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The Essential Aerial Photography Workshop

By

Chris Burkard’s obsession with aerial photography has created defining moments in his body of work. In this workshop, learn the essential technical and creative knowledge needed to pursue the artistry of creating images from the air. This course covers in-depth research and planning, approach, essential pilot communication, gear management, and composition. All the necessary elements to make sure your flight investment provides you with opportunity to create work you are proud of.

Learn How To

Compose stand-out photographs from a fixed wing or helicopter

Extensively research and plan your route

Brief your pilot and communicate vision for your shot

Choose the best aerial craft for your end goals

Intuitively select and manage gear in flight

Execute the technicalities of a plane to plane shoot

11 Episodes
2hrs+ of content

$199

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Ep

1

Workshop Introduction

Chris Walks you through his mindset for aerial photography, and gives an overview of all the subjects he will cover within the workshop.

Ep

2

Aerial Photography Theory

Learn about the fascinating history of aerial photography, coupled with Chris sharing his own personal history with the medium. Spoiler: His first photo flight was not a success, and he wants to save you that frustration. A walkthrough of different aircrafts help you determine the right tool, or rather aircraft, for the job.

Ep

3

Aerial Composition

Chris reviews some of his most well-known and favorite aerial photographs, breaking down his process into detailed steps to demonstrate how he achieves his unique compositions.

Ep

4

Route Planning

Hours of thought and research go into every photo before Chris even leaves the ground. Learn the different methods he uses to not only plan the route, but also conceptualize the shot to ensure a successful flight with stand-out images.

Ep

5

Clothing & Safety Gear

With countless hours spent shooting from an airplane under his belt, Chris has refined a system for what to wear to not only stay comfortable – but more importantly, safe. The experience is much different from 3000 feet up with the doors off, so be prepared!

Ep

6

Camera Gear

Gear management is paramount when working in a small environment, even more so when the wind is ripping through. See each piece of kit that Chris deems essential, and the specific reasons why. This is an exercise in minimalism - bring just what you need and nothing more, you will realize that you will get more by having less.

Ep

7

Drones

Just like an airplane or helicopter, a drone is a great tool when used for the right job. Chris Walks you through his kit, and how he uses it to capture the shot.

Ep

8

Cessna Walkthrough

If you take a photo flight, chances are you will be flying in a Cessna 172. Chris gives a detailed tour of the plane itself, and everything you need to know for a successful flight, including valuable tips to frame and compose the shot.

Ep

9

Photographing Plane-to-Plane at Sunrise

Chris sets out on a personal project to photograph the San Luis Obispo area, all the while framing a timeless yellow bi-plane in the shots. After a pre-flight briefing with both pilots to discuss the goals and safety measures, watch them take to the skies in a visually-stunning recap of the flight.

Ep

10

Reviewing Photos from Sunrise

After the sunrise flight Chris sits down to debrief on the key takeaways, both successes and challenges, from the flight. A detailed self critique of the photos sheds even more light on his process, composition choices, and how he communicated with the pilots to ensure success.

Ep

11

Photographing Big Sur From A Heli

Before taking off to the Big Sur coastline, a pre-flight briefing walks you step by step though Chris’ preparation. Once in the air see and hear Chris in acton directing the pilot where to fly, while the images are shown in real time in this cinematic episode.

The Essential Aerial Photography Workshop

Chris Burkard

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Exclusive Pricing

Join Chris Burkard as he takes to the skies to capture breathtaking photographs of the California coastline.

Meet Your New Instructor: RJ Bruni

The Essential Aerial Photography Workshop

By

11 Episodes

2hrs+ of content

Chris Burkard’s obsession with aerial photography has created defining moments in his body of work. In this workshop, learn the essential technical and creative knowledge needed to pursue the artistry of creating images from the air. This course covers in-depth research and planning, approach, essential pilot communication, gear management, and composition. All the necessary elements to make sure your flight investment provides you with opportunity to create work you are proud of.

Compose stand-out photographs from a fixed wing or helicopter
Extensively research and plan your route
Brief your pilot and communicate vision for your shot
Choose the best aerial craft for you end goals
Intuitively selecting and managing gear in flight
Execute the technicalities of a plane to plane shoot

‍

With assignments, live Q&A’s, and feedback sessions with RJ, enroll today to maximize your learning at the best price.

$199

Early Access Pricing Ends Tonight

02

:

02

:

02

:

02

Available for

A 3-Part Series

Part 01

Fundamentals & Pre-Production

Part 02

Production --

Live Now

Part 03

Editing --

Drops Mid August

Who is this made for?

Looking to make films that evoke emotion? This course can be taken by photographers who are expanding into filmmaking – or filmmakers who are ready to take their work to the next level.

