Philip M Russell Ltd

 

Flying High: How to Photograph Kites, Wings, and Everything in Motion

There’s something magical about capturing things that fly. Whether it’s a kite dancing in the breeze, a bird stretching its wings, or even a paper plane launched across the garden, the challenge is the same: how do you freeze motion while still showing the energy of flight?

1. Get the Right Angle

With kites and other aerial subjects, the drama often comes from perspective. Shooting from directly underneath can emphasise height, while angling from the side gives you that classic “soaring across the sky” look. Don’t be afraid to lie on the grass — or in my case, almost tip over backwards — to get the shot.

2. Think About Backgrounds

The sky can be your friend or your enemy. A bright blue sky makes colours pop, but a cloudy one can wash them out. Position yourself so the kite, bird, or wing stands out clearly. A kite against trees might vanish; a kite against the sunlit sky becomes the star of the show.

3. Freeze or Blur?

Shutter speed is everything. A fast shutter (1/1000s or higher) will freeze the moment, from a wingtip caught mid-beat to the taut string of a kite. A slower shutter can blur the wings or the kite’s tail, showing motion and energy. Both approaches work — experiment and see what feels right.

4. Use Continuous Shooting

Birds don’t pose, and kites don’t hover politely for your camera. Use burst mode to take a stream of shots in quick succession. You’ll throw away a lot, but the one you keep — the wing perfectly outstretched or the kite catching a gust — will be worth it.

5. Tell a Story

Sometimes the most memorable pictures aren’t of the object flying but of the people behind it — the child gripping the string, the sailor adjusting the spinnaker, or the gull-eyed photographer craning upwards. Include those human touches to tell the full story of flight.

Final Thoughts

Flying objects are tricky, unpredictable, and often refuse to cooperate — but that’s what makes photographing them so rewarding. Next time you’re out with a kite, a camera, and a bit of wind, remember: you’re not just taking a photo, you’re capturing the feeling of freedom that comes with flight.