I sit on the plane with my hefty camera bag wedged under my seat. Window seat is a must. As far away from the wing as possible to avoid visual obstruction below.
I just wait for it.
Gazing out again and again impulsively and obsessively.
I stare out of the portal as the scene slides slowly by me.
Most times, I see the mundane. Every once and awhile I see something special.
The unique perspective from an airlplane can really make some for spectacular scenes beyond what any drone can do.
Taking photos from an airplane can be quite challenging:
- I have to battle the shaking of the aircraft.
- I have to maneuver around scratches and wash smudges on the window.
- I have to be ready in a split second for clouds to unveil the beautiful mysteries beneath only to be hidden again seconds later.
- Most times, the unforgiving sunlight can wash away the landscape into a hazy oblivion.
That doesn't stop me from waiting until all elements align and I have my camera in hand ready to capture it.
After traveling more than 100,000 miles through the air, these are some of my favorites aerial pictures.
Undulating dry terrain is somehow interrupted by the snowcapped mountains and a hovering cloud.
A break in the clouds reveals shafts of beautiful sunlight.
On the way to Jamaica, I was captivated by the myriad of blues, teals, aquas, and whatever other names of splendid colors you can think of.
The contrast of soft clouds and harsh, beveled mountains are also contrasted with whites and darks, all in a calming symmetry.
Thick pesky airline windows actually assisted me in creating this blazing, spectral prism that gives this amazing sunrise even more impact.
A smattering of shapes, textures, and elevations comprise this engaging landscape.
This could be my favorite aerial picture. A perfect filter is placed over the sun to give the curvy river a warm golden light amidst beautiful blues and cotton clouds.
