Aerial photography in Alaska sounds WONDERFUL. As a pilot,
photographer (OM1n), and previous tourist to Alaska some thoughts for you
and your OM1 (<--- Oly content). You definitely want a high wing versus
mid or low wing aircraft. That should be easy as they are prefered up
there. DO NOT accept a low wing A/C and expect to shoot out of the "little
window" on the pilot's side (left). TOO RESTRICTIVE!!! and besides not all
good pilots are instructor rated or well practiced flying from the right
hand seat (steering and throttle hands are reversed---worse than shifting a
5 speed left handed). There are a significant number of A/C in Alaska that
do not seat pilot and passenger side by side. That could be a distinct
advantage, ask about it. This would allow you the freedom to shoot from
either side without needing to have the pilot circle, wasting your valuable
time. Believe me, it will seem as if the time will go by at 10X and the
flight will NOT last long enough. Take more film than you think reasonable
and consider a backup body or camera.
There are plenty of A/C up there that have windows that will swing
out and up and latch in place permitting a great view. Do consider your
clothing as it can be a bit BRISK at altitude with the pneumonia hole(s)
open. Wear something adjustable that you can reconfigure while seated with
restrictive seatbelts on.
Have a good chat IN ADVANCE with the charter company or preferably
the pilot about temps, windows, flying with window open, photos wanted etc.
Equip yourself with, at a minimum, a skylight filter and consider a slight
warming filter. A linear polarizer would be nice for sky effects and
reducing glare off the water when sun angles and landscape will not
cooperate with each other, There is a lot of water up there and it will end
up in photos when you least expect it, especially when shooting from above.
If all else fails, take the shots you can get as best you can. The
best aerial photos I ever made personally were Super 8 movies, hand held
through the cockpit canopy, sometimes through the prop sometimes through
the side window (not the little hole on the pilot's side) while I was doing
the flying near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Best of luck to you, Patrick
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