Photographer, Bolaji Alonge – Eyes of a Lagos Boy identifies the Aerophile in himself, with a camera in hand. This week’s photo takes us to the skies, as the sheer scale and beauty of the world becomes apparent when viewed from above.
An aerophile, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a lover of aviation.” Thankfully, there are many hobbyists in aviation photography around the world. We get to see great videos of jets, big and small, majestically taking off and landing in airports around the globe with millions of views on social media. These videos are pure delights for airplane enthusiasts.
Aerial photography from airplanes offers a unique perspective that is simply unmatched. Before drones, capturing images from aircraft was the only way photographers could showcase sweeping landscapes, intricate patterns in cityscapes and natural wonders in ways that ground-level shots cannot achieve. Even with today’s conventional drones, the airplane is much higher with a broader view and perspective in clear weather.
Alonge opined, “As a documentary photographer, I can’t stop capturing shots from the plane whenever I travel. Recognizing artery roads and monuments from the sky, trying to decipher some unknown places, cloud formations, rivers and mountains is always an exhilarating experience.
In childhood and formative years, growing up at the Airforce Base, Ikeja, I watched airplanes fly and land, sitting on my father’s shoulders and walking to and from school with an undying marvel. The Hercules C130 was always glorious to spot and still is, Boeing 747, 737, DC-10, 777, Airbus A 320, A 330, A350, and numerous other flying machines followed by their deafening roars as they tear into the skies were part of every day life.” Alonge continues, “to to my surprise as an adult, I still find myself gaping at airplanes with pure childlike wonderment and in awe of this engineering feat that humanity has created.”
Photographing airplanes, whether from the ground or from inside the cabin, is a thrilling endeavor that combines art and passion. If you are drawn to watching airplanes, you are not alone. There are many people of all ages worldwide, just like you.
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