San Francisco, California Aerial Photography


San Francisco Aerial Photography: Flying in a helicopter is such a unique experience. It really gives a new perspective to familiar places. San Francisco is already such a photogenic place from the ground that being up in the sky just adds another layer of excitement to one of my favorite cities to shoot. Here is my aerial collection of San Francisco photography from 2014 to 2017. If you would like a print from this collection please contact me here shainblumphoto@gmail.com or visit my print store.


Golden Gate Bridge Aerial, San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge Photography, San Francisco.



The Transamerica Pyramid and the Golden Gate Bridge are two of San Francisco’s most iconic structures. Photographing them from an aerial perspective is an absolute blast.


San Francisco aerial photography
San Francisco aerial photography, Golden Gate Bridge.

High above the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise, with a small boat crossing from the Bay into the Ocean.


Golden Gate Bridge Aerial, San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge Aerial Photography, San Francisco.

San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco Aerial Photography, over birds and waves.


This is one of my favorite images, not only from my aerial portfolio but also from my San Francisco photography portfolio in general. This image was taken during sunrise above Ocean Beach. As we glided full speed across the coastline, I noticed a flock of birds flying under us.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
California aerial photography over downtown San Francisco.
San Francisco Aerial Photography.
California aerial photography over downtown San Francisco.

I love looking down at the city lights. Being on the city street surrounded by crowds of people and honking traffic can seem a bit chaotic and overwhelming. Seeing it from a helicopter feels relaxing and hypnotic.


Golden Gate Bridge Aerial, San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge Aerial Photography, San Francisco.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
Abstract Photography: Shipping Containers Oakland Port.

California aerial photography
San Francisco Photography: Shipping Containers Oakland Port.

However, aerial photography isn’t just for dramatic wide-angle landscapes and cityscapes. I love taking out a telephoto lens and getting creative with abstract images. These shipping yards with early morning light made for some really nice aerial images.


California aerial photography
Aerial photography over downtown San Francisco.

There is something magical about early morning light in the city. The way the sunbeams reflect off glass windows and spill through the city streets is really mesmerizing.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco Photography: Downtown Sunrise

This is definitely one of my favorite aerial images over San Francisco. I love having the Bay Bridge and Mount Diablo all in one frame.


 


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco Photography over Market Street.

Looking straight down Market Street during nightfall.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
Aerial over downtown San Francisco.

San Francisco Aerial Photography.
Aerial over downtown San Francisco.

In the heart of Downtown San Francisco, looking down Market street after sunset.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco photography.


Here are two “top down” birds eye view images. The first is of the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. The second was taken over Lombard Street.


San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco Photography over Downtown.

San Francisco Aerial Photography.
San Francisco Bay Bridge, California photography

San Francisco aerial photography
San Francisco aerial photos

san francisco photography, aerial
San Francisco, California photography.

This is a behind-the-scenes shot taken from within the helicopter cockpit, right before we flew over the Bay Bridge. I really hope you enjoyed my San Francisco photography collection. If you would like to see more California aerial photography, check out my Los Angeles aerial collection HERE.

9 Comments

  1. Stephanie

    Big fan of your photography!! Love these SF shots.

  2. Beautiful Work ! Amazing pics ! 🙂

  3. Jeff Lemelin

    Nice work, grest perspective!

    “To the chopper”

    Do you run clinics?

  4. I’m just a beginner.Seeing photos like these truly inspire.Absolutely amazing. 🙂

  5. how do you bracket exposure from helo cuz it is constanly moving. do you take single shot? if yes how do you recover the highlights from single shot?

  6. Steven H. Rosen

    Wonderful – The City is magical.

  7. Sir, I have only one word in mind that is worthy enough to describe your work and that is “breathtaking”
    I really love your work and I look forward learning more from your website. More power!

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