Watch the Trailer

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Learn How To

Compose stand-out photographs from a fixed wing or helicopter

Extensively research and plan your route

Brief your pilot and communicate vision for your shot

Choose the best aerial craft for your end goals

Intuitively select and manage gear in flight

Execute the technicalities of a plane to plane shoot

Learn How To

Compose stand-out photographs from a fixed wing or helicopter
Extensively research and plan your route
Brief your pilot and communicate vision for your shot
Choose the best aerial craft for you end goals
Intuitively selecting and managing gear in flight
Execute the technicalities of a plane to plane shoot

‍

FEATURED BY

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A 3-Part Series

A New Type of Workshop

01
Stay focused and on track
Creating a film takes time - this new method allows you to focus in
02
Complete your assignments
Each assignment is designed so you can create a better film
03
Encourage one another
Share ideas, critiques, and conversation with other students in the course

Reviews

Students give our workshops an
average of 4.8 out of 5 stars

Write Your Review

Write A Review Read All Reviews

Absolutely useful to begin!

Roland Grunchec

This workshop was really effective to be sure not to forget anything before the flight ! Many Thanks Chris for your precious advices and tips ! Now let's fly and shoot !

Building a foundation

Alvaro Chavarria

Honestly, it is exactly for the beginning phase of aerial photography. Exactly, what someone looking to learn about getting into aerial photography. The workshop was not meant to make you a better photographer overnight. It was the step forward if you wish to pursue this type of photography. Anyone looking, for this to be courses is photography would be missing the point. For professionals alike, they would be better off just taking the mistakes Chris has aquired throughout his career. Possible failures to anticipate. How to make use of not doing enough research. For amateurs, looking to think about what it is like to get your first aerial shoot. This workshop can be very helpful. As a street photographer myself. Much of what was offered, I already hesitated. I personally, am more interested in, the technicals of photography, equipment, and settings. Now that may be offered in another workshop. There is always valuable information to take from this. I was proud of myself as an amateur photographer. To see I prepare myself when taking pictures. Along the same lines as someone with as much experience as Chris Burkard.

Flight to Flight in Hand on Hand

Magdalena Dabrowska

Very thorough insight to the pro taking you on an adventure and giving his tips about the most efficient way to shoot in the air. Always full of good laughs. I appreciate the honesty of Chris as mentor and keeping it very real which you can see in the held shots! Teared at the scenes of flying over the Big Sur from being immersed in the world of a photographer who gives you a full experience of being there with him and really learning the skill with practicality that can often save your life and give you the prize winning photo!

Roland Grunchec

February 9, 2021

Absolutely useful to begin!

This workshop was really effective to be sure not to forget anything before the flight ! Many Thanks Chris for your precious advices and tips ! Now let's fly and shoot !

Roland Grunchec

February 9, 2021

Alvaro Chavarria

February 7, 2021

Building a foundation

Honestly, it is exactly for the beginning phase of aerial photography. Exactly, what someone looking to learn about getting into aerial photography. The workshop was not meant to make you a better photographer overnight. It was the step forward if you wish to pursue this type of photography. Anyone looking, for this to be courses is photography would be missing the point. For professionals alike, they would be better off just taking the mistakes Chris has aquired throughout his career. Possible failures to anticipate. How to make use of not doing enough research. For amateurs, looking to think about what it is like to get your first aerial shoot. This workshop can be very helpful. As a street photographer myself. Much of what was offered, I already hesitated. I personally, am more interested in, the technicals of photography, equipment, and settings. Now that may be offered in another workshop. There is always valuable information to take from this. I was proud of myself as an amateur photographer. To see I prepare myself when taking pictures. Along the same lines as someone with as much experience as Chris Burkard.

Alvaro Chavarria

February 7, 2021

Magdalena Dabrowska

January 29, 2021

Flight to Flight in Hand on Hand

Very thorough insight to the pro taking you on an adventure and giving his tips about the most efficient way to shoot in the air. Always full of good laughs. I appreciate the honesty of Chris as mentor and keeping it very real which you can see in the held shots! Teared at the scenes of flying over the Big Sur from being immersed in the world of a photographer who gives you a full experience of being there with him and really learning the skill with practicality that can often save your life and give you the prize winning photo!

Magdalena Dabrowska

January 29, 2021

Will Sundquist

@will_sundquist

January 29, 2021

WOW!!! Simply Amazing...

I'm primarily a wedding and portrait photographer that secretly wishes I focused only on landscapes and outdoor photography so thats let me to follow Chris for years. I bought this workshop out of curiosity, not expecting much, but wow, this blew my mind! Chris is a natural teacher and aerial photography is a genre that is a must to explore. Thank you Wildist for this workshop.

