Kenai Fjords Tour boat, Resurrection Bay, Seward, Alaska.
We had our first break in the rain in about a month late last week, and I was able to take advantage of our brief bit of nice weather to do an aerial photo assignment for Kenai Fjords Tours. I love photographing from a helicopter with the doors removed, it is such a rush. I have been able to do it many times in Alaska for clients like the Alaska Railroad, National Park Service and the Forest Service, and have even chartered helicopters in Los Angeles and San Diego.
I think one of the things that makes it so much fun is the challenge – and that started with the comment the pilot made before we took off. He said if I lean out the door and have my head phones blow off that they would get sucked into the tail rotor and we would crash and die. OK, I think I can remember that now.
So between the thrill of looking straight down to the ground, and having to think that your life depends on not dropping head phones or a camera lens, you have so much more to think about. The composition is constantly changing, as is the light, background, exposure and focus. You need to coordinate with the captain and pilot, anticipate when I’ll have a open shooting window, watch to keep prop out of the scene, because it will show in photos even though you don’t see it in person, keep track of the background. I think you get the idea – lots of action and excitement, an hour can really “fly” by!
Comments 9
Looks like you come up with a super capture and had a beautiful dayto do it in. Hasn’t it been rainy this year than normal? So what type of a lens do use when shooting from the air?
Author
It has been a much wetter and colder summer then normal – that isn’t a good thing when normal is fairly wet and cold!
I used a Canon 24-105 with IS.
Thanks Dennis.
Totally agree 200% – Heli shoots are awesome and after an hour I’m completely exhausted. I’m afraid of heights, which is fine as long as I have my camera and keep on shooting, no problem with no door, hanging out etc. but as soon as I stop….uhhhh…I always need to sit back for a second, deep breath and then just get that camera up again and shoot.
Lots of fun – I love shooting from helicopters. I never heard the story with the headphones – thats a good one. I always get the story about my lens caps. I simply don’t take anything small with me anymore…and of course…I’m still getting the lessons…which I don’t mind.
Are you using ducttape on your seat belt? My pilot here now prefers that I have a piece of duct tape on the buckle, in case something gets caught while I’m leaning out. Of course the duct tape has a “quick release” latch – in case I dropped my lens cap…
Great shot by the way.
Author
Hi Rolf,
I’m that same way – I have a fear of heights, but completely forget about it while photographing. The headphones was a new one to me as well, but makes sense. I have been warned about lens caps etc., as well, and leave that stuff behind. I’m not even comfortable changing lenses up there if I can avoid it.
I haven’t used duct tape on the seat belt, but have thought about it – it is probably a great idea as those things can really tip from side to side, and it would be easy to hook the belt.
Thanks a lot Rolf!
Wow–interesting story and great lighting. So much to worry about besides the obvious one of falling out. That’s the emptiest tour boat I’ve ever seen.
Author
Thanks Scott!
Yeah, there were some friends on board that were hiding out for the photo shoot – you are right, it normally isn’t so empty.
Whew, what a lot to think of! Exciting/scary/exciting! Fabulously clear and colourful photo!
Love this photo. I have personally been to Seward Alaska and it is beautiful. The tour boats take you right into the nature there. Very impressive
Author
Thanks Noella!
Thanks Aly – I agree, it is a great tour!