Scouting, Shooting near Wind Turbines
Jamie Vesay
Jamie Vesay is a Location Scout, Manager, Fixer, Producer, based in Omaha, Nebraska USA. JamieVesay.com
There is something mesmerizing about them. Wind turbines. In a group, they’re known as an array. It’s when you get to be up close or go inside and be on top of one is when you really appreciate and respect wind turbines for their scale.
As a Location Scout, I scouted and shot near many wind arrays, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa USA. Using these experiences as a reference, I’ll share my pro tips.
If you are shooting for the energy company or a related client, your access will be easier and more fluid. You can shoot from a nearby public road for wide shots, but know that most of the turbines are planted on PRIVATE PROPERTY. If you want to work close to them, you need PERMISSION. The access road to them is an easement and energy companies pay landowners. Drone operators: you’re going to do your thing. I can only strongly encourage you to do the right and legal thing if you plan to fly near them. Still, be safe.
SIDEBAR to those saying, “I don’t ask permission,” location scouting and management is as much of a professional process as production and operating the camera. If nothing else, you are being respectful of people’s property—it feeds positive production karma and does not make it harder for the next production.
In my opinion, the best arrays are on rolling hills versus flat land. There is simply more character and reference of depth. In Nebraska and Iowa we get the bonuses of grasslands, crops, livestock, and agricultural vehicles. The quantity of turbines on land that is topographically diverse make travel to that location worth it.
If you plan on shooting for a full day or want the sunrise or sunset – consider lodging closest to them. Time of year is equal to and comparable with the time of day you’ll be shooting. In late fall and winter, the sun is on a lower southern track. Keep this in mind if you want the sun backlighting them.
Another hint about TIME OF YEAR at least in Nebraska: If you want green, early summer is most lush and best. If you want crops, later summer to early Fall is best. Understand if you are not shooting at these times, the land is brown, the crops are cut or non-existent or buried in snow, and there are no leaves on trees.
CAUTION about shooting in WINTER: Ice can build up on the blades and fall off. In extreme temps we’re talking heavy ice falling from a high point. Vehicle destruction and death can happen… Dress warm, stay focused, and be safe!
If you are on top of one there is such a thing as being too high. The sun may be under them.
Regarding WIND, yeah you might need some. Most turbines do move with even a slight breeze but every now and then, there is nothing. Hence, a non-spinning turbine is just not interesting. There are apps and weather websites to help track the wind. The following is important intel so please read slowly: Wind changes direction and turbines spin INTO it. If you pick a shot that looks great on the scout — the turbines could be facing the opposite direction (even profile to your view) and will look vastly different on another day. The best view of course is when they face you.
Here are two cinematography tips. Be sure to shoot near them with low light to capture the shadows of the blades whipping through the frame. And if it’s windy, show it nearby with trees swaying or grass blowing as a natural foreground element, connecting those to what you’re shooting. You’re welcome.
Finally, as with any shoot, SAFETY should be paramount. While the wind farms are indeed mesmerizing, you should treat your shoot like any industrial environment. Weather, time of year, how close you’ll be working to them are all considerations. Also, have proper permissions. From the land owners to the owners of the turbines, please ask before you shoot.
The engineering and design inside is incredible. And yes, the view from the top is crazy. As you can see, a climbing helmet, ample harness, and eye gear are all in play. Please don’t lose focus by the wow factor. Stay safe. Be kind. Have fun!
