Hi everyone, Anne here!
As much as I adore exploring our incredible landscapes with my feet firmly planted on the ground, camera glued to my hand, there came a point where I felt this magnetic pull to see things… differently. I started daydreaming about what the familiar curves of the Mornington Peninsula coastline, or the vast, intricate patterns of the Aussie outback, might look like from a bird's-eye view. That persistent curiosity sparked my adventure into the truly breathtaking world of aerial photography.
Now, deciding to point my camera downwards from a moving aircraft wasn't just about learning new settings (though there was plenty of that!). It was about embracing a whole new, slightly wild, environment. My early adventures involved hopping into both helicopters and small planes – each offering a unique perspective, different speeds, and its own set of challenges (hello, vibration!).
But the real game-changer? The absolute pinnacle of exhilarating, slightly-bonkers photography experiences? Flying in a plane with no door.
Yes, you read that correctly! Imagine being securely strapped into a harness (safety first, always!), the roar of the engine, the wind absolutely whipping past you, and having nothing – just air – between your camera lens and the stunning landscape unfolding thousands of feet below. It’s an intense, heart-pounding mix of pure adrenaline and wide-eyed wonder. I’ll have to find the photo of me all harnessed up, grinning like mad (or possibly looking slightly terrified!), ready to board, and add it here!
Ready for Take Off!
From the sky, the world transforms into an incredible abstract canvas. Familiar beaches become delicate swirls of turquoise water and golden sand, farmland turns into a patchwork quilt of geometric shapes, and the sheer scale and grandeur of nature really sinks in. It’s like being let in on a beautiful secret. The patterns, textures, light, and compositions you can capture are utterly unique and completely different from anything you can achieve at ground level – it's just so captivating!
One of my absolute favourite memories involves one of these 'no door' flights. I somehow managed to convince my wonderfully adventurous (and very elderly at the time!) parents to join me for an aerial experience over the magnificent Kangaroo Island. We got them securely strapped in, briefed them on the wind situation, and up we went! Honestly, seeing their faces as they looked out over the coastline from that height was just priceless. Okay, I’ll admit, they confessed to being rather cold afterwards (perhaps pack an extra jacket next time, Mum and Dad! 😉), but they absolutely loved the unique perspective and the sheer thrill of the adventure. Sharing that incredible view and experience with them was truly special.
Beyond the quest for unique images, aerial photography gives me this incredible feeling of freedom. There’s a unique kind of peace up there, away from everything, combined with the constant excitement of spotting the next potential shot. Leaning out into the wind (safely harnessed, I promise!) and clicking the shutter, capturing those fleeting moments of light and landscape from above… well, it’s simply addictive.
It's a perspective I fell in love with and continue to seek out. Have any of you ever taken a scenic flight or perhaps even braved an open-door adventure? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Thanks for reading about this slightly wind-blown chapter of my photography journey!
Warmly,
Anne