Aerials 101
A quick Introduction to Aerial Photography
So you know you want a shot from the air, but you aren't quite sure how to describe what it is you are looking for. Follow this quick introduction so that you'll be on the same page as us when describing what you're looking for.
It's easy to confuse high and low obliques, because high and low have no relation to the height of the aircraft. Rather the high and low refer to the angle off the vertical axis. Therefore, the further away from looking straight down, the higher the degree difference, hence why a high oblique includes the horizon, and a low oblique doesn't. Refer to the chart on the left for a visual representation of the angles. Below we have examples of the types of pictures that you'll get with each type of shot. Both high and low obliques can be taken at a variety of altitudes, while extremely low altitude (sub 1000ft) high obliques are usually done by helicopter.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Low Oblique
Taken from an angle of approximately 40 degrees off the vertical axis, a low oblique does not include the visible horizon or the sky in the picture. The apparent horizon is not shown in the shot. High Oblique
Taken with the camera axis directed approximately 70 degrees off the vertical axis, and does include the horizon and the sky. The apparent horizon is shown in the shot. Vertical
Photographs made by pointing the camera straight down vertically from the aircraft.
A vertical photograph has the advantage of providing a readable scale.