New York Aerial Photo Flight
We departed from White Plains New York in a shiny black AS-355 helicopter, climbing into crisp winter skies for a carefully planned flight south along the Hudson River. Below us, the leafy suburbs quickly gave way to the winding river, and beyond it, Manhattan’s skyline loomed like a jagged silhouette against the horizon. Every detail of this shoot had been months in the making. Permits secured, flight paths approved, and timing calculated down to the minute.
Adjusting airspeed to wait for ATC and halfway along the river, a loud crack broke through the steady hum of the rotors. The pilot’s door latch had failed, and in an instant the door swung violently open into the slipstream. At that speed, there was a very real danger it could shear off and strike the tail rotor. The sudden blast of cold air filled the cabin, and turbulence jolted the aircraft – the pilot with his hands full was unable to pull the door shut. He calmly held us steady while I quickly assessed the situation.
Experience and preparation are what make moments like this manageable. I stowed my gear, grabbed 2 heavy duty climbing tethers from my packed kit and began lashing the door latch shut, while bracing against the buffeting winds. It wasn’t easy, every movement a fight against the slipstream but within minutes, the door was secured to several hard points and well enough that we could continue. The pilot gave a calm nod, and we carried on toward Manhattan as if nothing had happened.
By the time we reached 8,000 feet over Central Park, the turbulence was constant, the aircraft rocking with each gust. But the same 60knot winds that made the flight so rough swept the sky clear, revealing a fleeting pocket of golden light over the city. I re-checked my harness, stepped out onto the skid, the icy air biting at my face, and steadied myself against the buffeting as I raised the camera. Through the viewfinder, Manhattan looked perfectly still, a vast mosaic framed in golden tones. I slowed my breathing, adjusted the shutter, and pressed the trigger… Click.
For me, that photograph represents more than just a view. It holds the weight of meticulous planning, composure under pressure, and absolute trust in the team around me. In aerial photography, not every flight is smooth, and this image is a reminder that overcoming challenges is as much a part of the craft as capturing the perfect shot.
This photograph is also available as part of my fine art print series, offered in archival quality for collectors and lovers of New York: Explore the Print Collection