Plane Window Photography

Honestly I wonder how much time people put into plane window photography and I’m talking about commercial passenger plane photography. I have seen some unbelievable shots from photographers taken from their window seat on their way to there next destination.

I have always wanted to try it but couldn’t because of room. I’m a big guy and when I fly Air Canada Jazz there isn’t a lot of space to spare, especially when I’m beside someone. I’m not going to take the time and make an ordeal of pulling out my backpack with my camera in it just so I can fire off a few shots.

This time though, yes I’m currently flying while typing this, I don’t have anyone beside be. SAWEEET! So just as we were taxiing onto the strip I pulled out my camera and set it beside me. I really wanted to start taking photos as we were taking off, but thought I shouldn’t annoy the flight attendant man.

As we started to reach altitude I started firing away. It was a nice feeling knowing that I had an hour and a half to play with settlings, but then I realized a problem. My window was badly scratched, smudged and just dirty, so my picture weren’t coming out great. Because I’m awesome or rather my MacBook Air is awesome I was able to quickly put the photos on it to preview them better. As you can see there are a lot of discrepancies in the photos. They are neat, yes. To my standard, no. So that is why I wonder how some photographers take amazing plane window photos. Is it because of there top notch gear? Is it hours in photoshop? Or are they just sitting by windows that are cleaner?

I won’t know the answer unless I keep shooting and trying different things, that is how we learn after all.