Carston Bell - Director of Aerial Photography
Carston's fascination with all things aviation and motion picture related led to his career as a Director of Aerial Photography in the late 90's. Since then he has been behind the camera for a wide range of projects, including complex aerial sequences for motion pictures, dramatic series, documentaries, live television, and reality-based programming. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including 2 Emmys for excellence in photography.

When not in the aircraft, Carston directs Angel City Air's television production operations, and designs custom helicopter video installations for the company's various clients.

In his off time, Carston enjoys pursuing his second career as a helicopter pilot. He currently resides near Pasadena, CA with his wife.

Alex Calder - Aerial Photographer/Reporter
Alex got his start in Television News in 1994 after moving to Southern California, from his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Alex started his television career as a news photographer for KBAK in Bakersfield, then went on to work for several L.A. media outlets including CNN, KNBC, KABC and KTLA. During that time, he mastered several different aerial camera systems, including Gyron, FLIR, Wescam and Cineflex. Alex began flying for Angel City Air in 1998, and later expanded his duties to include on-air reporting when KCAL joined forces with KCBS in 2003. You can catch Alex's live traffic and breaking news reports during the CBS 2 News weekdays from 5am to 7am. In his free time, Alex enjoys recreational flying (airplanes & helicopters) and is often found working on his web site Helispot (helispot.com), which features an extensive library of helicopter photos and other resources for rotorcraft professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Chris "Jackpot" Haug - Aerial Photographer
Chris is a native Southern Californian who graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a BA degree in Radio/TV/Film in 1985. Before joining the Angel City Air team full-time in 2006, Chris worked as a freelance Aerial cameraman for Wolfe Air and KCAL 9 Television. Prior to that time, he specialized in Remote Head Camera Systems, and video editing shooting a wide variety of content including music videos, sports and talk shows for numerous local production companies. In 1994, Chris took his expertise on board the helicopter, allowing him a smooth transition into aerial camera operations including the Gyron, Flir and Wescam systems. Chris has a knack for capturing some of the most dramatic live police pursuit videos; from soda trucks spilling their loads to stolen ambulances flipping end over end, Chris delivers the most memorable images of the chase phenomenon. And when he's not thrilling us with his camera work, Chris enjoys deep sea fishing, boating and sailing, and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master's License.

Robert Kemp – Aerial Photographer
Bob, a native of Southern California, began his career in1975 at an Instructional Television Station in Torrance. CA, where he was involved in Studio and on-air Master Control operations. Sony Corporation was the next step for Bob as he utilized his skills in electronics servicing Videotape and Camera Equipment. Shooting Aviation became a passion as he became a Private Pilot in 1985, where he began producing, shooting ,and editing Promotional Videos for National Aerobatic Pilots and Air Show Performers using specialized Aerial Camera Mounts both Cockpit and external. A highlight of his production work was the challenge of documenting a WWII B-25 Bomber taking off from an Aircraft Carrier and developing aerial video systems for Motion Pictures and Television. NBC Burbank has been Bob’s full time position for the last 25 year’s as a Technical Director/Transmission Engineer. The Olympics and other special events have been a part of the mix at NBC, making sure signals make it to their destination involving Computer automation and Server technology. Bob’s Interests include Amateur Radio, Remote Control Helicopters, and Computer’s.

Gil Leyvas - Aerial Photographer
Gil was born and raised in Southern California. He got his start in Television in 1993 through the Central County Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Gil began working in the TV News Industry in 1994, in his home town of Garden Grove, as a photojournalist for the city and for Time Warner Communications. In 1997, Gil was hired by KTNV News 13, the ABC affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada working as a ground photojournalist, as well as in the stations' helicopter covering breaking news. In 1999, Gil earned a spot on the KCAL 9 News helicopter team working with Pilot/Reporter Larry Welk. With the formation of the KCAL/KCBS duopoly in 2003, the team took on the responsibilities of covering news for both channels. In 2006, Gil joined Angel City Air with nine years of helicopter experience and thirteen years of ENG experience to his credit. In 2000, Gil received an Emmy nomination for coverage of a river rescue and in 2006, he won an Emmy Award for Team Coverage of the Jet Blue Emergency Landing for CBS. Gil enjoys volunteering his free time by speaking at colleges and high schools in the Orange County area to aid and assist potential future journalists.

Rich Prickett - Aerial Photographer
Rich began his career in broadcasting as an Aerial Photographer for KABC in 2000. Following his years with KABC, Rich continued developing his talents while working for KNBC and KTLA as an ENG operator, utilizing various remote operated gyro-stabilized camera systems including FLIR, Wescam and Cineflex HD.

Rich brings his skill and expertise not only to the broadcast news industry through his coverage of major California brush fires, high speed pursuits and other major breaking news, but also through his involvement in numerous production shoots which include, the Oscars, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Jimmy Kimmel Show, Discovery Channel, History Channel and reality based shows.

In 2002, Rich gained notoriety for his exclusive footage of the tragic MTA Bus pursuit and hostage situation in downtown Los Angeles.

Outside of his helicopter duties, Rich has also worked for Newsreel (overnight independent news service) and major motion picture "Press Junkets".

Rich was proud to join the team at Angel City Air in 2007 as an Aerial News Photographer for KCBS and KCAL. He recently had the opportunity to expand his involvement with Angel City Air by bringing his expertise as a technician, operating both standard and high definition cameras for television and various productions.

When Rich is not behind the camera, you'll find him enjoying family and friends, snowboarding, and fishing.

Michael Sandoval - Aerial Photographer
Michael is a 15-year veteran of broadcast news. He began his career as a Freelance Photojournalist in 1993, covering such stories as the North Hollywood Bank Shootout and the Robert Blake Murder Investigation. Michael's work has been featured in a variety of television productions including TV reality programs and daytime talk shows for the Oxygen Network.

Since 2000, Michael has worked as an Aerial Photographer for many Los Angeles area TV stations including KCBS, KNBC, KABC, KCAL and KMEX. Michael was the first photographer in the Los Angeles market to broadcast a high definition signal live from a news helicopter for KABC-TV in 2005.

Michael sits on the board of the Los Angeles City Fireman's Relief Association where he works as a photographer covering many charitable events including the annual Los Angeles City Fireman's Invitational Golf Tournament.

The Los Angeles native graduated from University of Southern California Medical Center with a degree in Radiology and worked as a Radiologic Technologist before starting his career in news. Michael resides in Los Feliz with his wife Cici and their two most prized possessions, their daughter Sarah and son Michael.