Saturday, November 9, 8am-3pm
HNL International Airport (specific location sent to participants)
Fee: $650
Instructor: Andy Stenz
Aerial photography has revolutionized image-making over the last few years, thanks in part to drones, and no experience can match photographing the Earth from above in a helicopter with the doors off!
Come explore Oahu from the air and learn the tricks of capturing a perspective that’s impossible to achieve from the ground. Learn the technical aspects of aerial photographing, its unique challenges and how to overcome them, and even some about the island itself! Experience and capture a view that is remarkable in every way.
The course covers:
- Flight planning, weather, and light (different from photography on the ground)
- Safety in and around aircraft
- Camera settings, lenses, and filters
- Altitude and how it affects perspective
- Subject matter and how to capture various subjects
- Basics of editing (and its differences from ground-based photography). We’ll use mainly Lightroom (Adobe Camera Raw if you have Photoshop). Any other programs and apps can be used, but they might not be exactly 1-to-1.
The day is divided into three parts:
- Morning instruction session
- Three 45-60min flights (Each flight is made up of 2 students + teacher + pilot. If we have a full class of 6, that’s three flights.)
- Image review and constructive critique.
Prerequisites:
- Basic knowledge of photography and camera controls. You don’t need to photograph in manual mode, but it helps to have an understanding of what aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are AND how to change them on your specific camera.
- It’s ok to have a fear of heights. The instructor does! But it’s different in a helicopter and he will help you overcome that fear.
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Gear Recommendations:
- DSLR or an adjustable mirrorless camera (film cameras are welcome, but the editing process is not applicable)
- A wide zoom lens (18-55, 18-35, 24-120; whatever is appropriate to your sensor/camera body). A wide prime is also ok (20mm, 24mm, etc) but a zoom gives you more flexibility.
- Telephoto zoom is ok to use, depending on what you choose to focus on when in the air, but especially for first-time flyers, using a wider zoom is easier.
- We probably won’t change lenses, so bring what you have an we can make decisions during the teaching time as to what you’ll fly with.
- Circular polarizer to match your chosen lens (I might go so far as to say you MUST have one of these… again, will depend on your subject matter you focus on)
- Capture card for your camera
- Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap (https://amzn.to/2JE2eTF) Options may be provided but this one is a great one to own.
- Laptop to edit on (or phone/iPad/etc. if you can do grab images from your camera and you’re ok editing that way).
Notes:
- Class is limited to 6 people but requires a minimum of 4 to run.
- While this class is more expensive than most offered by PNM, the cost of renting a helicopter alone would run you $700-$900/hr, and that’s without any instruction.
- Aerial photography is weather dependent. If the weather is bad for the full day, we’ll schedule a backup date for the class. If the weather grounds any specific flight, we’ll reschedule for those students
- Individual participant weight, (in clothes, shoes, and including gear) is limited to ~260lbs (email if this is a concern and we can talk options)
- Participants will need to sign a liability release waiver
- Additional private mentoring sessions and flights available if interested
- Seat placement and specific flight slot aren’t guaranteed and will be calculated based on all class member’s weights (this has to do with balance of the helicopter and fuel needs for each flight).
Andy Stenz captures the beauty and vibrant colors of the Hawaiian Islands with his camera and adventurous spirit. He typically flies 3-4 times a month for various clients across all of the islands. Andy’s travels have taken him around the world to capture ceremonies and canyons, weddings and waves. Find him online at andystenz.com and Instagram @andystenz