New York City Aerial Photography Workshops. Learn how to photograph from a helicopter and get in the business of aerial photography.

LUXURY PHOTOGRAPHY VACATIONS
New York City by Helicopter

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ABOUT

Michael Chinnici ~ Photographer, Guide and Instructor

Take to the skies on a magic carpet ride and experience the surreal nature of floating above this magnificent city while clicking shot after shot from amazing and unthinkable vantage points. The rush is addicting. The experience unforgettable. The results simply breathtaking. We have workshops geared for everyone including beginners, tourists, photo enthusiasts, photography students, photography clubs, semi-pro or pro photographers, cinematographers and even creative-minded companies interested in corporate team-building events. Some do it for the adventure, while others look to build a career in aerial photography. Our advanced workshop specializes in introducing you to the aerial photography business which services the travel and tourism, real estate, construction, maritime, advertising and movie industries. With our assistance you will learn how to capture extraordinary images from striking perspectives using your own creativity. Our time together includes becoming more knowledgable about mastering the art of aerial photography, how to efficiently use your airtime, individual reviews and great fun. What better way of enriching your photographic resume and expressing your creativity, than shooting from the skies over the city that never sleeps, New York.

We can tailor any aerial workshop you desired needs. Universities with photography and film programs are welcome to our group workshops.

GROUP SIZE

> Min 2 Photographers per flight (individuals welcome - double the pricing)

EXPERIENCE - DIFFICULTY LEVEL

> Beginner to Pro Photographers welcome

PROGRAM INCLUDES

> Aerial Travel, Architecture, Landscape and Maritime Photography

> Workshop & Photo Flights

> Lunch with 2 Flight Workshops

PROGRAM PRICING

> Half Day (includes 1 Hour Flight): $995*

> Full Day (includes two - 1 Hour Flights): $1,595*

> Full Day Sunset/Nighttime (includes two - 1 Hour Flights): $1,795*

1/2 DAY AERIAL PHOTO WORKSHOP

Beginners, Tourists, Photography Students, Photo Enthusiasts

Our half-day Aerial Photo Workshop is perfect for beginners, tourists, photo enthusiasts or photography students who want to experience aerial photography for the first time and enjoy photographing New York City from the air. This workshop includes a video preview and prep including how to photograph from a moving helicopter, what lenses to use, panning, shutter speeds, ISO and more. We’ll introduce you to the art of aerial photography so you return with amazing photos you can be proud of. You’ll spend 1 hour in the air with your instructor and pilot concentrating on New York’s iconic landmarks and majestic skylines. Upon our return to base, we will review your photos and discuss your experience. (Our R44 Helicopter is limited to 2 students, 1 instructor and the pilot).

FULL DAY AERIAL PHOTO WORKSHOP

Beginners, Tourists, Photography Students, Photo Enthusiasts, Semi-Pro or Pro Photographers

Our full-day Aerial Photo Workshop is geared for beginners, tourists, photo enthusiasts, photography students and semi-pro or pro photographers who want to learn aerial photography and experience photographing New York City from the air. This workshop includes several hours of discussions, video previews and prep including how to photograph from a moving helicopter, what lenses to use, panning, shutter speeds, ISO and more. We’ll teach you the art of aerial photography so you return with amazing photos you can be proud of. You’ll spend a total of 2 hours in the air with your instructor and pilot concentrating on New York’s iconic landmarks, bridges, beaches and majestic skylines. After our first hour photographing from the air we’ll return to base, review your photos and discuss the results, make adjustments and then hit the skies for an additional hour of photography. Upon our return, we’ll review your final images and discuss your experience. Additional flights can be added if desired. (Our R44 Helicopter is limited to 2 students, 1 instructor and the pilot).

