We just returned from the Professional Aerial Photographers Association, International (PAPA) conference in Houston, Texas. We had a great time, learned a lot, and came home with an impressive collection of awards! But before I get to that, I'd like to mention a few things that we did while we were there. Both Stan and I were asked to give presentations to the attendees. Stan's presentation was on Air-to-Air photography and was well attended - standing room only! I gave a presentation on Construction Progress Aerial photography - not as glamorous as Air-to-Air, but a large portion of our aerial business. It went well and during the presentation I shared the results of on online survey I had conducted about general construction progress aerial photography practices by members of PAPA. Interesting results.

This year, like last year, I was asked to be one of the judges for the print competition. Always a popular event at the conventions, this years show was no disappointment. I didn't enter any prints this year as I wanted to avoid any perceived unfairness of judging my own prints (which doesn't happen anyway because we have alternate judges that step in when a judges print comes up). I did step aside when Stan's prints were judged as well. I'll get to the results in a second. Pat Belanger, who has been the print competition chairman for the past few years, was elected to be the president of PAPA at the convention. As a result, he resigned his position over the print competition and asked me to step in and take his place. I am honored to serve in that capacity. PAPA has been great for us and I'm happy to give back to the organization.

On to the awards! Stan cleaned up with his entrys. He entered the Air-to-Air, Commercial, Scenic and Artistic categories with photographs we took over the last year. I've put low res images of them after this paragraph. Each catagory offers two chance to win top honors - the peoples choice (every attendee votes on their favorites) and the judges choice. In the Commercial catagory, Stan won the Best Air-to-Air Judges Choice with his shot of a Top Cub in front of a snow covered mountain. His night aerial of Temple Square at Christmas time won not only the Best Commercial Photograph Peoples Choice, but the Judges Choice as well. However, it was his sunset photograph of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park that took the cake - it won the Best Scenic Photograph Judges Choice award and also the Aerial Photograph of the Year award for being the highest overall scoring print in the competition! It was amazing, and the awards ceremony turned into the Stan Macbean Show!



As one of the judges, I was honored to pick my personal favorite image and award the photographer with a with a plaque stating the same. I picked a panoramic aerial of a misty mountain scene shot by Todd Quam of Digital Sky Aerial Imaging in Sacramento, CA.

Towards the end of the awards ceremony, I was surprised to learn that I had earned my PAPA International Master Photographer Award for Aerial Photography Excellence. To achieve this award is a major milestone for me and I am grateful for the recognition of my peers in the aerial photography industry.

All in all, it was a great conference! We re-united with some great friends and fellow photographers and came away with some great awards and a renewed spirit to improve our aerial photography business any way we can. To see the images that won in greater detail, just follow this link: http://tr.im/R69S You can even buy you're own print of your favorite image! I would do that if I were you... ;)

Apparently, either last month's contest was too hard, or we just need more people to actually read our newsletter and blog! We didn't get any guesses, but to be honest, it was a tough one. This one is much easier I promise!

Ok, here are the rules -

1.  Be one of the first three people to correctly identify where the following picture is. BE SPECIFIC! For example, if the image is Liberty Park, you can't just say "Salt Lake City" or "Downtown Salt Lake", you would have to say "Liberty Park in Salt Lake City".

2.  Email me the correct answer - I'll take the first three correct emails! Email me here: allen@utahbyair.com

3.  You can use any method* to find the correct location, it doesn't matter how you find it!

That's it! The first three CORRECT answers will receive one free 11x14 ready to frame print of any image in our stock library, your choice. Good luck!

Here's the image - click on it for a larger version:

I can't believe it's June already! May was an interesting month for us. I have decided that I need to start keeping a weather journal so I can compare from year to year how horrible the weather is. We had some great stock aerial photography trips planned for May, but every time we were ready to go we were either rained or stormed out. Even most of our local and monthly aerial shoots last month consisted of some serious storm dodging or weather delays. We've moved the stock shoots into June, and if it ever stops raining, we'll get some more great shots of our beautiful state.