Will Sundquist

January 29, 2021

Mania

January 28, 2021

The truth has come out

I really appreciate the deep honesty of failures and successes that Chris provides in his courses! It gave me a real look at the ins and outs of the aerial photography and I love having Chris as the course mentor to tell us about the angles and ways to shoot from the plane as well as his real life stories about how way up! Always a legend! Thank you Chris!

Mania

January 28, 2021

Absolutely useful to begin!

Roland Grunchec

This workshop was really effective to be sure not to forget anything before the flight ! Many Thanks Chris for your precious advices and tips ! Now let's fly and shoot !

Building a foundation

Alvaro Chavarria

Honestly, it is exactly for the beginning phase of aerial photography. Exactly, what someone looking to learn about getting into aerial photography. The workshop was not meant to make you a better photographer overnight. It was the step forward if you wish to pursue this type of photography. Anyone looking, for this to be courses is photography would be missing the point. For professionals alike, they would be better off just taking the mistakes Chris has aquired throughout his career. Possible failures to anticipate. How to make use of not doing enough research. For amateurs, looking to think about what it is like to get your first aerial shoot. This workshop can be very helpful. As a street photographer myself. Much of what was offered, I already hesitated. I personally, am more interested in, the technicals of photography, equipment, and settings. Now that may be offered in another workshop. There is always valuable information to take from this. I was proud of myself as an amateur photographer. To see I prepare myself when taking pictures. Along the same lines as someone with as much experience as Chris Burkard.

The truth has come out

Mania

I really appreciate the deep honesty of failures and successes that Chris provides in his courses! It gave me a real look at the ins and outs of the aerial photography and I love having Chris as the course mentor to tell us about the angles and ways to shoot from the plane as well as his real life stories about how way up! Always a legend! Thank you Chris!

WOW!!! Simply Amazing...

Will Sundquist

I'm primarily a wedding and portrait photographer that secretly wishes I focused only on landscapes and outdoor photography so thats let me to follow Chris for years. I bought this workshop out of curiosity, not expecting much, but wow, this blew my mind! Chris is a natural teacher and aerial photography is a genre that is a must to explore. Thank you Wildist for this workshop.

Flight to Flight in Hand on Hand

Magdalena Dabrowska

Very thorough insight to the pro taking you on an adventure and giving his tips about the most efficient way to shoot in the air. Always full of good laughs. I appreciate the honesty of Chris as mentor and keeping it very real which you can see in the held shots! Teared at the scenes of flying over the Big Sur from being immersed in the world of a photographer who gives you a full experience of being there with him and really learning the skill with practicality that can often save your life and give you the prize winning photo!

The Essential Outdoor Skills Workshop Giveaway

Sign up for a chance to win 1 of 5 free workshops!

If you purchase the workshop now, we will refund you if you win!

We will announce the winners soon!

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Get To Know The Workshop

Exclusive To This Workshop

The never heard before story of Alex
An debut interview with his parents about his upbringing
The story of how his career really started
A very personal field day where Alex photographs his dad in his farm : so you can see the approach and get better at photographing your loved ones, making intimate portraits.
An interview with alpine photographer Ben Tibbets on determination and motivation
A printable book with workshop summary and exercises for growth

Workshop Episodes

4:41

Just Added

1

.

Workshop Introduction

Chris Walks you through his mindset for aerial photography, and gives an overview of all the subjects he will cover within the workshop.

14:15

Just Added

2

.

Aerial Photography Theory

Learn about the fascinating history of aerial photography, coupled with Chris sharing his own personal history with the medium. Spoiler: His first photo flight was not a success, and he wants to save you that frustration. A walkthrough of different aircrafts help you determine the right tool, or rather aircraft, for the job.

18:48

Just Added

3

.

Aerial Composition

Chris reviews some of his most well-known and favorite aerial photographs, breaking down his process into detailed steps to demonstrate how he achieves his unique compositions.

11:50

Just Added

4

.

Route Planning

Hours of thought and research go into every photo before Chris even leaves the ground. Learn the different methods he uses to not only plan the route, but also conceptualize the shot to ensure a successful flight with stand-out images.

17:50

Just Added

5

.

Clothing & Safety Gear

With countless hours spent shooting from an airplane under his belt, Chris has refined a system for what to wear to not only stay comfortable – but more importantly, safe. The experience is much different from 3000 feet up with the doors off, so be prepared!

21:48

Just Added

6

.

Camera Gear

Gear management is paramount when working in a small environment, even more so when the wind is ripping through. See each piece of kit that Chris deems essential, and the specific reasons why. This is an exercise in minimalism - bring just what you need and nothing more, you will realize that you will get more by having less.

4:52

Just Added

7

.

Drones

Just like an airplane or helicopter, a drone is a great tool when used for the right job. Chris Walks you through his kit, and how he uses it to capture the shot.

