San Fran: A Seaplane Adventure
Earlier this year in Chicago, a couple of my photos from the Hancock Observatory got noticed by a local helicopter tour company on Twitter, and they generously offered to take me out in exchange for a set of shots. It was an unexpected and welcome surprise to the first month in America. Sadly the only available time was the day I was due to leave for San Francisco with my non-refundable Amtrak train ticket, so we had to pass, but it made me think!
My interest in Aerial photography peaked when I saw photographer Jason Hawke's work over London, he is a phenomenal aerial photographer, if you've seen an advert of the UK from above, he probably shot it. Add to that my interest in Architectural photography it was inevitable I was going to give it a try at some point, which leads us right back to San Francisco.
The San Francisco coastline is a veritable fest of beauty for a photographer, from the financial district to the Gate, Marin County and of course the islands that sit in the bay itself. The city lends well to fly overs and tour companies. Initially I set about trying to find a helicopter company that would do "doors off" (a helicopter flight with no doors so the photographer can lean out unrestricted of glass) and also wouldn't mind a blog written about the experience, that wasn't to be and interest was met with "sniffy" replies. While I was searching around for another company, my girlfriend had started researching and came across a Seaplane company called: Seaplane Adventures. Not being sure if it would be possible to shoot from a plane I sent them an email and hit the web for more details.
Aaron the company director promptly got in touch, answering all questions I had. It would seem that seaplanes (and many light aircraft) are extremely good for Aerial Photography especially in the Cessna 172 which they had. The reasons why planes and specifically the seaplane is so suited to this photography is:
1/ the plane glides and goes slower.
2/ there are less vibrations and air drag while window open than in a helicopter.
3/ Cost. Chartering a small plane is easily half that of a helicopter (a bonus when travelling on a budget).
4/ it's more fun landing and taking off on water!
We booked it!
I had asked for a late afternoon slot as figured it would be the best light for the city shots, and will result in more interesting shadows along the coastline. Not going to lie I was nervous, I have no problems with flying but the plane was small, and I would be sticking my head most of the time out a window. The fear factor of the unknown of taking off (and landing) on water was somewhat on my mind also. Aaron went through all the safety directions, strapped us in and off we went. A few minutes of floating on the water, then within seconds we were in the air, surprisingly smooth, easy and comfortable. Up to altitude, level off and then open the window, done. Now to stick my head and camera out and fire off some shots, I have never held onto my camera so hard in my life.
In theory the art of aerial photography is pretty easy, high ISO and a fast shutter speed, aim and press the button. In reality it's very different, for starters the wind hits you hard at first and pulls the camera around, add to the fact that as you are composing the shot the plane may drop on the wind so you find you miss it. In an ideal world I would have a gyro to steady the camera, this piece of equipment is also often used in helicopter photography. But I don't so; it's all a bit trial and error, shoot and hope.
Having a really clear idea of what one wants so can communicate with pilot is key, although for this time I was happy with everything Aaron suggested as my focus was the shoreline of San Francisco and the few times I asked to maneuver back around he did so.
I rapidly found that I preferred portraits over landscapes, due to height of buildings an angles shooting them at from the plane. Sadly a lot of my images were soft or out of focus, however largely the ones I wanted were spot on. Aerial photography is a hell of a challenge, and I defiantly learned a lot in one flight and what I would do different next time. I am not sure I would want to do a doors off helicopter, those guys have guts, the seaplane felt safe, I was able to make safe lens changes too which is notoriously tricky in a helicopter. The only real disadvantage of the plane from what I can tell is that it can't hover over a desired target, and in the case of a seaplane night photography isn't possible as the plane cannot land on water in the dark (understandably).
I cannot recommend Seaplane Adventures enough; it was a thoroughly professional and a wonderful experience. Aaron also provided a superb, comprehensive commentary over every site/landscape we flew over, although with my head mostly out the window I missed most of it! Even if you don't want to charter and just want to do a site seeing tour, this is the company for you. It's unique, great fun and for your dollar/pound, a worth every penny/cent.
As for the landing on water........ you will have to go to find out.
Mare Island: Abandoned
Mare Island is situated by Vallejo, which is about 23 miles Northeast of San Francisco and at one point was one of California's first capital cities. Mare Island itself has been a significant Navy Shipyard and Naval Base since 1850 and over the decades has grown in size to host an abundance of Military Buildings, factories, hospital's, Master's Quarters, dry docks and even a wonderful chapel with original Tiffany stain glass windows. It was also known for holding/construction of nuclear and building submarines. Sadly in 1996 it was decommissioned and now large parts of it sits empty, left to decay. There are some factories still operating, a few artists have moved in and on one part of the island a golf course has been built and new residential area has been established.
On the southern tip sits the most wonderful Military base I have ever seen, rows upon rows of military quarters, perfectly pristine wooden houses, bunkers, factories and all sadly inaccessible and all barricaded and locked up. I even tried to get to the beach area via a cliff but even that is restricted, due in parts to the warning of possible live ammunition! The northern point of the Island is in even more decay than the South and is filled with Gas Stations, factories and residential flats all sprayed with huge "Not open to Public. Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted" signs on every available surface. Private Security cars constantly patrol and watch all drivers going through the area. They don't take it lightly in the USA.
While it is perfectly fine to walk around the Southern area of Mare Island, I did find that it drew attention and the one time we were stopped it was just a friendly enquiry. It's understandable considering California's homeless situation, and thats is a large part of why everything is Patrolled and barricaded up to the hilt. I am sure there are photographers, "Urban Explorers" that wouldn't blink and would get into large parts of this Island but for me, the Police and remaining Military there scare me too much!
Every week they open up the hiking section (and tease you with views of the base through barbed wired fences), this is run by volunteers keen to keep the history alive. The hike grants you access to the old Naval graveyard, 360 degree views of the bay and an old bunker. It is also possible to contact a caretaker on the Island for tours of some of the Master's Quarters and Chapel. Mare Island probably isn't on most peoples lists of "things to see and do in San Francisco", it certainly isn't on any tour guide I have seen. However it is an important part of the history of The Bay and well worth the visit.
Entry cost to Island: Free
The Preserve (hiking trail): $5 donation
Tour of Masters Quarters/Tiffany Chapel: approx $10-20 donation
One of the many cranes in the dry docks
The old Hospital
House ready to be picked up and moved.
One of the many bunkers on the Island
Half way down, no where else to go,
Northern part
One of the many pristine Masters Quarters, most empty.
View of the base from the hike trail
Sunning factory in Navel Base (even more impressive on other side)
Shot of an empty factory through a hole in the door!