Aerial photography is the art of taking photographs of the ground from an elevated position. The term usually refers to images in which the camera is not supported by a ground-based structure. Cameras may be hand held or mounted, and photographs may be taken by a photographer, triggered remotely or triggered automatically.

In many ways, aerial photography is both more or less complex than other kinds of photography. However, the skill and techniques needed to obtain good results are easily learned through careful observation and good judgment. Arthus Bertrand is a premier Aerial Photographer whose works go beyond just amazement.

Born in 1946, Yann Arthus-Bertrand has always been fond of nature and animals. At thirty years old, he settled in Kenya with his wife, Anne, to study the every day life of a pride of lions. The camera soon becomes necessary to relate his observations, and he understood that he had to tell the facts through images rather than words. Photography became his vocation. Back to France in 1981, he published a book, “Lions” began a career as a reporter-photographer and became specialized in aerial photography. In 1994, under the patronage of UNESCO, he began the creation of an aerial image bank of the most beautiful places on earth : this project will led to the publication of ‘The Earth from above’. He created the ‘GoodPlanet Foundation’, a non-profit organization. His works have been a strong source of inspiration to many photographers in the world. In this article, I have showcased some of his brilliant works which are awe-inspiring at the least. [src : Wikipedia, Smashing Mag, Arthus' official website]

1. Feedlock in the outskirts of Bakersfield, CA

2. Power Lines in a field near Idaho Falls, US

3. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellow Stone National Park, US

4. Highlands Ranch, outskirts of Denver, Colorado, United States

5. Outdoor Coal Mine, Arizona, US

6. Financial District, Manhattan, NY

9. The Burj Dubai Tower (during Construction)

11. Los Angeles Freeway

13. Yankee Stadium, NY

14. Farming near Pullman, Washington

15. The late World Trade Center, NY

16. Monument Valley Park, US

17. Military Aircraft store, Arizona, US

18. The Big Indian Nav Ajo Reserve, Arizona, US

20. Finger Mountains, Antarctica

21. The statue of liberty, NY

22. Barringer Crater, Arizona, US

Bertrand’s Gallery is filled with breath taking photographs from several countries. What I have showcased is a small portion of his works. You will get blown away after you see the rest. Do not forget to take a look.

Also, do not forget to take a look at the awesome article from Smashing magazine on Aerial Photography which is equipped with tons of resources : Aerial Photography


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