DAY / NIGHT AERIAL PHOTO WORKSHOP

Beginners, Tourists, Photography Students, Photo Enthusiasts, Semi-Pro or Pro Photographers

Our day / night Aerial Photo Workshop is a truly unique experience which includes photographing New York during the day, at sunset and into the night. It’s geared for beginners, tourists, photo enthusiasts, photography students and semi-pro or pro photographers who want to experience and learn aerial photography and photograph New York City from the air. This workshop includes several hours of discussions, video previews and prep, including how to photograph from a moving helicopter, what lenses to use, panning, shutter speeds, ISO and more. We’ll teach you the art of aerial photography so you return with amazing photos you can be proud of. You’ll spend a total of 2 hours in the air with your instructor and pilot concentrating on New York’s iconic landmarks, bridges, beaches and majestic skylines. After our first hour photographing from the air we’ll return to base, review your photos and discuss the results, make adjustments and then hit the skies just at sunset for an additional hour of twilight and night photography. Upon our return, we’ll review your final images and discuss your experience. Additional flights can be added if desired. (Our R44 Helicopter is limited to 2 students, 1 instructor and the pilot).

FULL DAY AERIAL VIDEO WORKSHOP

Film Students, Cinematographers, Semi-Pro or Pro Photographers

Our full-day Aerial Video Workshop is geared for film students, cinematographers and semi-pro or pro photographers who want to learn how to film from the air using a gyro mounted video camera system to capture amazing footage over the spectacular city of New York. This workshop includes several hours of discussions, video previews and prep including how to film and pan from a moving helicopter, lens choices, pulling focus, shutter speeds, ISO and more. We’ll teach you the art of aerial filmmaking so you return with amazing footage for your reel. You’ll spend a total of 2 hours in the air with your instructor and pilot concentrating on New York’s iconic landmarks, bridges, beaches or wherever you would like us to take you. After our first hour photographing from the air we’ll return to base, review your footage and discuss the results, make adjustments and then hit the skies for an additional hour of filming. Additional flights can be added if desired. (Our R44 Helicopter is limited to 1 film student, 1 gyro mounted camera, 1 instructor and the pilot).

WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT AERIAL

Stefano P. - Photography and Film Student

“The adventure was amazing. The thrill of being able to fly over New York City in such close proximity was breathtaking. With the doors off, winding in between skyscrapers and racing cars on the bridges was just the beginning. Your talent and skill as a photographer is put to the test as you try to snap off the most scenic and beautiful pictures, while fighting the rush and thrill of being so high in the air. The crew was great as well, and made you feel welcome. The pilots were very well trained and always made you feel safe in the air. There was also something epic about going up with a fleet of three helicopters. Planning formations in the air and flying as a team around the city painted a picture for me of 'storming the city'. I could not recommend this enough to anyone interested in it, it has been the highlight of my conversations and one of the most exciting things I have ever done.”

Troy S. - Cinematographer and Camera Operator

“It truly was an unforgettable experience to fly around the city like that. It was my first time in a helicopter and it really blew my mind to be able to see New York City from that perspective. I loved that I was able to get a glimpse of Manhattan in the daytime and then see the awesome light show after the sun sets. Using the video camera and gyro system was also an invaluable experience. It was a great way to actually understand what goes into aerial video and photography. The pilots were not only a pleasure to fly with, but we're extremely helpful in working out and creating the shots. They were very knowledgable about the city and were just as excited to make the cool shots happen. Thanks again!”

Katherine R. - Photographer and Graphic Designer

“From lift off till landing, Photo Workshop Adventures offers you a truly unforgettable experience. Any apprehensions about flying quickly dissolve within the first few buoyant moments of flight. Competent, experienced instructors and pilots and have your best interest in mind: photographing that unique moment and they work with you to achieve this. With the five boroughs and beyond at your disposal, the biggest challenge is keeping up with the photo ops because believe me they come at an exhilarating fast pace. The experience that you gain from shooting in a helicopter is like no other. You thought you knew the Empire State Building? Think again! PWA Arial Workshops offers you a completely new perspective on the familiar. You’ll walk away with a memorable experience and photos like no others you've taken before. The question when you land is not ‘Did I get the shot?’ because you know you did, it’s ‘When can we go up again?!’

MICHAEL CHINNICI

Professional Photographer, Instructor & Guide

Michael is the Founder and CEO of Photo Workshop Adventures.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in New York, Michael began taking photos and developing B&W prints in his basement darkroom at the age of 11. Using his fathers Argus C3 Rangefinder camera, he learned manual photography at an early age.

