Take photos like a pro
Taking photos on a plane is always a challenge. Combine that with the snowiest, whitest, brightest continent on earth and you’re sure to have a few duds on your camera card. But not to worry, we are here to help!
Here are 10 tips to make your photos as amazing as the scenery out the window!
1. Turn off the flash
Keeping your flash on when you’re photographing from an airplane window can cause reflections and bright spots in your images. Keeping the flash off will help ensure your images are true to form.
2. Look for variety
Try to find focal points inside and outside the plane. The alluring Antarctic continent outside will draw you to the window, but make sure you’re capturing the entire experience. Try to shoot both portrait and landscape photos for variety and think about composition too.
3. Calibrate for snow
Calibrating your white balance for snow in Antarctica can save the snow looking gray or blue in your photos. Some cameras and phones have a snow setting to make it easy too.
4. Use a lens hood
Photographing the crisp white snow of Antarctica out the window can cause reflections. If you can, use a lens hood or cup your hand around the camera lens to keep reflections and glare at bay.
5. Wait for it
Try to capture those moments when the plane is banking or turning, this is when you will have the best opportunities for great photos of the ground below. Keep in mind the windows can cause some distortion in your images so try to make sure you’re shooting at an angle that represents the truest vision.
6. Avoid vibration
It can be tempting to position the camera right up against the window. Instead, try to get close, but don’t touch the window. The vibration from the plane can blur or distort your image.
7. Use a zoom lens
If you want to capture the landscapes at greater detail, or focus on a more specific point, bring your zoom lens along for the ride.
8. Feel free to edit
There is no shame in using Photoshop when you get home. Edit images to reduce unwanted marks and add life to duller images. Try to lift the saturation and contrast for the truest to life photos. You may even want to add a filter directly on your phone.
9. Use manual focus
Because of the window between you and Antarctica, your camera can get confused on the auto-focus setting. If you can, use manual focus on your camera to ensure full control.
10. Shoot in RAW
If your camera will allow, shoot in RAW format. This will give you greater ability to make edits and changes when you’re back on the ground. If you’re worried about taking up extra space on your camera card, make sure to bring a spare.