Tutorials
SUMMARY
Photographing from an airplane window offers a unique perspective on landscapes and weather patterns. To achieve clear results, photographers should carefully select a window seat forward of the wing and on the side of the aircraft that avoids direct sun glare. The most significant challenge, reflections from the cabin, can be overcome by pressing your lens or phone directly against the window to create a light seal. While polarizing filters are often recommended for reducing reflections, they are ineffective and can degrade image quality when shooting through multi-layered airplane windows. Manual focus is also advised to prevent autofocus hunting on the glass.
TAKEAWAYS
Choose a window seat forward of the wing and on the sun-away side of the plane.
Press your lens or phone against the window to block cabin reflections.
Avoid using polarizing filters, as they create interference patterns.
Switch to manual focus to ensure the camera focuses on the distant landscape.