Because of the weather grounding us so often this month, we have made serious progress on our custom aerial video mount. We have two different versions in the works - a gyro stabilized mount and a completely electronically controlled mount. We're testing both versions to see which will give us the best results and we should have a demo reel ready by next month. Don't worry, I'll post samples in next months newsletter and on our blog.

The economy is a little slow, but some of our customers realize that this is a perfect time to expand their advertising. Consequently, May was a busy month for us in food photography. A couple of our good clients decided that now is the time to repackage and rebrand their food product lines. Look for samples coming on our newly redesigned website, www.photographicsolutions.cc, which will be updated in the next few weeks.

We shot a aerial human logo of a local youth conference early last week. These kinds of shots are a lot of fun for everyone involved, and the kids on the ground really got a kick out of it. A colleague of ours in Montreal does these for corporations and small companies all the time. He lands the helicopter right on the field, gives the instructions and then takes off and shoots the picture. Everyone gets a copy for themselves, and then prints are made for the office and company newsletter. It's a great way to celebrate an event or company anniversary. Plus it's pretty cool!

Also coming in the next month or so is our own line of greeting cards featuring our stock photography of Utah, and new additions to our stock library, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Don't forget to check out our monthly photo contest here.

See you in July!

The importance of a little planning for your photo shoot cannot be overstated. Advance planning saves time and money, and usually results in better photography. Let's look at some of the questions that need to be considered:

1. What is the intended use of the photograph?

2. What background or location is needed?

3. Are there special props required for the shoot?

4. Are people or models needed?

5. What type of lighting and style would be best?

6. Are we matching a previous shoot?

7. Do we need a photo stylist?

First: Intended Use

Is the photograph to be used for an ad, a display, the internet, a catalog, a news release, an instruction manual, a magazine cover, or some combination of these? Do we need to leave room for text and graphics? Are we cutting the background out so the object or person can "float" on a page? Is there a particular format (length to width) that is needed? For example, do we need a horizontal (landscape), vertical (portrait), or square image? Answers to these questions will give us a good starting point for the photo shoot.

Second: Background/Location

In many cases a plain, solid-color studio background may be in order. If so, is there a specific color that is needed? Although we keep many options available at the studio, some colors or textured surfaces may need to be located or purchased prior to the shoot. If a location is used, it is generally best to have the photographer take a look at the proposed area before the shoot. Things like the size of the room, color of the walls and ceiling, and time of day - think sunlight coming in the windows - may all have a bearing on what equipment is needed and when to schedule the shoot.

Third: Props

Few things are more frustrating than finding out in the middle of setting up that you need something more to fill up the shot. For instance, when shooting food, we always make sure there are plenty of plates in the same pattern, napkins, cutlery, salt and pepper shakers, and other table setting types of props. Some of those things may be needed in the background, even though they may be out of focus or just partially shown. If fresh fruits and veggies are to be part of the shot, we make sure there are more than one of each; we almost always need more than you might think. And, whenever fresh props are being used, we look for the best quality and color possible. When using props in a shot, it's always better to have more than you think you'll need.

Forth: People/Models

It is always smart to consider using an agency or professional models. The pros know what to do, how to pose, and how to create and hold the right expression. They usually have an extensive wardrobe to choose from to help match the look and feel that is needed. Of course, this all comes at a price which may or may not fit your budget. It is also possible to use friends, family, and co-workers. Here at Photographic Solutions, Inc., we have experience with both professional and non-professional models, and believe we can get the needed results with either option. Just consider this, professionals work faster, require less coaching, and will not get their feelings hurt when you make a choice of a pose or expression that isn't their favorite - it's part of the job. No matter who you are using, remember to get signed model releases!

Fifth: Style

This area covers everything from lighting direction to quality of light, shadow depth, angle of view, depth of focus, focal length of the lens used, special effects, light painting, multiple exposures, Photoshop work, HDR images, and a myriad of other things. Although many of these considerations might be below the radar of our customers, just be aware that there are many options we can help you explore to put that extra touch of class in your photographs.

