TDF - A view from the air

I found it very difficult photographing from the helicopter. Our 'airspace' was 1500ft and the largest lens I had with me was the Sigma 50-150. I started off using the Pentax 17-70 which was not up to the task at all.

I also found that I 'reverted to type' and could not resist trying landscapes from the air - so forgive the shots devoid of anything to do with the race - hope they are interesting at least.

Image 7 is my home town Knaresborough. Towards the back in the centre is a building with a yellowish facade and a French flag - this is Knaresborough House where my wife and kids were standing to watch the race and waving frantically at me

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Really interesting shots Carl, looks like you had an amazing day...

Thanks for sharing

Carl, I really envy you. I personally like the 2nd and last image, but they are all unique in that you had the opportunity to take them from the air. Its a shame you did not have a DA* 300 with you or something longer than the Sigma 150 you did have.

I do love aerial shots as you get a really unique perspective on things and places. Some of your shots are really crisp and sharp considering the vibration and turbulence
you would have had to handle.

For me the landscapes beat the TDF shots hands down. Nos 6, 8 and 12 are particularly good.

I think PU should run a competition with the prize being an hour of airborne photography over the UK landscape of your choice! Might even enter that one myself.

Karlo

Lovely shots Carl.
You certainly got to see the cyclists for longer than we did on the ground.
I took far more shots of support cars than the bikes themselves, which flashed past in around a minute, despite me chosing a spot with a longer view.

Juggling lenses in a Helicopter isn't easy, so having a longer lens with you would have drastically reduced your shots of the overal scene. I found the DA55-300 gave me a useful range and the vibration/windows probably introduce enough distortion that any IQ improvements in better optics become lost.

The scenic views are indeed interesting, so don't worry about including them!

For me the landscapes and aerial shots of the town are great, I particularly like 6 and 12. The TDF ones give a sense of the scale of the event (the crowds lining the streets in 7 particularly), but are removed from the action so don't convey that. What an opportunity though!

The areal pictures are better at showing the complete peloton in full cry winding through the streets than would be possible from ground level.
I love the landscapes.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Great stuff . Lucky man

Crossroads shot is my pick.


As the tour came past I was mesmerised by the number of helicopters in tow (7?) and the way they circled together. Presumably they have to fly in defined formation for safety?

5 TDF helicopters Tim plus assorted media, and on Saturday - the Queen's helicopter.

The TDF helicopters don't follow a set pattern as such - but kind of 'follow the leader' and have set operating heights and airspace (1500 feet in our case).

Carl

Well that was different

The last one is my favourite

These are great once again Carl, another very different perspective on the action. Funnily enough, I think the ones of the cyclists are less successful than the landscapes are! Same as Stuey, the last one for me is my favourite.

Regards
David

Thanks everybody - and for the record - I prefer the landscapes too - but then - as many of you know - landscapes are my thing

Carl

Good shots Carl.

Looks like you caught part of the Menwith Hill facility in number 11.

Best regards

Great shots and what a great experience to work from a Heli

Great set! I also prefer the landscape but the images of the peloton do work well for me, too. Longer lens would have been nice but it's also a bit more hit and miss with the vibration.