Flying in a small plane

[msnyder12]

I went up flying this weeked with my cousin who is getting his pilot's license. Here is one of the images I took, i think it turned out decent, but i need a high iso to get a decent exposure, most of the shots were hard to get a nice exposure because it was getting dark. Does anyone have any suggestions for taking pictures while flying (lens, focal lengths, iso, shutter speeds)?

Thanks,
Michael

Camera: Nikon D90
Lens: Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical IF f/Nikon-D AF
Focal Length: 42mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure: 1/50
ISO: 1250

[SoxAddict]

Lovely colors in the skyline! I'll bet equilution will be able to help with settings since he often takes shots while flying.

[equilution]

Hi, Michael. Welcome to DPS!! That's actually a nice shot. Especially through the window, which is usually scratch-ridden plastic. I'm a pilot also, and take pics when I fly. However, in the 172 I fly, you can actually remove a screw and allow the window to open fully. The prop wash from the plane will hold it open up against the underside of the wing (assuming it's a Cessna, which most trainers are). That would be my first suggestion.

Secondly, there is no preferred focal length or ISO...just use whatever gets you the shot you want. In this shot, since there's no ground feature highlighted, I may have used a wider angle lens to get some of the plane in the shot to add some interest. Especially at night if you can get the beacons/lights flashing on the plane!

I've attached an example of a shot I took flying over some snow-covered mountains.



Another technique you might try is to have the pilot bank the plane left or right so you can get more ground features in the shot, along with the sunset! That'd be a keeper!

Good luck, and happy flying!!

[equilution]

Originally Posted by msnyder12

I went up flying this weeked with my cousin who is getting his pilot's license.

PS....if he's GETTING his license, how were you in the plane with him? Was there a CFI in the plane I hope?!