Sixth: Matching Images

Quite often it is necessary to take a photograph that matches something done in the past or perhaps by another photographer, so that there is continuity in your publication or on your web site. Again, this is best discussed prior to the shoot so our photographer can be prepared with the proper equipment and materials. Not every technique is easily recreated, and some research or experimentation may be required.

Seventh: Stylists

A stylist can be a wonderful asset during a large shoot, freeing the photographer to concentrate on the photography. A hair stylist or make-up person (often one and the same) can be the difference between a successful photo session and one that leaves something to be desired. Not only that, but it takes pressure off the models when they know they are being handled by a professional who knows how to make them look their best. There are also stylists who specialize in food, room decor, wardrobe, and props. Many of these people have multiple areas of expertise and using them will save money in time and effort. If a high-cost stylist is not in your budget, don't worry. We have worked with a number of stylists, and we have picked up many of the "tricks of the trade". As professional photographers we have a little stylist built in, and can handle many assignments using the same techniques as well as our own artistic capabilities.

As commercial photographers, we like to think that we are pretty good at "pulling the rabbit out of the hat", so to speak, and making our subjects look good with or without a lot of outside help. Planning ahead makes it possible for us to provide that high-quality, eye-catching look which makes a photo shoot a real success.

Have you ever opened Google Earth to look for something in particular, and instead ended up spending the afternoon looking at stuff? Yeah, me too. It's an amazing program that offers a seldom seen, and very useful, view to the public. For me, the first thing I ever looked up on Google Earth was my house, then our studio. Have you done that? Here's a question for you - how old is the image of your home or business? The imagery for my neighborhood is pretty recent for Google Earth - almost four years old. I did live there then, but 3 of my neighbors didn't. It's even before I redid much of the landscaping around the house, including the new garden area. If you live in a new development, chances are pretty good that Google doesn't even show your home, maybe not even the road you live on! It's not really a big deal if all you're doing is just looking at stuff, but what if you need a current image? Or one with more resolution?

In the above picture, notice the strange color of the Google image on the left. Also, our image on the right shows the completed hangar, updated runway markings and it's much sharper and more detailed - you can actually see the taxi way markings and tie down areas.

There are many uses for vertical aerial photography, including: city development planning, construction planning and progress monitoring and reporting, property management, real estate sales and marketing, various environmental uses such as wetland monitoring and burn area documentation, accident scene re-creation, mapping, etc. We recently had a client that needed updated images to match existing vertical photography from ten and twenty years ago for use in a lawsuit. Another client needed large prints of his property to show the city council that his plans for a new home did not cross into a local stream. A local church that had just finished an expansion needed current images to show their parishioners the progress that had been made, and outline plans for future expansion as well. We have documented large parcels of land in remote areas to support their sale to overseas clients, we even shot a winery in Colorado for sale in an auction! Whether you need a photographic map on your website to show clients your new location or you need constantly updated aerial imagery for your construction project, vertical aerial photography is the perfect answer.

Using custom vertical aerial photography used to be expensive and time consuming. Not any more! While we do have access to high-resolution photography of the entire Wasatch front and St. George area that is about a year old, our specialty is current, high-resolution, low cost verticals of the property you need. We can shoot exactly what you need when you need it - like after the cement pour but before the walls start to go up on your construction project. Try to get that from Google Earth! We also offer the resolution you need, whether it's very high-resolution or even our lower resolution, which is still much sharper than other online solutions. Custom graphics like property lines, dates, road labels, shading, etc. are quick and easy. We've even made golf course maps with yardage markers!

Vertical aerial photography has many different uses and is much more current and detailed than anything you'll find online. Take your project to the next level by using custom vertical photography from Photographic Solutions, Inc.

Ok, here are the rules -

1.  Be one of the first three people to correctly identify where the following picture is. BE SPECIFIC! For example, if the image is Liberty Park, you can't just say "Salt Lake City" or "Downtown Salt Lake", you would have to say "Liberty Park in Salt Lake City".

