I enjoy flying and sometimes take my camera along. I usually don't shoot and fly but when the air's smooth I'll take out the camera snap a few. I took a ride in the Ercoupe recently and got some photographs of the beautiful Iowa countryside as Fall is upon us. Autumn is a great time to get out and photograph and shooting from the air is even better. I highly recommend getting a flight in a light plane and shoot photos. It's a great way to gain an new perspective. I followed the Iowa River southweast from Iowa City to get these shots.

Shooting photos from a light plane requires some pre-planning. Have an idea of where you want to shoot, talk to your pilot about what and where you want to go, use a UV filter to cut down on atmospheric haze, and use a high shutter speed, at least 1/125 of a second. Make sure your camera strap is wrapped around your wrist not your neck, you don't want to get choked if the camera wants to take flight as well!  Light aircraft cockpits are generally cramped so take only what you need. A wide to short telephoto lens eg. 28-105 range will do nicely. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fly, the air is smoother and the low angled sunlight makes great pictures.