Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jeffrey Le is a young and talented videographer and photographer. He’s passionate about exploring the world and telling stories. His work draws you in and allows you to connect with the moment – even if you weren’t there.

He recently took our Volcano Tour and shared a bit of his work with us. To learn more about the man behind the camera and the inspiration for his flight, I connected with him while he was on a project in Alaska. Discover some of the key takeaways.

What first drew you to Kenmore Air?

I have always been interested in doing a scenic flight around Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, so it was a no-brainer for me to contact Kenmore Air when I had realized they offered scenic flight tours. I had searched a few scenic flight companies but found Kenmore Air had some of the best reviews and figured I should trust the people of Washington to guide me to the right flight for me!

What was seeing Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens from that angle like?

It was AMAZING! As someone who loves the outdoors, I have hiked around Mt. Rainier and have visited Mt. St. Helens a few times, but this was truly something else. Being able to take in everything the surrounding areas of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens had to offer was an experience I will never forget. You think you have an idea of how big these mountains are, but then you fly over them and really put into perspective how small the areas around the mountains look in comparison. Not only was the view wonderful, but the flight was amazing in regard to the entire experience. The pilot did a wonderful job of allowing us to see the mountains from both sides and different angles. It was really catered to all passengers onboard, which I thought was great.

You travel often for work. How did the views from this flight compare to some of the other sights you’ve witnessed while working?

Being able to travel for work, you often see a lot of different things from your airplane seat. However, it doesn’t compare to what you see with a scenic flight tour. The scenic flight tour is catered in a way that allows you to really experience the focal points of the flight, but also the surrounding areas. It really pushes you to think about the geography of that area rather than a quick glance at something ‘cool’. Also, flying at a lower elevation helps with what you are able to see!

Do you have hobbies outside of videography?

Yes! I love hiking, backpacking, camping, and basically anything that has to do with the outdoors! I’m currently taking up rock climbing and hope to further this into something I can incorporate into my videography and photography. My brother is a chef who has worked in some of the most amazing kitchens in New York, so I love cooking as well!

What do you shoot with primarily?

The camera that I use is a Canon 1DX Mark II. It’s a great professional level camera that allows me to do what I need to do in the field without worrying about it failing or running out of battery. However, I firmly believe that the best camera you can have is the one you have with you right now! If you can take great iPhone pictures, you can take great pictures with anything!

What made you pursue a career in videography/ photography?

I have always been the kid that was interested in building and creating things. Throughout middle school, I taught myself how to use computer programs to create graphic designs. From there, I built my own business in high school and was able to create designs for brands, influencers, etc. Once I was able to save up enough money, I bought myself a camera and taught myself the basics through YouTube videos. Once I saw that I could make money doing what I love, I made the choice to finish with an Associates in Visual Communication, a fancy way of saying graphic design, instead of a Bachelors. I’m now 20, turning 21 in a week from writing these answers out, and am so excited to see what my path will be like moving forward!

Book Your Volcano Tour!

*Photos by Jeffery Le

There’s flying. And then there’s flying in a seaplane. Expansive skies, superlative views, and a front row seat to the controls await the adventure-hungry traveler aboard a San Juan Islands Seaplane Ride-Along.

It’s a morning to remember when you pretzel your 6-foot frame into the copilot seat of a de Havilland Beaver. (Don’t worry. There’s plenty of room in the footwell for both legs and feet once you’re in.)

The smell of old leather. The well-loved instrument panel. The rumble of the de Havilland Beaver’s radial engine as it taxis from the dock. It’s a thrill that crescendos with a takeoff over Seattle’s historic Gas Works Park and continues as the snowcapped mountains to the north, east, and west unfold around you.

Flying at roughly 100 knots, flight time to the San Juans averages 45-minutes. Depending on the weather conditions, your pilot may take you as low as 500 feet. (This is a particular treat, as the breathtaking views of the coastline are unlike anything you’ll see aboard a large airline.)

Generally, you’ll skim the skies at 1,000 – 1,500 feet. Beneath you, the coast beneath is speckled with lighthouses and rocky shores. The waterways act as a highway for ferry boats and cargo ships.

‘Smith Island’ by Tara Brown Photography

Be sure to keep an eye out for Smith Island, located in the eastern section of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The bell-shaped plot of land is a part of the San Juan Island National Wildlife Refuge. It serves as an important habitat for seabirds.

The steeped bluffs of the island have gradually eroded. They have fallen into the ocean – including the island’s original lighthouse which clung precariously to the bluff during the 1980s until the spring of 1998.

A Day in the Life of a Seaplane Pilot

Destinations throughout the San Juans can range wildly. That’s just life for a Kenmore Air pilot. They never know where they’re flying until the day before, at the earliest. The ride-along may include one stop.

Or your trip (like mine), could include drop-offs at San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor and Orcas Island’s West Sound. It might conclude with a repositioning flight to Lopez Island’s Fisherman Bay for a pickup and then a stunning trip back to Seattle.

For some copilots, you might be treated to an up and back to the historic Roche Harbor or the ever-elegant Rosario Resort. Regardless of the destination, it’s sure to be stunning.

Book your San Juan Islands Ride-Along

Additional Things to Know About a San Juan Islands Seaplane Ride-Along

• Bring your camera. You’ll want it. I promise.
• If you’re shooting with a DSLR and are unfamiliar with aviation photography, Shutter Priority is a good way to go.
• Complimentary earplugs are provided by Kenmore. Wear them. The noise isn’t intolerable, but it’s certainly more comfortable when you have them in.
• Bring sunglasses. The glare can be intense, especially if you’re sitting up front. You’ll appreciate a pair of shades. Pro tip – during the winter months, bring a hat too. In the mornings, flying back towards Seattle, the sun’s perfectly positioned to light up the world brilliantly. Unfortunately, it can also be harsh on the eyes.
• Riding copilot isn’t guaranteed or necessary for a great flight. In fact, depending on weight dispersal needs, you pilot may ask you to sit in a different seat. But no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have an amazing window seat view.
• You might not be in a Beaver. Kenmore also flies de Havilland Otters. Besides the Otters being larger (they carry 10 passengers to the Beaver’s six), Otters are outfitted with turbine engines. This helps them fly slightly faster.
• Stretch your legs after the flight with a walk to one of the best lunch spots around South Lake Union.

Let’s Go!