Man Gives Pilot Disposable Camera, No One Prepared for What He Captures

A pilot who was given an unexpected gift has gained viral attention after sharing a behind-the-scenes look at air travel.

Photography enthusiast Safiullah Aryan handed a disposable camera to pilot Jose Manuel—known as “pepethepilot” on Instagram—before one of his flights. What came back was a stunning series of photographs that captured air travel in a way few have ever seen.

Aryan bumped into the pilot at the airport in L.A. where they got chatting, at the end of the conversation, Aryan asked if Manuel would take a disposable camera with him on his next flight, capture some of the moments, and give it back to him when it was done.

Manuel agreed, and what returned was a series of images including rare cockpit views, behind-the-scenes moments with flight crew members, stunning aerial shots of the sky, and personal moments of Manuel outside the plane on the ground and at various airports.

“I like making friends, sharing people’s stories. That’s why I do it. Everyone deserves to feel special. Everyone deserves to feel heard. I was so happy when I saw the photos, and I also became very close with the pilot,” Aryan told Newsweek.

During a conversation between the two, Manuel shared why being a pilot is such a huge part of his life. “When people get on a plane, it’s always a big life-changing moment. I fly internationally, so most of the people on my flights are making major decisions—moving to a new country, reuniting with loved ones, or starting fresh. I like to think of myself as their guide, entrusted with getting them to their new beginnings safely. These people’s lives are in my hands, and I take that responsibility very seriously. With love, we will safely get them to their new homes,” he told Aryan.

The heartwarming story—and amazing pictures—quickly gained traction online. A video on TikTok showcasing the experiment and pictures has been viewed more than 14 million times, with thousands of comments praising the pictures.

Many commented on the nostalgia-factor of old disposable cameras.

“Honestly, old-fashioned film cameras give all the life in pictures, much more real,” wrote viewer Mama_sernin. While Trino DJ said: “Instantly felt in the 90s.”

Viewer hugolu339 called it “one of the best TikToks I’ve ever seen, hands down.”

While another TikToker, Sarah, said: “I absolutely love how he took photos of the other employees!!! Amazing!”

User The Joy Within You was particularly moved by the video and said: “Thank you. This one made me cry. Maybe because it shows all those behind the scenes who make getting to our destination possible. Thank you to all who make that happen.”

Manuel the pilot isn’t the first of last to be given a disposable camera by Aryan, who has also given cameras to strangers on a night out, travelers, drivers waiting in traffic—all resulting in amazing pictures from their unique point of view.

“I keep the photos In a big album of all my adventures and people I meet,” Aryan said.