SECRETS SHUTTER of the For the last nine years, Vertical’s December/January issue has been home to our annual photo contest, showcasing the very best in rotary-wing aviation photography from around the world. This year, with more photos being sent to us than ever before, we decided to reach out to five of our favorite photographers to ask them about their trade. We asked them to tell us about their careers, what makes a good aviation photo, and then pick some of their favorite helicopter-related shots. As you’ll see over the next few pages, they’ve selected some phenomenal images, and the rarely told stories behind them are fascinating. Anthony Pecchi How did you get started in aviation photography? When I was young, my grandfather helped me discover aviation and aviation photography. He shared his passion with me, and he taught me to do things with the utmost perfection. I’ve been a professional aviation photographer for eight years now. The most important aspect for me is to share my passion with a smile and professionalism. What was your most memorable photo shoot? I have three or four shoots that were particularly memorable, but the one that sticks out most was the “Airbus family flight” that included an H160, a Eurofighter, an A400M cargo plane, and a A350 airliner. It took about two years of organization with Yves Barillé (Airbus Helicopters’ director of communications) and Hervé Jammayrac (chief test pilot at Airbus Helicopters). Photographing 78 Ver tical Maga zine the shoot was very stressful, trying to get all the aircraft at the same speed, but it produced some incredible photos. What makes a great aviation photograph? For me the most important thing is to work with passion and professionalism and the results will speak for themselves. We are not pilots or engi- neers, we are photographers and we need to be equipped. We are very lucky to do what we do. When I organized the Airbus family flight with a jet fighter and a helicopter, the most important aspects were trust, respect, and passion! What advice would you give to someone looking to develop a career in aviation photography? It’s a difficult industry to succeed in. I would like to have been born 30 years ago, when aviation was more attractive for those taking pictures.