Due to the seasonal nature of aerial work, flight training & coaching to the commercial pilot licence level is also undertaken. Air to Air shots can be arranged too and this is an area we would like to expand. Damian teaches basic aerobatics to those who wish to experience the adrenalin highs from being under medium 'g' forces around 3-4 'g', upside down or just looping, rolling and spinning to enjoy the world of 3D and some are still trying to take pictures! We offer formation flying for photographs too, it is a demanding but rewarding experience.
Our customers are large companies, surveyors, news media, photographers and occasionally members of the public. Associates include commercial pilots, professional and semi-professional photographers including a local press photographer/private pilot. Our gallery pages contain typical aerial views and a selection of aircraft images, all of which are for sale. These are only examples so please ask for photos we may have on file. Our main commercial interest is photographing development sites and property for commercial surveyors, property developers land agents and farmers for subsidy or land and boundary disputes.
We supply images via email, on CD or printed using archival quality ink and paper and may mount and frame images. Prints up to Super A3 size may be printed in Cranfield but we also use digital colour labs for large posters or more specialist work. Starting with a digital image is ideal for the fast moving image production process as they may be manipulated easily compared to negative films and traditional prints. Broadband has assisted in delivery of digital images to our clients but one raw digital image may use 24MB storage and these are usually copied to CD.
For most commissions a digital camera matched with an image-stabilized, telephoto zoom or wide angle lens is the most versatile combination. The high quality of professional lenses is a key factor in our excellent finished picture quality. Framing the shot from a moving aircraft is a key skill. The British weather, sun angle, shadow and wind also require that the crew is experienced in this field. Images for framing are usually produced at 16x12 inches in 2 inch border photo card mounts to be set in 20x16 inch frames. Other sizes e.g. 36x24 and even larger are available to order. As the shoot is planned, digital mapping, GPS and flight planning computers are used to help pinpoint locations and prepare quotations. Accurate target information is critical for success.
A high wing aircraft is essential to provide an unrestricted view of the ground. The Cessna types are ideally suited to this. Based at Cranfield Airport our association with flying training schools and aircraft owners groups allows for the use and hire of a sizeable fleet of aircraft ensuring constant aircraft availability. Occasionally aircraft may be hired in different parts of the country to reduce travel costs.
Piloting skills and experience have built up and licences and ratings have been accumulated in the period from Damian's first solo flight back in 1975. Only experienced commercial pilots are used, generally with flight instructor, night and instrument weather ratings allowing operation at all times of day or night. In short, we will get cameras to targets and get the job done. To hire a commercial pilot for a photographic survey or any other aerial work simply email your requirements to damian who will reply swiftly with a quotation. In short, Target, Aircraft, Pilot, Camera, job done!