This early love of imagery influenced his other creative skills as a painter, musician, designer and visionary. As a photographer, Michael quickly grew to master the art of photography, including landscape, architecture, people, fashion and motorsports.

With a degree in Advertising and Design, Michael launched his first advertising agency in 1982, and soon realized the creative potential within the world of marketing and design.

In the 90‘s, Michael started traveling more extensively and shooting with his Nikon’s and Hasselblad’s, and even a Linhof 6x17. Always embracing technology, in 1996 he launched NYC’s first digital photography studio, “Icon Digital”. And for more than a dozen years the studio shot for such clients as JP Morgan Chase, Clinique, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, American Express, HP, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Smithsonian, Vivre and more.

In 2000, Michael sold the ad agency and focused more on photography, travel and special creative projects. As technology advanced and digital cameras became more mainstream, he looked for ways to blend together his love for photography, travel, marketing and technology. So in 2008, on the coast of Croatia, Photo Workshop Adventures was born. Today, Michael’s much requested and unique technique “THE ART OF SEEING - Shoot the damn fire hydrant” is taught on every PWA workshop.

When Michael isn’t shooting for a client or teaching photography workshops around the world, he can be found enjoying his family, scouting new locations or in his New York City Design shop, Red Octopus.

Photo Workshop Adventures | Michael Chinnici Photography | Red Octopus

A NOTE ABOUT OUR AERIAL FEES:

When considering our aerial workshop fees, please keep in mind that hourly rates for helicopters in the NYC area range from $850 - $1600 per hour depending on the size, power and luxury class of the aircraft. Most Manhattan based Helicopter Tours are 20-30 min in duration, include 5 tourists, are quick fly-overs with doors on and cost between $200 - $300 per 20-30 min ride and it’s impossible to take professional photos on these tours.

PRIVATE PHOTO WORKSHOPS

We offer private workshops for individuals, families and groups. We can customize any of our workshops to your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. We also offer Corporate Team Building workshops using photography as a creative tool to “think outside the box”. Please email or call us for more information. If you are interested in a Private New York City or Long Island Workshop please register here, or email us for more information.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Give someone a PWA Gift Certificate towards one of our Photography Workshops, or a Private Workshop or even one of our Online Courses. You can purchase Gift Certificates in values of $100, $150, $200, $250, $300, $400, $500, $750, $1000, $1500 and $2000 or even combine amounts for a higher total. It’s a great gift to give to someone who loves photography. Order your Gift Certificate now, or email us for more information.

PRIVATE ONLINE PHOTO CLASSES

We offer private online photo classes for individuals who are not able to attend one of our workshops and are interested in improving their photographic skills. We customize our online class to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. Work directly with Michael Chinnici, Founder of PWA and a Professional Photographer with over 30 years of experience. Using Skype and/or Online Webinar Meeting Software, Michael conducts one-on-one discussions using screen sharing to teach. This has even been a great follow-up for former workshop students looking to extent their learning even after our workshop has ended. Whether it’s a particular type of photography you are interested in mastering, or learning more about metering, exposure or depth of field, learning more about your new camera, or post processing techniques and tricks, we are ready to teach you. Please register here or email us for more information.

*All pricing is based on 2 or more photographers. Individual workshops are available for a surcharge. Group workshops are for 4 or more photographers. See more details below under pricing. Total weight of the photographers including equipment cannot exceed 425 lbs per 2 person group. It’s also important to note that the FAA and NYPD can impose “No Fly Zones” for certain locations at any time, especially when the United Nations is in session or the President of the United States is visiting. Also, when the NY Yankees are playing a home game, there is a 3 mile no fly zone radius to Yankee Stadium which effects from 70th Street north, the GW Bridge and the upper Hudson and East Rivers. Our aerial workshops are based out of Linden, NJ a short distance by train from Manhattan.

**Video stabilization includes a dual gyro KS8 ATM mount for video camera setups that are 10 lbs or less. Video camera is NOT included. Please contact us about suggested camera models that are best to use and rental options.