PORTRAITURE & CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHY Jul 2009

Paul Campbell considers a helicopter the equivalent of a very high tripod, an invaluable tool for the landscape photographer - albeit an extremely expensive one! For the past 15 years, he has been using it for a wide range of clients including P&O Cruises, supermarkets, banks, and all manner of tourist boards. He also has a strong background shooting cars on location.

Paul shoots using gyro stabiliser mounts which minimise movement and deliver a high quality file at the end of the job. The helicopter opens his eyes to the one dimensional world below, revealing landscapes that often look as if they have been art directed specifically for his photography.

Using the aerial method means the time of day and weather conditions are even more critical than when shooting conventional landscapes. A good understanding of weather forecasting is essential, as is the patience to watch and wait before shooting - not always an affordable luxury in the commercial world of copy dates. A strong stomach to combat airsickness is essential too, especially when flying in a tight circles.