Mastering the Art of Helicopter Tour Photos: How to take the best photos on your helicopter tour in 2025

Hey fellow adventurers and photography enthusiasts, Justin here! There’s something truly magical about seeing the world from a bird’s-eye view. The patterns, the scale, the sheer grandeur of it all, it’s a perspective that can transform a familiar landscape into something entirely new and breathtaking. And in my opinion, there’s no better way to capture this magic than from the cabin of a helicopter.

I’ve been lucky enough to take my camera on some of the most incredible helicopter tours around the globe. From the icy expanse of Alaska to the vibrant cityscape of Rio de Janeiro, each flight has offered a unique set of photographic challenges and rewards. In this guide, I’m going to share with you what you can expect to capture on a helicopter tour in some of the world’s most stunning locations. I’ll also give you a detailed breakdown of how to nail those epic shots, so you can come home with a memory card full of jaw-dropping images.

Capturing the Globe from Above: A Location-by-Location Photographic Guide

Here’s a look at what you can expect to photograph on a helicopter tour in these incredible destinations:

• Alaska Helicopter Tour Photos: Prepare to be humbled by the sheer scale of the Alaskan wilderness. From a helicopter, you’ll have a front-row seat to the mesmerizing patterns of glacial ice, with deep blue crevasses snaking through a sea of white. Look for the dramatic contrast between the pristine ice and the rugged, dark mountains. Capture the immense power of calving glaciers as massive chunks of ice break away and crash into the turquoise waters below. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bears and moose roaming through the vast, untouched landscapes. A flight over the Knik Glacier or through the Chugach Range offers some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities.

• Big Island, Hawaii Helicopter Tour Photos: The Big Island is a land of fire and ice, and a helicopter tour is the best way to witness its dramatic contrasts. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Kīlauea volcano, where you can photograph the otherworldly glow of molten lava flowing into the ocean, creating vast plumes of steam. Capture the stark, black landscapes of recent lava flows and the vibrant green of the rainforest reclaiming the volcanic soil. You’ll also soar over the lush Kohala Coast, with its cascading waterfalls and deep, emerald valleys.

• Cape Town, South Africa Helicopter Tour Photos: A helicopter tour of Cape Town offers a stunning juxtaposition of natural beauty and urban life. Your primary subject will be the iconic Table Mountain, and from the air, you can appreciate its full, flat-topped majesty. Capture the dramatic coastline, with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic crashing against the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula. You’ll also get a unique perspective of the city bowl, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, and the historic Robben Island.

• Dubai Helicopter Tour Photos: Dubai is a city of superlatives, and a helicopter tour is the only way to truly grasp its architectural ambition. The star of the skyline is the Burj Khalifa, and from the air, you can capture its shimmering glass facade piercing the clouds. Photograph the intricate, man-made archipelago of the Palm Jumeirah and the ambitious World Islands. The contrast between the futuristic skyscrapers and the timeless expanse of the Arabian Desert on the horizon makes for a truly unforgettable shot.

• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Photos: The Grand Canyon is a photographer’s dream, and from a helicopter, you can capture its immense scale and intricate details in a way that’s impossible from the rim. Focus on the play of light and shadow as the sun moves across the canyon, revealing the vibrant reds, oranges, and purples of the rock layers. The Colorado River becomes a winding ribbon of green, offering a powerful leading line through your compositions. Early morning or late afternoon flights provide the most dramatic lighting.

• Iceland Helicopter Tour Photos: Iceland is a land of raw, elemental beauty, and a helicopter tour allows you to capture its otherworldly landscapes. Soar over vast glaciers and dramatic volcanic craters. Photograph the braided rivers that create abstract patterns as they flow through black sand deserts. From the air, you can truly appreciate the geothermal activity, with steam rising from colorful hot springs. A flight over the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve or the Hengill geothermal area will leave you speechless.

• Kauai, Hawaii Helicopter Tour Photos: Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is a paradise of lush landscapes and dramatic coastlines. A helicopter tour is the only way to truly experience the majesty of the Nā Pali Coast, with its towering sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Capture the vibrant red and green hues of Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph countless hidden waterfalls tucked away in the island’s interior. A “doors-off” tour is highly recommended for the most unobstructed photographic opportunities.

• Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Tour Photos: A nighttime helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip is a dazzling spectacle of light and color. From above, the iconic hotels and casinos become a vibrant tapestry of neon. Capture the dancing fountains of the Bellagio, the glowing replica of the Eiffel Tower, and the Luxor’s powerful beam of light. This is a challenging low-light environment, so be prepared to push your camera’s settings to capture the energy of this incredible city.

• Maui, Hawaii Helicopter Tour Photos: Maui offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities from the air. The highlight for many is a flight over Haleakalā National Park, where you can photograph the otherworldly landscape of the volcanic crater. Capture the lush beauty of the Hana Rainforest, with its countless waterfalls and pristine coastline. From a helicopter, you can also appreciate the unique shape of the island and the vibrant blue of the surrounding Pacific Ocean.

• Mount Everest Helicopter Tour Photos: A helicopter tour to Mount Everest is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sheer scale of the Himalayas is awe-inspiring, and from the air, you can capture the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Photograph the Khumbu Glacier, one of the highest glaciers in the world, and the colorful prayer flags of remote Sherpa villages. The changing light and weather conditions create a dynamic and challenging photographic environment.