2.  Email me the correct answer - I'll take the first three correct emails! Email me here: allen@utahbyair.com

3.  You can use any method* to find the correct location, it doesn't matter how you find it!

That's it! The first three CORRECT answers will receive one free 11x14 ready to frame print of any image in our stock library, your choice. Good luck!

Here's the image - click on it for a larger version:

Within the first three seconds of meeting someone for the first time, you are evaluated. An opinion is formed about you based on your appearance, body language, demeanor, how you are dressed, etc. With every new encounter, a new first impression is formed. These first impressions can be very difficult to undo, making the first encounter very important as it sets the tone for the relationship that follows. Here is how the process works:

• If you appear to be of comparable business or social level, you are considered suitable for further interaction.

• If you appear to be of higher business or social status, you are admired and cultivated as a valuable contact.

• If you appear to be of lower business or social standing, you are tolerated but kept at arm's length.

• If you are in an interview situation, you can either appear to match the corporate culture or not, ultimately affecting the outcome.

The same principal holds true for your business. How you present your business also creates opinions in your prospective clients that is hard to change or undo. One of the very first things a prospective client sees, likely even before they see you, is your place of business, your building. Here's where we can help!

Many of our client are proud of their buildings, and rightly so. They spent much time and money designing them to their specifications, constructing or renovating, creating landscaping, etc. all because they want their building to reflect their business. After all the work that's put into a place of business, it only makes sense to have professional architectural photography as a record, a display piece, an advertising tool, etc.

There are many aspects of exterior architectural photography that take years to perfect. Choosing the right angle and framing, getting the lighting just right and keeping the building properly exposed while not blowing out the sky are just of few of things that go into great architectural photography. It's far more than just showing up with a camera. Often there needs to be coordination to handle the many different options that need to be considered. Do you want cars in the parking lot? Do you want the lights on inside, or are we going to capture the reflection of the sunset in the windows? Do you want the giant banner on the side of the building removed? There are countless options and technical aspects that need addressing, and a professional architectural photographer can work with you to produce an image you will be just as proud of as you are of your building. Architectural photography is one of our specialties and we can make that first impression a great first impression for you!

I was 18 years old, living in Montreal, Canada, when I shot my first construction progress shots. That was many years ago, but even then contractors knew the value of recording what was happening on their construction sites. Shooting from the top of a nearby building, I remember wanting to be just a little higher so I could get a better view of things. Little did I realize that my later interest in flying would provide those coveted angles that really showed what was happening on the ground.

But enough of the past, let's look at what's happening today. The economy has taken a disturbing downward turn, building is off, and most businesses are cutting back or being very cautious with their spending. So why consider spending extra money on aerial construction progress photography? . . . . Because a visual image will help maximize your efforts, facilitate planning, and likely pay for itself in the long run! How? Information, that's how. We live in the information age. People want to know, and with aerial photography you'll have a record of what's been done and when it was completed, all verified by a third party. Your banker, out-of-town investors, or partners will also be pleased see the progress (and it might just save them a trip). Your web site will be updated with current photos that can show access routes and adjacent properties to promote your project to potential renters or buyers, not to mention possible customers for future projects. The images are guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your construction and planning meetings; when people can see how they are doing and how everything is coming together they get excited and feel a real sense of accomplishment. And don't forget your Board of Directors meetings; aerial images will be a hit there, too. Wouldn't it be great to have a professional-looking historical record of a project from start to finish? The answer is YES!

Nothing shows off a piece of property, building, or construction site like an aerial photograph! People always look at aerial photographs; they are unique. The "bird's eye" view shows it all. High-resolution, near real-time images are chock full of current, valuable information. In response to the economy, we have temporarily cut our prices for aerial progress photography. We think you'll be surprised at how affordable our services can be. Give us a call to discuss how we can make aerial photography a part of your current or upcoming construction project.

*Actually, we'll fly it, we'll shoot it, and you'll like it - guaranteed!

Our latest aerial stock shoot took us to Monument Valley, Utah. After finally getting a break in the weather, Stan and I took off on a Tuesday afternoon and headed south over the eastern slopes of Mount Nebo and over the Manti valley. We turned east at I-70 east then headed south to Capitol Reef National Park. Utah has some amazing geological features and one of best is Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef. You don't get the whole effect from the ground, but from the air it is spectacular!

