How to Film while in the Cockpit
- jrniejade777
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Aviation photography looks effortless... until you try it.
Between ATC chatter, G-forces, and unpredictable lighting, there’s a science behind every shot that looks spontaneous. My background in film production helped, but I quickly realized flying with a camera requires an entirely different skill set. From understanding the aircraft’s layout to fighting glare and syncing multiple GoPros mid-flight, this kind of storytelling is equal parts art and aerodynamics.
I got my start in aviation a bit backwards. I had a background in Film Production and in Digital Marketing in International regions. When I started documenting planes, stunt teams, professional pilots, aviation DP’s I was introduced to an entire new part of the film industry.
The overlap between aviation and creative industries is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in areas like aerial photography, documentary filmmaking, and creative marketing.
The deeper I got into aviation photography, the more I realized it wasn’t just about taking pictures, it was about syncing with motion, rhythm, and trust. The pilot becomes your scene partner, the aircraft your tripod, and the sky your lighting rig. Here’s how I’ve learned to bridge art and altitude, one frame at a time.
Have an understanding of what type of aircraft you are flying
Every aircraft has unique cockpit configurations. When I flew a T6 with the Aero Shell Aerobatic Team, I brought a GoPro attachment, but upon arrival, I discovered the cockpit's rounded windows prevented the mount from staying secure for more than 10 seconds. I ended up having to time my camera usage during level flight to prevent the sensor from becoming disoriented.
Avoiding Window Glass Glare
Glare on a window in small cockpit aviation photography is a common issue caused by bright sunlight reflecting off the window surface, often making it difficult to capture clear images of the outside scenery due to the high contrast between the bright exterior and the relatively dark cockpit interior; to mitigate this, photographers can use techniques like adjusting shooting time to avoid direct sunlight, using a lens hood, and employing a polarizing filter to reduce reflections. There are three main causes of glare:
Direct sunlight: When bright sunlight hits the window at a direct angle, it creates significant glare.
Window angle: The position of the window relative to the camera can intensify reflections.
Cockpit Lighting: The stark contrast between the bright exterior and darker cockpit interior often produces glare.
Solutions to reduce glare
Shooting time:
Early morning or late evening: Shoot during golden hour when the sunlight is softer and less likely to cause excessive glare.
Cloudy days can provide more diffused lighting, reducing glare
Camera techniques:
Lens hood: Attach a lens hood to your camera to block extraneous light from hitting the lens.
Polarizing filter: A polarizing filter can significantly reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces like glass, helping to minimize glare.
Camera angle: Try to position the camera at an angle to minimize reflections from the window.
Let the pilot in command know your vision for your shot
Whether you are filming Red Bull stunt teams or filming a youtube video, you need to let the Pilot in Command your ideal idea of the shot. Flying is expensive and if you are there with the sole purpose of fulfilling some sort of shot you. both need to be on the same page.
Adapting to Dynamic Aviation Photography
Transitioning from traditional studio photography to aviation photography demands specific adaptations and quick mastery of camera adjustments in changing flight conditions. Consider high shutter speeds to combat aircraft motion and vibration.
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