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Photography Tips for Capturing the Best Aerial Shots on Your Sedona Helicopter Tour

a view of a canyon

A helicopter tour over Sedona is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of its iconic red rock formations, winding canyons, and vast desert landscapes. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone looking to capture the magic of your flight, aerial photography requires a few special techniques to get the best shots. At Apex Air, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation and the right approach can make all the difference in preserving your experience in stunning images. Here are our top photography tips for getting the most out of your Sedona helicopter tour.

1. Choose the Right Camera Gear

While modern smartphones have impressive camera capabilities, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens (24-70mm or 24-105mm) will give you the best flexibility for framing your shots. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) can also be useful for capturing expansive landscapes. If using a smartphone, opt for one with a high-quality camera and consider using an app that allows for manual adjustments.

2. Optimize Your Camera Settings

Aerial photography requires quick adjustments to capture sharp, well-exposed images. Here are the ideal settings:

  • Shutter Speed: Set your shutter speed to at least 1/500s to counteract the vibration and motion of the helicopter.
  • Aperture: Keep your aperture between f/5.6 and f/8 to maintain a deep depth of field while letting in sufficient light.
  • ISO: Use ISO 200-400 for a balance between clarity and noise reduction, adjusting as needed for lighting conditions.
  • Focus Mode: Use continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI Servo) to keep moving landscapes sharp.
  • Shoot in RAW: This allows for greater flexibility in post-processing, especially for exposure and color corrections.

3. Mind the Lighting Conditions

Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing Sedona’s beauty from above. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Golden Hour: The best time for aerial photography is during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and casts a warm glow over the red rocks.
  • Avoid Harsh Midday Light: If flying at noon, adjust your camera settings to compensate for strong shadows and high contrast.
  • Watch for Glare: Sunlight reflecting off the helicopter windows can cause glare. Wear dark clothing to minimize reflections and angle your camera slightly away from direct light.

4. Composition Techniques for Stunning Aerial Photos

Aerial photography offers unique perspectives, and thoughtful composition can elevate your shots:

  • Rule of Thirds: Position key elements (rock formations, winding canyons) along the gridlines for balanced images.
  • Leading Lines: Use roads, rivers, and ridges to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
  • Framing: Capture the helicopter’s window frame or rotor blades in the shot for context and a sense of scale.
  • Minimalism & Patterns: Focus on natural patterns and textures in the landscape for dramatic effects.

5. Consider Window vs. Doors-Off Tours

Apex Air offers both windowed and doors-off helicopter tours. A doors-off flight eliminates window reflections and allows for crystal-clear shots, but it requires careful handling of your camera due to strong winds. If flying with doors on, position your lens as close to the glass as possible to minimize reflections.

6. Steady Your Shots and Use Burst Mode

Helicopter motion can make steady shots challenging. Use these techniques to improve sharpness:

  • Brace Yourself: Keep your elbows close to your body and use a strap for stability.
  • Burst Mode: Shoot in continuous mode to increase your chances of getting sharp images.
  • Turn Off Flash: Flash won’t help with landscapes and will only cause window reflections.

7. Enjoy the Moment!

While capturing great photos is exciting, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the stunning views with your own eyes. The experience of flying over Sedona’s majestic landscape is just as important as the images you bring home.

Book Your Photography-Focused Helicopter Tour Today

At Apex Air, we want to help you create lasting memories of Sedona from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re looking for the perfect proposal shot, landscape photography, or a thrilling adventure, our helicopter tours provide the ultimate vantage point. Book your flight today and bring your camera along for the ride!

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