Canadian private pilot publishes book of aerial photos

Canadian private pilot Mike Biden has published a book of photographs taken from the air. "I decided to do this because I can't describe in words to people what I've seen, and I feel it's so selfish flying around and burning up gas and seeing this beautiful terrain of ours,” said Biden. "North Okanagan Above" features 80 pages of dramatic aerial photographs.

Self-taught, Biden developed a passion for photography many years ago and his film and digital images have graced the pages of major publications including Canadian Geographic.

However, taking pictures from the cockpit of the single-engine aircraft he owns with Dr. Carl Peters is a relatively new experience, something he started five years ago.

He compared aerial photography to a bombing run, lining up the target and handing over the controls to his co-pilot while he pushes the shutter release button.

But not every run is successful and it’s not unusual for him to make two or three passes or even to head out again another day to get the quality picture he is after.

True to character, Biden’s philosophy of life does not contain the word “can’t.”

He has travelled throughout much of the world and tried just about every means of travel imaginable from hot air balloons to jet fighters and army tanks and submarines.

Parachuting and having worked over 30 years as a ground search and rescue technician, rescue diver and rescue pilot are among his other accomplishments.

His favourite quote: "If you're not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space."

For more information, visit Biden’s website at  www.iflyphoto.com
 

Source: www.bclocalnews.com/entertainment/134361323.html