Overview

Join Michael Yamashita, a 30-year veteran photographer for National Geographic, as he takes you on a landscape photography journey from an aerial perspective. Whether you’re using a ladder, climbing a hill or a rooftop, or boarding a fixed-wing aircraft, Michael shares his secrets, stories and pro tips from three decades of shooting captivating images around the globe. In this inspiring 40-minute class, you’ll learn what equipment and settings Michael uses for the job, what times of day are perfect for shooting aerial landscapes, and how he composes the perfect shot in his mind’s eye even before clicking the shutter — as well as fun stories along the way as Michael shows why rules are meant to be broken. The class will empower you to look for light, pattern and scale to create stunning, big-picture imagery that inspires awe in your audience. Some photography experience is helpful in order to participate in this class, but not required — anyone with a desire to improve their landscape photo skills is encouraged to join. Instructor bio: Michael Yamashita is a National Geographic photographer with over 30 years of experience capturing the world through his lens. A third-generation Japanese-American fluent in Japanese, he specializes in retracing the paths of famous travelers, creating stories on figures like Marco Polo, the Japanese poet Basho, and the Chinese explorer Zheng He. His work has taken him across six continents and has been exhibited widely in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., including the National Gallery in Washington, DC. Michael has published ten books inspired by his National Geographic stories. When not traveling, he lives with his family in rural New Jersey, maintaining a studio and serving as a volunteer fireman.

Syllabus

Getting Started with Aerial Photography

This module introduces you to the world of aerial photography, beginning with the basics of what makes this perspective so powerful. You’ll explore accessible ways to shoot from above, and review the gear and tools professionals rely on to capture breathtaking aerial landscapes. By the end, you’ll be ready to approach aerial photography with both confidence and a clear understanding of what you need.

Mastering Light and Weather

This module focuses on two critical factors in aerial photography: light and weather. You’ll learn why the “magic hour” is so powerful, discover strategies for transforming cloudy skies and storms into striking images, and find inspiration from rooftops as an accessible practice ground. These lessons help you maximize natural conditions for creative, professional-looking results.

Exploring Perspectives and Practice

The final module expands your perspective by looking at helicopter photography as a professional option and then grounding your skills in a rooftop practice shoot. You’ll synthesize everything learned in the course, capturing and critiquing your own work. A closing reflection ties everything together and sets you up to continue exploring aerial photography on your own.