We all know that aerial photography is the art of taking pictures from above (usually from an airplane or helicopter). However, most people don’t think of it as an art so much as they do a tool for use by various industries. It’s true that these images are often used in building and monitoring areas. However, this type of photography really can be an art.

There are three major types of art that may utilize aerial photography:

• Film. Start paying attention to how many scenes in films and television are photographed from above as the scene unfolds below. The most basic example is when someone in a crime show or movie is thrown off of a balcony and you see them from above.
• Commercial art. Aerial photography can create a great impact on a viewer visually. This enhances commercial art and allows for better marketing of some items. Flip through any magazine and you’ll probably notice it.
• Creative art. Photographers who want to go one step further in their work will frequently get into photographing from multiple perspectives such as up in the air.

There is definitely a science to aerial photography (just look up "photogrammetry" and you’ll learn all about it) but there’s also an art to it and that shouldn’t be forgotten when the topic comes up.

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