Not The Paparazzi
Once the decision has been made to invest in a customized aerial image, our clients can either maintain full control over all aspects of their shoot, or they can simply give us a nod and say "do it", and we'll determine the most ideal conditions based on our years of experience. Some of the factors to consider are type of photo desired (see below), time of day for ideal lighting conditions, direction from which the photos should be taken, altitude for proper coverage and perspective, weather conditions, and most important of all, safety. When a client chooses Aerial Tracings to capture their home, business, or property at its greatest moment, we work only for you and we're prepared to wait as long as is necessary for conditions to be right to get that perfect photograph. After all, snapping pictures at inopportune times is a job for the paparazzi, not your aerial photographer.
Safety Considerations
Each of our photo shoots are preceded
by a detailed site survey. We do this for several reasons, but our primary
consideration is safety. Flying a large radio-controlled helicopter over or
near another person is both unsafe and irresponsible. But flying a 35 ounce
airplane over that same area poses very little threat to bystanders provided
it's done responsibly. Knowing our environment helps us to determine the
best tool for the job, and investing considerable time inspecting our equipment
and enhancing our skills ensures that the aircraft we've selected will carry out
its mission in a safe, efficient manner.
The majority of aerial photographs are taken from an indirect or "oblique" angle. This allows an observer to see a great deal more than if they were to view their subject from the ground level, or even from a point directly overhead. An oblique view is the most effective method for displaying the full depth of your subject.
Our unique approach to photography allows us to provide a true 90° vertical perspective. Direct overhead views are extremely useful for showing property outlines, planning landscaping work, or detailing traffic intersections for accident investigations.
If you need a little more action than a still photo can provide, how about full-motion digital video? A wireless or digital onboard video camera is a great way to capture a low altitude video tour of your neighborhood, a school campus, or a high-altitude video loop centering around a specific area.
One of the advantages of using high-resolution digital cameras is the multitude of post-processing options available following the shoot. We can do anything from removing minor flaws in your driveway or parking lot, to making significant changes in the landscaping surrounding your property. Basic desktop publishing is included at no extra charge when you purchase one or more of our images, but if more extensive processing is required, we'll be happy to provide a free price quote.
In the image below, we removed all vehicles, people, pets, a "for sale" sign, several flags near the roadway, the dirt pile in the driveway, a grill, and miscellaneous furniture items. We also fixed the roof and chimney, removed oil stains and tire marks from the driveway, and grew grass where only dirt and hay were visible.
Can you find the item that's out of place in this photo?
(click image to enlarge, use browser's "back" button to return)
Hint: It weighs over 3,000 pounds.
Click here for the answer.