• New York City Helicopter Tour Photos: A helicopter tour of New York City provides an unparalleled perspective of one of the world’s most iconic skylines. Capture the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan in the background. Photograph the geometric patterns of Central Park, a green oasis amidst the concrete jungle. A flight down the Hudson River offers incredible views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center.

• Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour Photos: A helicopter tour of Niagara Falls allows you to appreciate the sheer power and scale of this natural wonder. From the air, you can capture the full scope of all three falls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the majestic Horseshoe Falls. Look for the rainbows that often form in the mist, creating a magical photographic opportunity. The unique perspective from above reveals the incredible volume of water that plunges over the falls every second.

• Oahu, Hawaii Helicopter Tour Photos: Oahu is an island of incredible diversity, and a helicopter tour is the best way to see it all. Capture the iconic crescent of Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head crater in the background. Soar over the historic Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. The dramatic, fluted cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains and the pristine beaches of the North Shore offer stunning photographic opportunities.

• Queenstown, New Zealand Helicopter Tour Photos: Nestled in the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a paradise for landscape photographers. A helicopter tour will take you deep into the heart of this dramatic mountain range, where you can capture jagged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and vast, untouched wilderness. A landing on a glacier or a remote mountain top provides an unforgettable opportunity to photograph this incredible landscape from a truly unique perspective.

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Helicopter Tour Photos: A helicopter tour of Rio de Janeiro is an experience you’ll never forget. The highlight, of course, is the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and from the air, you can capture it from a variety of unique angles, with the stunning city and Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. You’ll also get incredible views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the vibrant favelas that dot the hillsides.

• Swiss Alps Helicopter Tour Photos: The Swiss Alps are a playground for photographers, and a helicopter tour is the ultimate way to experience their grandeur. Soar past the iconic peak of the Matterhorn and capture the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding glaciers and valleys. Photograph charming alpine villages nestled in the mountains and the dramatic contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the green meadows below.

• Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour Photos: Known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. A “Flight of Angels” helicopter tour provides an unparalleled perspective of the falls, allowing you to appreciate their full width and power. Capture the immense curtain of water as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge and the constant mist that rises into the air, creating rainbows on sunny days.

How to Take Good Photos on a Helicopter Tour: Justin’s Pro Tips

Now that you’re inspired by these incredible locations, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of how to capture those amazing shots. It’s not as simple as just pointing and shooting, but with a little preparation and the right techniques, you can come away with professional-quality images.

Gear Up for Success

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the most control over your settings. Some phone cameras are really good and will cover you just fine for a helicopter tour. Don’t feel like you need to spend money on a camera to enjoy the flight. Remember to snap a photo then get back to seeing the views with your own eyes!
• Lenses: A versatile zoom lens, like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm, is a great all-around choice. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) can be fantastic for capturing expansive landscapes, but be mindful of getting the helicopter blades in your shot.
• Camera Strap: This is non-negotiable, especially on a “doors-off” tour. Make sure your camera is securely strapped around your neck or wrist.
• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: The last thing you want is to run out of power or storage mid-flight.
• Polarizing Filter: This can help reduce glare and reflections from the helicopter windows and enhance the colors of the sky and water.
• GoPro or other action camera – This is a great option and they have excellent image stabilization to ensure your videos are smooth like the GoPro HERO.

Master Your Camera Settings

• Shutter Speed: This is the most important setting to get right. The helicopter is moving and vibrating, so you need a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion and get sharp images. Aim for at least 1/1000th of a second, and don’t be afraid to go even faster.
• Aperture: An aperture of around f/8 will give you a good depth of field, ensuring that most of your landscape is in focus.
• ISO: You may need to increase your ISO to achieve a fast enough shutter speed, especially in lower light conditions. Don’t be afraid to push it a bit, as modern cameras handle high ISOs very well.
• Shooting Mode: Shoot in Shutter Priority (Tv or S) or Manual (M) mode to have full control over your shutter speed.
• Burst Mode: Use your camera’s burst mode to take a series of shots at once. This increases your chances of getting a perfectly sharp image.
• Focusing: Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) to track the moving landscape.

Composition is Key

• Look for Leading Lines: Use rivers, roads, or coastlines to lead the viewer’s eye through your image.
• Rule of Thirds: Place key elements of your composition off-center to create a more balanced and visually interesting image.
• Patterns and Textures: From above, you’ll see incredible patterns and textures in the landscape that are not visible from the ground.
• Include a Sense of Scale: If possible, include a small element in your shot, like another helicopter or a boat, to give a sense of the vastness of the landscape.
• Don’t Forget the Details: While the grand landscapes are awe-inspiring, don’t forget to zoom in on interesting details, like the texture of a glacier or the architecture of a building.

Pro-Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Communicate with Your Pilot: Let your pilot know that you’re a photographer and what kind of shots you’re hoping to get. They can often help you get into the best position for the perfect shot.
• Wear Dark Clothing: This will help to reduce reflections in the helicopter windows.
• “Doors-Off” Tours: If you’re serious about your photography, a “doors-off” tour is the way to go. It eliminates the problem of window reflections and gives you an completely unobstructed view. Just be sure to secure all of your gear!
• Enjoy the Experience: It’s easy to get so caught up in getting the perfect shot that you forget to enjoy the incredible experience of flying in a helicopter. Take some time to put your camera down and just soak it all in.