Mile High Club: A Beginner’s Guide to Aerial Photography
Clicke virtually sat down with NYC-based aerial photographer and internationally Insta-famous content and meme creator Alexandre “Alex” Martin to chat about why and how everyone should try aerial photography.
As we’ve all been writing in our work emails, “during these difficult and unprecedented times,” there are far fewer fun activities to be excited about these days. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or just someone who is burned out on quarantine picnics and outdoor dining as one’s sole recreations, there is no better time to give yourself the gift of a vertical perspective shift. Here’s how and why:
SW: Out of all the activities to do, why try aerial photography?
AM: Aerial photography is the best thing you can do in New York City. There’s nothing like being in a helicopter and seeing the sunset over Manhattan. A lot of people go for the Instagram photos, but when I do tours, I see how people fall in love with the experience whether they’re a local or tourist. I’ve never met someone who wasn’t impressed by the view and happy to be there. I’ve flown in a lot of beautiful places — from Chicago to Rio de Janeiro to the Alaskan tundra — and you really can’t beat experiencing a new place from above.
SW: Your aerial photos are displayed everywhere from hotel lobbies to the front of the Freedom Tower ticket. We’re not expecting to be on your level after one flight, but do you need to be a photographer to get good aerial photography shots?
AM: Thank you! You don’t need to be a professional or have a professional camera. In fact, you can get a good shot even with an iPhone or normal DLSLR. When I first started off in 2016, I was using a point-and-shoot and still took some cool shots. If you’re trying to capture a lot of detail though, you’ll need special lenses and equipment for that, like I have now.
SW: When is a good time to go?
AM: I typically fly about twice a month from the end of March until December. If you also live in the East Coast, flying in January and February is usually too cold. As for specific days, Gay Pride and 9/11 are opposite feelings, but both very powerful days to see the city. The buildings are all lit up and you can feel the energy of everyone coming together.
Weather and time of day are also pretty important. Rain and snow can create beautiful photos, but I wouldn’t recommend that for your first time. I prefer night shots, sunrise, and sunset since I think you can enjoy the view the most and the lighting is more dramatic in photos.
SW: What do you wish you knew before your own first flight?
AM: If you’re bringing a DSLR, don’t forget to play with your settings as soon as you get into the air. Most flights are anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour, which goes pretty quick. I recommend one hour. A lot of people get so caught up in the ride that they forget to adjust their camera, and then they don’t get the shot they want because they’re messing with their settings during the time we’re positioned to take the picture.
SW: So we book the helicopter ride, we adjust our cameras — now what? What are your go-to aerial photoshoot spots?
AM: The truth is that I prefer nature landscapes and wild animal photography, but I live in New York City where there is no wildlife…except the people. Jokes aside, I’m a big fan of the classics, what we call the ‘money shots’: shots of the shape of Manhattan, the shape of Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty…some shots are easier than others, of course. For beginners, a shot of Central Park is pretty easy and cool. If you’re more experienced, you can try and get the sun’s radial line in between buildings.
Most helicopter companies have standard flight routes, but you’ll have a better experience if you talk with the pilot beforehand about what shots you want. They usually have to coordinate with air control and sometimes need special permits, so make sure you check with them ahead of time if you have something specific in mind!
SW: You’re Insta-famous for your photographs of New York City and have lived there for over 10 years now, but you’re French! Tell us what you love about New York.
AM: New York is huge compared to other cities — what I like about New York is that it’s big so there’s so much to capture, and the city is always changing. Buildings are constantly growing up from the ground, so take the same shot a few months later and it is different. I love how dynamic New York City is. You can’t finish taking photos of a city that’s never finished.
SW: Aerial photography is undeniably a cool experience but it’s still unusual enough that people might worry it’s too ‘extra’ and too expensive. What is your response to that?
AM: It’s funny because I remember when I went to Peru and there was this guy with a big camera taking pictures of birds, and I was doing the same thing with my phone camera. I thought to myself, ‘This is stupid, it’s the same thing. I’m never going to be this creepy guy walking around with my big camera.’ And now a couple of years later…I am that guy.
Several years ago, I saw this movie that talked about how paintings last in time, and I realized that photography and paintings are really the only things that capture moments in time. I was like ‘oh shit, I’ve been traveling to all these places and I don’t have any memories,’ so the next day I went to the store and bought my first camera. Like I said before, you don’t need to buy a professional camera to enjoy the experience. It does cost a few hundred dollars a seat, but there are a lot of deals right now, and it’s also just a special memory. Memories — making them and taking photos to remember them — is never a waste of time.
If Alex has convinced you to join the Mile High Club, you can DM us on Instagram or email us at concierge@clicke.co if you’re interested in a private tour. Otherwise, Alex recommends the following companies in New York: FlyNYON, Heliflights, or Wings Air.
Bon voyage.
