P3D Re: Aerial stereo questions

[Eric Goldstein <egoldste@xxxxxx>]

Robert Thorpe wrote:

> I shot aerial photos from helicoptors for 12 or 13 years. The rules
> are pretty simple. Shoot at the highest shutter speed you can and
> keep your focus at infinity. You can shoot wide open if you like
> (within the performance perameters of your lenses) because depth
> of field in of no concern, you will be a thousand feet from the
> closest object.

While it is true that DOF is no concern, lens performance is, and no
lens is at it's best wide open. When shooting arials where capturing
small detail from corner to corner is typically of concern, a balance of
high shutter speeds and medium apertures (f/8 or so) provides the best
combination.

Helicopters are not inherently great shooting platforms 'cause they tend
to vibrate; some such as Jet Rangers are steadier than others (big,
heavy rotor).  Also, some pilots are more photographer-savy than others
in terms of keeping vibration to a minimum and maintaining motion
towards or away from your subject (as opposed to traversing it).

A Tyler mount with gyro-stabilizer also helps... 8-)  Good luck...


Eric G.


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