An aerial photographer is a person who take photographs

from an aircraft such as a airplane, helicopter, and

satellite.

Aerial Photographer

Common Work Activities • Market and advertising services to

attract clients. • Analyze and decide how to compose

a subject. • Use various photographic

techniques and equipment.• Capture subjects in commercial-

quality photographs.• Enhance the subject’s appearance

with natural or artificial light.• Using photo enhancing software.• Maintain a digital portfolio (usually a

website) to demonstrate work.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Being up in aircraft.• Needing a steady hand to take

proper photos.• Having no fear of heights.• Have to look out for the weather

conditions if you will be in an aircraft.

Skills and Abilities necessary for this occupation.

• Having good timing while taking photos.• Good positioning. • How to operate the camera.• How to maintain a portfolio.

Education/Colleges/Training Necessary

• Education:• Photographic design and composition. • Needs to have a high school diploma.• Training:• Years of practice with taking photos.• Developing a portfolio.• Colleges: • Many colleges offer photography courses.

Since Aerial photography is a specific term not many colleges offer it.

Career Path

• Have years of practice and experience with photos

• You have to want to become a Aerial Photographer.

• Have to go through the necessary schooling processes.

Wages in Aerial Photography

• In 2012 the average hourly wage was $21.12.• The annual wage for an Aerial Photographer is about 30,000.

Other Facts

• Aerial Photographers use different aerial vehicles such as hot air balloons, kites, and parachutes.

• Geography maps wouldn’t be what they are today without the photos they take.

• Aerial video recording is turning into an alternative to aerial photography.

Continued..

• People made use of Aerial photography in 1858.

• The first person to have taken photos from extremely high in the air was balloonist Gaspard-Félix Tournachon.

• Some cameras are controlled by drones.

Interview Some questions you should expect while being interviewed for an aerial photography job: • “Where did you hear of aerial

photography?”• “Do you have all the necessary

equipment?”• “Did you go to college for

photography if so, how long were you there?”