Pressing the lens hood or the front of your lens directly against the window can also help, or use a dark jacket or cloth around the lens to block light from behind you.
  • Shoot Through Gaps: Position yourself to shoot through gaps, such as between the engine and the wing, or at angles that avoid direct glare from the sun.
  • Composition: Apply basic photography rules like the Rule of Thirds to make your photos more engaging. Include a portion of the wing for scale and context, or look for leading lines in the landscape below.
  • Consider Lighting: The "golden hour" (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides soft, warm light that can transform landscapes. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong glare.
  • Stability: Brace yourself and your camera. Lean against the seat or use a small beanbag on the tray table (if allowed and stable) to reduce camera shake, especially when using slower shutter speeds.

Quick Reference Table: In-Flight DSLR Settings

Aircraft Type Recommended Mode Key Setting Range Purpose
Jet Aircraft Aperture Priority (Av/A) f/5.6 to f/8 Sharp landscapes, controlled depth of field
Propeller Aircraft Shutter Priority (Tv/S) 1/25 second to 1/125 second Artistic propeller blur, sense of motion
General ISO As low as possible (e.g., 100-400) Minimize noise
General White Balance Auto (AWB) or adjust as needed Accurate colors
General Focusing Single-point AF on distant subject Ensure clear focus

By understanding these settings and applying practical tips, you can transform your in-flight DSLR photography from simple snapshots to captivating aerial masterpieces.