I originally started traveling to New Zealand for commercial photo and video work. Visually, there are few place on earth that exude the beauty of that place AND it has the benefit of being opposite seasonally (opposite hemisphere) from most of the brands/agencies etc that I work for. Great 6 month lead time for campaign creation, media buying, etc. It’s geographically very dense with variety as well. It’s a home run for productions. As such I’ve been heading down there to shoot campaigns for many years.
It was in these travels for commercial work that I fell in love with the New Zealand landscape and started a personal project aiming to capture that beauty from the air. Nothing too serious…more casual initially. But in the past 3 years it has grown more serious with each return. I’ve learned that mountains and landscapes can often photograph a lot like people. They have moods, personalities, essences. Capturing those has become the goal of my Aerial New Zealand project.
At the beginning of this Chase Jarvis RAW vid, you’ll see the door come off of the helicopter, you’ll see my shooting rig, and some safety measures…but the real fun begins after that where we’re buzzing above the Southern Alps of New Zealand, up canyons, and across deltas making pictures–both still and moving. Flying around in a helicopter above what I’d argue is one-of-if-not-THE most beautiful landscape in the world is humbling and stunning and so many things at the same time–not to mention just effing cool. I hope you enjoy the vid. There’s a handful of still images from the end of the video after the jump…
I’ve had the good fortune of shooting out of helicopters for more than a decade…and can say that I never get over how fun it is. Having probably taken 100 or more rides, it never gets old. I’m grateful to have worked with some of the best pilots in the world as well. In this video, Alfie (Queenstown Heliworks) works his magic. Thank you Alfie.
Needless to say, if you ever get a chance to fly, you must absolutely grab that chance.
Check out the images below, but also feel free to check out a bigger gallery selection of images from this project here.
Happy to answer any aerial photography questions you might have in the comments. Thanks for spending some time with the video.
Hi Chase, off topic can you tell me what FTP program you use
Sweet work Chase! Could you do a B&W tutorial and maybe upload a raw file for us to have at it ourself?
Beautiful Chase ,takes my breath away, love the B&W. Thanks so much for all you share.
A thought on helicopters, while working in New Zealand and Norway last year I’ve used the Raven II a very cool 4 seater by Robinson of California , very smooth low vibration rides and compared to an older Jetranger I was recently on it made for a quite a different shooting experience. Range and and weight is less with the Raven but so is the price, regardless of the ride heli flying is awesome.
Hoping that you can give a few tips or suggestions. I’m very fortunate enough to be invited to go on a ride along with LAPD Helicopter Division and I can only bring one body and one lens. I have a Nikon D300. I’m planning on renting a lens but I’m wondering what lens or type of lens you would suggest using?
At this point I don’t know if I’ll be shooting through Plexiglas or an Open door. I’ll have about an hour of flight time before the sun goes down and then an hour after sundown.
I’m doing my best to be a serious amateur but this feels very over my head and any suggestions are very much appreciated.
Thanks so very much!
To have the money to hire a machine for the day would be nice. 😀
A question for you Chase.
Have you every done a full on road trip around the south looking for those other photos? You might be amazed what your flying past. hahaha
Truly breathtaking shots from the ‘blad Chase. Way to stick with your vision.
Someone needs to own up with a dirty sensor shooting some of the video though, c’mon, who’s been a naughty boy? those dust bunnies are gargantuan.
I know from experience that it’s a P.I.T.A. removing dust spots from stills, can’t imagine what’s involved to have to contend with it on video for a client.
Thanks for sharing.