Clicking while Flying

Travel was part of my profession and took me to various destinations. I must have clocked half a million flying miles during my career spanning over 3 decades. Though most of it is within India, spending time within flight, an hour or two is always challenging.

While some doze off, most dig their heads into newspapers or in-flight magazines. I find shooting or clicking scenes below thru the window is another in-flight hobby very interesting and sharpens one’s creativity. You need not be pro, nor, you need pro gadgets. A simple point and shoot cameras is sufficient. But you need to prepare for and that starts before your enter the flight. Make sure you ask for window seat while checking in, preferably two or three rows behind the wing. It is easier if you web check in and that is best now a days. And, make sure you pick up some tissues or napkin from airport lounge - coffee shop or restrooms are best sources.

When once you enter the plane and settle, buckled-in in window seat, pull out paper napkin and clean the window glass. There will always be layer of dust and that need to be wiped out clean to get good photos. Don’t worry what your neighbor thinks. Just smile way if someone is watching you. Carry the camera in hand and never in the bag that is shoved in overhead chest to take it out later. You may miss some opportunities and remember that you are in window seat and retrieving the bag is cumbersome.

No sooner the departure is announced make sure your camera settings are in landscape, flash switched off mode. Keep it that way, ready. Good scenes of buildings or roads are best captured during the take-off and landing. And time available is very limited and that makes you to be on the edge of the seat. Since there is a double glass protection for the window of the plane, never focus your camera straight across the glass as reflected light spoil the snap. It should be at an angle while clicking.

Now, click as many snaps as possible while flight is taking off.  Experience is the best teacher and prepares you well for the next flight. Keep part of the wing in the frame always to bring credibility to the snaps. Sometimes when it is flying over mountain range, you get good shots. While landing, you can catch hustle-bustle of the city life besides buildings.

When you are flying shorter distances in small aircraft, you can catch wheels folding in and out. And bringing them in the frame will make very interesting snaps.

Wishing you a safe and clickable flight.

Some of my photos are here.