Float planes are a way of life in Alaska. Floats in the summer, skis in the winter. It is very easy to get great shots of float planes right after you land in Anchorage. Lake Hood is adjacent to the Anchorage airport and gives you an opportunity to get some great shots of float planes. On a clear day, there is a steady stream of planes taking off from the water.

I shoot in AV(aperture priority) mode most of the time. When I shot aircraft with propellers I shoot in TV (shutter priority) mode. You do not want the shutter speed to be too high or it will freeze the propeller. It makes for a strange looking photo, like the plane should be falling out of the sky. Start the shutter at 1/320 (depending on light) and below to get sharp shots with the motion you need in the propeller. On bright days I will even put a 4 stop ND filter on so I can get my aperture open further.

Here are some shots of these aircraft from around the state.
Click on any photo for larger view!

Panning shot taken at Lake Hood

Float plane in Homer, Alaska

Otter on floats Misty Fjords Alaska

Float planes and cruise ships in Ketchikan, Alaska

Float plane traffic Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Beaver on floats taking off from Ketchikan, Alaska

Beaver on floats Lake Hood, Alaska

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