9:07

Just Added

8

.

Cessna Walkthrough

If you take a photo flight, chances are you will be flying in a Cessna 172. Chris gives a detailed tour of the plane itself, and everything you need to know for a successful flight, including valuable tips to frame and compose the shot.

9:03

Just Added

9

.

Photographing Plane-to-Plane at Sunrise

Chris sets out on a personal project to photograph the San Luis Obispo area, all the while framing a timeless yellow bi-plane in the shots. After a pre-flight briefing with both pilots to discuss the goals and safety measures, watch them take to the skies in a visually-stunning recap of the flight.

29:25

Just Added

10

.

Reviewing Photos from Sunrise

After the sunrise flight Chris sits down to debrief on the key takeaways, both successes and challenges, from the flight. A detailed self critique of the photos sheds even more light on his process, composition choices, and how he communicated with the pilots to ensure success.

9:36

Just Added

11

.

Photographing Big Sur From A Heli

Before taking off to the Big Sur coastline, a pre-flight briefing walks you step by step though Chris’ preparation. Once in the air see and hear Chris in acton directing the pilot where to fly, while the images are shown in real time in this cinematic episode.

11 Episodes
2hrs+ of content
Never-before-shared knowledge from Chris

$199

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Or

Workshop Episodes

Part 01

Fundamentals & Pre-Production

Live

4:41

Just Added

1

.

Workshop Introduction

Chris Walks you through his mindset for aerial photography, and gives an overview of all the subjects he will cover within the workshop.

14:15

Just Added

2

.

Aerial Photography Theory

Learn about the fascinating history of aerial photography, coupled with Chris sharing his own personal history with the medium. Spoiler: His first photo flight was not a success, and he wants to save you that frustration. A walkthrough of different aircrafts help you determine the right tool, or rather aircraft, for the job.

18:48

Just Added

3

.

Aerial Composition

Chris reviews some of his most well-known and favorite aerial photographs, breaking down his process into detailed steps to demonstrate how he achieves his unique compositions.

11:50

Just Added

4

.

Route Planning

Hours of thought and research go into every photo before Chris even leaves the ground. Learn the different methods he uses to not only plan the route, but also conceptualize the shot to ensure a successful flight with stand-out images.

17:50

Just Added

5

.

Clothing & Safety Gear

With countless hours spent shooting from an airplane under his belt, Chris has refined a system for what to wear to not only stay comfortable – but more importantly, safe. The experience is much different from 3000 feet up with the doors off, so be prepared!

21:48

Just Added

6

.

Camera Gear

Gear management is paramount when working in a small environment, even more so when the wind is ripping through. See each piece of kit that Chris deems essential, and the specific reasons why. This is an exercise in minimalism - bring just what you need and nothing more, you will realize that you will get more by having less.

4:52

Just Added

7

.

Drones

Just like an airplane or helicopter, a drone is a great tool when used for the right job. Chris Walks you through his kit, and how he uses it to capture the shot.

9:07

Just Added

8

.

Cessna Walkthrough

If you take a photo flight, chances are you will be flying in a Cessna 172. Chris gives a detailed tour of the plane itself, and everything you need to know for a successful flight, including valuable tips to frame and compose the shot.

9:03

Just Added

9

.

Photographing Plane-to-Plane at Sunrise

Chris sets out on a personal project to photograph the San Luis Obispo area, all the while framing a timeless yellow bi-plane in the shots. After a pre-flight briefing with both pilots to discuss the goals and safety measures, watch them take to the skies in a visually-stunning recap of the flight.

29:25

Just Added

10

.

Reviewing Photos from Sunrise

After the sunrise flight Chris sits down to debrief on the key takeaways, both successes and challenges, from the flight. A detailed self critique of the photos sheds even more light on his process, composition choices, and how he communicated with the pilots to ensure success.

9:36

Just Added

11

.

Photographing Big Sur From A Heli

Before taking off to the Big Sur coastline, a pre-flight briefing walks you step by step though Chris’ preparation. Once in the air see and hear Chris in acton directing the pilot where to fly, while the images are shown in real time in this cinematic episode.

Part 02

Production

Live

No items found.

Part 03

Editing

Dropping

Mid August

No items found.

Enroll now at the lowest price of $129

11 Episodes
2hrs+ of content
Never-before-shared knowledge from Chris
Bonus
Downloadable Templates
Pre-production Check-list, Creative Brief, and Pitch Deck

$199

Watch instantly.
One-time payment.

Or

Chris Burkard is an American photographer and artist, based in the California Central Coast region. He photographs landscape, lifestyle, surf, outdoor, and travel subjects. Burkard takes a photojournalistic approach to make editorial projects, using multiple media. He uses natural light to capture humanizing moments.

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