Pulitzer-prize-winning photographer Vincent Laforet proposed shooting New York City from the extraordinary height of 7,200 feet—in a helicopter—and although some operators refused to take him to that height, one did. The photographic result inspired his book, AIR, a collection of aerial photos of 10 of the most iconic cities in the world. The 2015 book also convinced him to pursue another dream—learning to fly. He’s currently an impassioned student pilot wearing out his instructor in California.
Started in aviation…I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would devour every book and study every single aircraft. I’d spend my summers gluing model planes together and painting them. I am always back in the rear seat of aircraft working with amazing pilots around the world, with a camera in my hands. After several hundreds of hours as an aerial photographer and more recently as a cinematographer, I’ve finally taken the step to get my private pilot license with an instructor I tremendously respect.
Biggest challenges…So much about what I do in my creative work involves pushing the envelope and breaking the rules to discover new ways of doing things. I approach piloting in the polar-opposite way: I’m not looking for shortcuts nor am I looking to stand out or to be “original.” I respect the rules, why they’re there, and what I’m being taught in terms of limits and safety. While I’ve witnessed incredibly creative acrobatic pilots who push the limits of what an aircraft and they can do with it, I’ve come to embrace the discipline that flying demands of me and I enjoy it as a counterbalance to my career.
Favorite aircraft…The P–51 Mustang and the unmistakable sound its engine makes as it flies past you. And the Eurocopter A-Star because I’ve spent so many hours in it that I can tell so much about its movements just by ear alone.
Amazing flights…I feel more at peace up in the air than I do almost anywhere on the ground. I’d have to say that every single sunrise or sunset flight has led me to smile from ear to ear—and no two are ever the same—especially over my hometown of New York City.
Advice for students…When I started to take lessons I couldn’t wait to do my first solo and to eventually get my license! Yet the more I’ve flown, the more I’ve come to respect how much there is to learn. It’s very similar to photography: You never stop studying or perfecting your craft. Rushing seldom, if ever, pays off. You can never be “too prepared.” Learn to stay calm no matter what comes your way and always enjoy every part of the journey, not just the destination.
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