Herb Lingl

Herb Lingl is a northern California based photographer, commercial single and multi-engine seaplane pilot, dynamic speaker and author who creates innovative perspectives through the art of aerial and portrait photography. With over 30 years of experience combining aviation expertise with artistic vision, Herb has documented everything from intimate portraits to sweeping aerial surveys across multiple continents.

As director of Aerial Archives, education director of the Clear Lake Flying Club, and director of Tailwheel Aircraft Ferry Pilots, Herb brings unparalleled technical skill and creative insight to every project. His work has appeared on magazine and book covers, in museum exhibitions and private collections.

Aerial Photography Services

Professional Aerial Imaging

• Night-time aerial light pollution surveys in Arizona
• High-intensity night time aerial strobe photography for Palo Alto's Centennial Celebration (30,000 watts triggered from helicopter)
• Air-to-air photography for Virgin America Airlines US launch from Lear 25 aircraft
• Virgin Galactic documentation at Mojave Air and Space Port
• Infrared aerial studies of Sacramento Delta waterways for the United States Geological Survey
• Salt pond environmental photography featured in California Wild and Bay Nature magazines
• Georeferenced video acquisition integrated with LiDAR data for Pacific Gas & Electric

Publications and Licensing

Herb's work has been extensively published and licensed through Aerial Archives and other agencies. Publications include collaborations with Robert Cameron on the Above Mexico City and La Ciudad de Mexico desde Arriba coffee table books.

Awards and Recognition

Herb has been recognized for excellence in aerial photography, with work exhibited in galleries, museums and private collections. Notable recognitions include the Epson Aerial Photographer of the Year award and an exhibit of his work entitled Aerial Aesthetics in the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum at the San Francisco International Airport. A large mural is currently on long term display in the Hamon Tower Observation Level of the de Young Museum in San Francisco.

Portrait Photography

Studio & Location Mastery

Beginning his photographic journey as a teenager, Herb has refined his portrait capabilities through decades of studio and location work. His expertise in lighting and composition was honed during the demanding film era, creating technically perfect images for:

• Corporate executives and business leaders
• California State Legislature members and panoramic assembly portraits
• Aviation industry professionals - pilots, mechanics, and industry leaders
• Fashion photography for international publications
• Artistic portraits and fine art collections

Technical Excellence

Herb's architectural photography work required mastering complex lighting scenarios for both aerial and ground-based photography. This experience, combined with film photography's unforgiving nature, developed his technical skills in studio lighting and interior photography.

Seeking professional portrait photography? Herb's three decades of experience ensures exceptional results.

Aviation Education

Clear Lake Flying Club Leadership

As education director of the Clear Lake Flying Club, Herb is pioneering aviation education initiatives in Northern California.

Youth Programs:

• Young Eagles Rally - Introducing children to aviation through EAA's flagship program
• Introduction to Aviation Class - Detailed introduction to aviation for 9-13 year old Lake County residents
• AOPA STEM Aviation Curriculum - Successfully advocated for adoption by Clear Lake High School in Lakeport

Community Impact:

The Clear Lake Flying Club serves as a teaching organization focusing on making aviation accessible to young people and building tomorrow's pilots and aviation professionals.

Teaching Philosophy

Herb's passion for education stems from his college teaching experience learning directly from Professor John Rassias and his innovative language teaching methodology. This background informs his approach to aviation education, emphasizing engagement, practical application, and inspiring lifelong learning.

New Book Project: "The Horizon's Calls | A Seaplane Journey Across America"

Herb is currently working on The Horizon's Calls: A Seaplane Journey Across America. This upcoming book documents a unique aerial expedition following historic waterways from the Ohio River to Clear Lake, California.

Experience the adventure, challenges, and extraordinary human connections of this remarkable seaplane journey across America's heartland and western landscapes.

The book showcases:

• Stunning aerial photography of America's waterways
• Historical context of the routes traveled
• Personal narratives of the people encountered
• Technical insights into seaplane operations
• Environmental observations from a pilot's perspective

Additional information about the book project is available at The Horizon's Calls book

Speaking and Event Coordination

Aerial Visionaries at SFMOMA

Herb conceived and organized the groundbreaking Aerial Visionaries event at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, featuring presentations by astronauts Story Musgrave and Rusty Schweickart alongside leading aerial photographers. This prestigious event was hosted by the American Society of Media Photographers and the Explorers Club, with sponsorship from Eastman Kodak, Hasselblad, and Aerial Archives.

Clear Lake Splash In

Herb coordinated the production of the 2025 Clear Lake Splash In, an aviation celebration designed to showcase seaplane operations and inspire the next generation of aviators at Clear Lake, Northern California.

Speaking and Workshops

Herb has made presentations and conducted workshops in many venues including at the Beijing Capital International Airport, An Introduction to Aerial Imaging Business Opportunities during the China General Aviation Forum, at Kodak in Rochester, New York and Tokyo, Japan, Aerial Infrared Sediment Studies, at the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, Photo Impressions and at numerous photography workshops in San Francisco taught at the request of the Polaroid Corporation.

Consider engaging Herb for engaging professional development and leadership seminars and workshops. Topics derived from aviation experience include:

• Weather the Storm: Resilience and Adaptability in Professional Life
• The Long Cross-Country: Persistence and Vision in Major Projects

Aircraft Ferry Services

Tailwheel & Seaplane Specialist

Herb provides professional aircraft ferry services with the unique advantage of acquiring aerial imagery during ferry flights. His extensive ferry experience includes:

• American Champion, Citabria: Princeton, New Jersey to Panama City, Panama
• Boeing Stearman: Houston, Texas metro area to Northern California
• EAA Biplane: Tulsa, Oklahoma to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area
• Piper Super Cub: Lodi, California to Hot Springs, South Dakota in winter
• Taylorcraft BC-12D: Northern California to Bella Coola, British Columbia
• Taylorcraft BC-12D on Edo 1320 Straight Floats: Rising Sun, Indiana to Clear Lake, California

Specialized Capabilities

• Tailwheel aircraft expertise
• Aerial photography integration during ferry flights
• International ferry operations

Need professional aircraft ferry services? Herb combines safe flying with stunning aerial documentation.

Professional Services Summary

• Aerial Photography: Commercial, environmental, artistic, and technical aerial imaging
• Portrait Photography: Studio and location portraits for corporate, legislative, and artistic clients
• Aviation Education: Youth programs and community aviation initiatives
• Speaking & Consultation: Aviation and photography expertise for conferences and corporate events
• Aircraft Ferry Services: Professional tailwheel and seaplane ferry operations

Contact and Booking

Ready to work with a master of aerial and portrait photography?

Whether you need stunning aerial imagery, professional portraits, dynamic speaking presentations, innovative event coordination, aviation education programs, or reliable aircraft ferry services, Herb Lingl brings three decades of expertise and artistic vision to every project.

Contact Herb

Contact Herb via Aerial Archives