We then continued over to Escalante Canyon and followed it down until it merged with the main channel in Lake Powell. Don't tell anyone, but spring is a great time to head to Lake Powell - the lake is gorgeous, the weather is perfect and no one is there! I think we saw three boats on the lake. We followed the channel upstream to Hall's Crossing then headed over to Cal Black Memorial Airport for fuel. After filling up we headed directly to Goulding's airstrip at Monument Valley. After checking into the hotel, we headed back up into the sky to get some sunset shots of Monument Valley. Our timing was perfect, but the low clouds on the horizon interfered with what was otherwise a gorgeous sunset.

In the morning we were up and in the air before the sun, and we had great shooting conditions in Monument Valley. The air was perfectly smooth, and the formations looked awesome in the warm morning light. We then flew up to the San Juan arm of Lake Powell and followed it down to the main channel. After a few circles around Rainbow Bridge National Monument, we continued down the lake to Wahweap bay and Glenn Canyon Dam.

Paria canyon was next on the list, and the geology of the area makes some of the eroding hills look like sherbet ice cream! Paria is a ghost town with almost nothing left after a fire a few years ago, but it was the location set of several western movies. Continuing on, we flew North to Bryce Canyon. Most people never get to see the canyons and hoodoos from the air looking west - spectacular! We topped of the tanks at Bryce Canyon airport and flew over Otter Creek Reservoir on our way to Wayne Wonderland airport, near Loa, for lunch.

It was a great couple of days flying over Utah and taking in some of the most spectacular scenery our state has to offer. For more shots from the flight, click on the "Stock" tab above, go to our stock site, and then search for "monument", "lake powell", "escalante", etc. or you can click this link: http://tr.im/kdDv - you get the idea!

Or, should I say, it's just about time. Despite April's cold and wet arrival, it won't be long before things are greening up, blossoming, and generally looking the best they are going to look all year. It's time to get some pictures! Specifically, aerial pictures. Nothing shows off a piece of property, a building , or the progress of a construction project like an aerial photograph. The "bird's eye" view shows it all from a fresh perspective. Why is spring one of the best times to shoot from the air? Here are a few things to consider. From mid April through June the grass and trees are greener than any other time of year. The flowers are out, and can add a splash of color. If your building or project faces north, the sun will be on the front only between late April and the middle of July, and then only in the morning and evening - which, coincidentally, are the best times of the day to shoot for quality of light. There will still be snow in the mountains, making for a great background. The air is generally cleaner and smoother in the spring. And, last but not least, Photographic Solutions is offering some great discounts on our award- winning aerial photography to get the shooting season off to a great start.

An aerial photograph is always an eye-catching conversation piece, but it is also full of useful information. Think of a large construction site that is photographed monthly to show the progress of the project. Not only is this a great historical record, but photographs can be used on your web site or in a newsletter to show future tenants, your banker, investors, or prospective clients just how things are going. If there is ever a question as to when some phase of the project was completed, photographs can document the process with valuable third-party verification. Large laminated prints can be used in construction planning meetings, making discussions more visual and meaningful. We can even put on a special laminate that can be drawn on with a grease pencil or dry erase markers, facilitating planning and/or changes.

Aerial photography of ground subjects generally falls into one of two categories: oblique or vertical. Obliques (shot from an angle) are more pictorial in nature, and are often the preferred choice. Different angles show different perspectives and proximity to other real estate, access routes, rail lines, waterways, and adjacent facilities, as well as vertical development of structures. Vertical photography (looking straight down) is more technical in nature, and can be used for basic measurements, or overlayed with available GIS information. Verticals also make great photographic maps of complex areas. Photographic Solutions' aerial photography yields high resolution, near real-time images - something not seen with Google Earth or most available satellite imagery.

Be sure to visit our web site, www.utahbyair.com, and take a look at examples of our professional aerial photography, then give us a call so we can discuss your next aerial photography project.