Notes on Kite Aerial Photography: Background

The Aerial Eye
The First Year

Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall 1994 (73K jpg)

It was my particularly good fortune that The Aerial Eye, a relatively new publication produced by The Aerial Photography Committee of the American Kitefliers Association, issued its first volume just as I became interested in kite aerial photography. Edited by Brooks Leffler to a tight 24 pages per issue, the newsletter is a must read for those interested in kite aerial photography. The first issue presented nine different approaches to camera rigs, images from several photographers, and a sense that KAP was a doable thing. My first camera rig was directly sprung from suggestions by Brooks in this issue! The photo of the Wisconsin Capitol Dome by Craig Wilson greatly increased my resolve to pursue the hobby.

the Inaugural Issue of the Aerial Eye - Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall 1994
Cover photo by Craig Wilson

Vol. 1, No. 2, Spring 1995 (86K jpg)

This issue, with a handsome cover image by Leffler, covers the selection of cameras and film. Here you will find a detailed discussion of 35-mm cameras appropriate for kite aerial photography, the film used by a range of kite aerial photographers, and an interesting pair of articles on airborne video. The issue presents aerial images from several photographers. It is great fun to see the work of others and useful too as it provides tangible evidence that kite aerial photography can produce artful and technically competent images.

the second issue of the Aerial Eye - Vol. 1, No. 2, Spring 1995
Cover photo by Brooks Leffler

Vol. 1, No. 3, Summer 1995 (70K jpg)

The third issue deals with kites, line, and winders - the area where I need the greatest help. The articles describe the kites used by experienced kite aerial photographers, provide some detail on line and its practical handling, and a description of winders. Its a fine issue and has left me with a wish list ranging from a new rokkaku to one of those nice Stratospool winders. The rear cover photo of a New Jersey beach by Steve Eisenhauer is a compelling image.

the third issue of the Aerial Eye - Vol. 1, No. 3, Summer 1995
Cover photo by Steve Eisenhauer

Vol. 1, No. 4, Fall 1995 (74K jpg)

The Fall 1995 Aerial Eye arrived in early September. This issue, addressing Gadgets & Gimmicks, describes techniques developed to solve KAP challenges from reducing kite line vibration to handling line at a tie-off. As a bonus, the issue includes four additional color pages showing the winning images from the World Kite Museum's Eddy Centennial Kite Aerial Photography Competition.

the fourth issue of the Aerial Eye - Vol. 1, No. 4, Fall 1995
Cover photo by Henry Jebe

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