Sometimes shooting from the air is essential. While there are increasingly more options besides a helicopter (we’ve shot more with R/C helis in recent years – click here and click here to see some of the highlights of these fun toys) sometimes there is simply no substitute for a good old-fashioned chopper. For example, the shoot we’re currently working here in Cape Town with Mike Horn and crew demanded that we take to the air for the shot list we’re working on.
Top 5 Tips for Shooting from a Heli:
1. Book with the right operation. Go with a well-recommended outfit. An operation that has pilots who understand photographer/filmer needs is essential. We photographers and filmers have unique time pressures around light and weather considerations – it works out better when your pilot and ground-team understand this.
2. Make sure that the doors can come off for photography and filming. And then make sure they are off when you arrive.
3. Dress warmly. No matter what time of year it is. The rotors make it chilly.
4. Use a safety harness. Attach yourself to heli at two points (eg: the frame and floor) plus your seatbelt. If you do not have a harness – tape the seatbelt clasp liberally with gaffers tape. Ideally you can move about freely. Note: a regular climbing harness and carabiner will work in a pinch but a the full-body roofer harness is preferred.
5. Use camera exposures of higher than 1/1250s. Ideally 1/1600s or greater. This will insure that your shots are free of motion blur. There is lots of motion see inside a heli that you can see and not see (both high and low frequency). Adjust the rest of your settings (ISO/Aperture) to get the proper exposure around that shutter speed.
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[As another point of reference – some of you might recall the video I ran a couple years ago that was a visual run-through of my pre-flight. Check that out by clicking HERE.]
I’m seeing a lot of “wish I could afford a helicopter” comments on my social feeds. Get resourceful my friends! Call your local ops and see if they are willing to trade for photos. Or see if you can rent time in small increments of time for less money. A 30 minute scenic ride can be found for less than $200 in Seattle. It’s not all about the bling…it’s about your vision to make images. If you need a helicopter to make a photo. Make it happen!
I’ve always found that a good preflight with your pilot really helps. Take a few minutes to learn their flight lingo, so that when you want them to move, you know what to say. It makes it so much easier when you can communicate on the same level as them.
can’t agree with you more, nate. spend time with the pilot on the ground, so you’re not burning “hops time” (what you’re charged for…the heli under power) to try to figure out what you’re gonna do….
Chase – That’s “Hobbs” time referring to the brand name on the meter.
I used to think the way to spell wheel barrow was wheel barrel . . . 🙂
As for the harness do you have to rent that separately from another company or will the heli company have that kind of setup available in most cases?
=s=
most heli companies that work w film/photo crews can provide one. I usually don’t travel with one, but I’m im shooting locally, I provide my own.
I look forward to a Heli shoot and i’m positive these tips will help especially with time management. Thanks Chase.
I just had a great experience photographing from a helicopter. Sadly, it wasn’t doors off. Great advice for when I do get a doors off opportunity.