75 Incredible Shots By Daniel Kordan Taken from An Open-Door Plane Flying Over Western Australia

We reached out to Daniel and gained some fascinating insights about his recent expedition to Australia. We were curious about what inspired him to start this project. Here’s what we learned: “My interest in Shark Bay was sparked when I started to have more interest in prints and nature small abstracts - I always wanted to work with beautiful calm aerials of WA landscapes. The areas I work with included Shark Bay, Hutt Pink Lagoon and Pithara lakes. I was inspired by my friends Australian photographer Andrew Marty and Criz Quinn to visit WA together with them.

The unique and diverse landscapes of Shark Bay, along with its ecological and geological significance, made it a compelling subject for aerial photography.”

Next, Kordan shared with us more about the experience of photographing from an open-door airplane: “For my aerial photography expedition, I chose to fly in the aircraft with removable doors, it provided an optimal platform for photography. We were on the harness and literally looking out of the airplane sometimes.

As we expected, this unconventional way of shooting photos came with some difficulties. Daniel shared: “The challenges include managing the confined space and dealing with any turbulence, but the advantages, such as reduced wind impact and clear, unobstructed views, far outweigh these difficulties. I had 2 bodies with long lens and medium angle not to change lenses on the flight with open door!”

In the end, all the challenges seemed worth the sacrifice to get the perfect aerial shots: “Flying at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet offered perfect vantage points for capturing the beauty of Shark Bay’s landscapes.”

We were also wondering how Daniel prepares for an aerial photography session. The photographer kindly gave us some details: “Preparation for an aerial photography session involves several key steps. Firstly, I research the area extensively to understand the best times for lighting and weather conditions. I rely on a high-resolution camera with a fast shutter speed to capture sharp images from a moving aircraft. A mid-angle lens is essential for encompassing vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens helps capture details. Additionally, I use image stabilization on the lens to reduce motion blur. Planning flight routes and coordinating with the pilot to ensure we cover specific landmarks are also crucial aspects of preparation. I studied Google Maps and we discussed with the pilot the best routes.”

Lastly, Kordan revealed which specific locations or landscapes in Australia captivated him the most: “Shark Bay in Western Australia captivated me the most due to its unparalleled diversity and natural beauty. From the air, the splendor of Shark Bay unfolds dramatically. The contrasting hues of turquoise blue lagoons, bright white shell beaches, and fiery red dunes create a visually stunning panorama.

Need to mention also that we drive to the area of Shark Bay visiting some amazing spots on the way, like pink salt flats of Hutt Lagoon and Pithara lakes with peculiar rounded shapes!”