Ted Carlson, Vertical Magazine, Helicopters

Ted Carlson - Vertical Magazine - Helicopter Photography

Ted Carlson

Ted Carlson, an American and native of California, is a professional aviation photojournalist and runs Southern California-based Fotodynamics.com. He specializes in aerial photography of military and other aircraft, and has over 1,400 hours of time doing photo shoots in more than 135 different models of aircraft. Ted has performed photography for most large aerospace corporations and has been contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense. He has flown with all branches of the U.S. military in about every type of U.S. military aircraft, and has also flown with various agencies and several foreign air forces. More of his work and information can be seen at www.fotodynamics.com.

In addition to doing photography, Ted is a writer who has had hundreds of his articles published worldwide. He placed first in the Action category in the Vertical photography contest, and is a regular contributor to both Vertical and Vertical 911. His work can be found worldwide in magazines, books, calendars, Department of Defense publications, and posters, and his images have adorned well over 325 covers of various publications.

Ted enjoys covering both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. He particularly welcomes assignments with niche communities or individuals that he has had little previous exposure to - perhaps focusing on a certain unique way or method in which an aircraft is utilized. Not only are these significant learning experiences for him, he enjoys relaying the surprising and interesting tidbits he uncovers to readers.

Asked about what he enjoys in the helicopter world, Carlson says, "As far as helicopters in particular, I enjoy the low-level high-speed turf following, turning and banking down on the deck, pedal to the metal, with the doors open - there is nothing else in the world quite like that. Then there is that aircraft smell when you first strap in, the whine of the engine start, the drone of the engines, the blades biting into the air... throw in a bit of Jet-A fumes, the aviation comm jargon... let's face it, it's in our blood or you probably wouldn't be reading this. That is why I do what I do - for the love of it."

Ted continues, "It is astounding to think how much helicopters have evolved in the past 50 years and the technology is only getting better on a daily basis. The high-tech systems, new navigation devices, flight control systems, the plethora of different sizes and shapes of helicopters, and, let's not forget, the variety of missions and roles they are employed at... It is evolving both fast and steady. It's hard to keep up with it all and the latest gouge. I cannot even imagine what it will be like in another 50 years from now.

"It is a great pleasure working with the Vertical and Vertical 911 team, and having personally worked with many other publications in the past, these guys (and gals) do it right!" he says. "They produce a great product and one that I am proud to be associated with. Incidentally, they didn't pay me to say that - rather I am just putting credit where credit is due."

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