Photos in Free-Fall?

September 17, 2004 2:35 PM

On October 11th, I'm going to be jumping out of an airplane (with a parachute). I would like to be able to take a few pics on the way down. So, how in the heck can I do that with the air rushing by and the obvious distraction of falling to the Earth?
posted by moonbird to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Most skydive locations offer videotaping for a fee. A guy with a camera strapped to his head jumps out before you and shoots you, your jump, and the scenery. Our friend got a video when we jumped and it clearly showed him misunderstanding his instructions to pull the ripcord - he thought the guy was just waving hello. His tandem partner had to reach over and pull the ripcord for him! Very funny... afterwards.
posted by widdershins at 2:54 PM on September 17, 2004

My question is: What kind of pics do you want to take before the chute opens that you cant take after the chute opens?
posted by vacapinta at 3:01 PM on September 17, 2004

I'm not sure that the company will really want you fiddling with a camera on your first jump, but, I imagine that you're going to want some kind of hands free setup. Helmet cams for camcorders are becoming pretty inexpensive. I'd either pay the extra fee to have it taped or just take some mental snapshots and enjoy the experience.
posted by trbrts at 3:21 PM on September 17, 2004

Trying to take pictures in that environment would be very distracting. It's pretty amazing-- you may just want to let someone else handle it for you while you blow your mind.
posted by samh23 at 6:49 PM on September 17, 2004

are you jumping on a static line or doing a tandem free-fall (or something else)?

on a static line, first jump, you won't have time or the presence of mind to take a picture before the canopy opens. after it opens you'll have quite a bit of time and could easily pull a small camera out of a pocket and take several pictures. just be aware that the ground rushes up suddenly near the end. the only problem - apart from being too occupied with photos to make a good landing and so breaking a leg - is that you might drop or fall on the camera when you land. i'd suggest getting a cheap disposable.

good luck - i hated it.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:49 PM on September 17, 2004

What kind of pics do you want to take before the chute opens that you cant take after the chute opens?

Good question. Perspective does narrow in rapidly as you descend, though. The higher you are, the wider and more dramatic the panorama you'll get.

I loved it. Wanted to do it again immediately.
posted by scarabic at 7:34 PM on September 17, 2004

Generally, you're not gonna be able to take your own pictures. The only possible exception I can imagine is if you're doing a tandem jump -- you might be able to stash a disposable camera in your jumpsuit and dig it out once you are under canopy. But really, just get a staff videographer to take video and stills, and just enjoy your ride. The footage and photos of you actually freefalling will be much more meaningful than some undistinguished shots of the ground from the air.
[full disclosure: I'm one of those staff videographers.]
posted by Tubes at 9:46 PM on September 17, 2004

Response by poster: Trying to take pictures in that environment would be very distracting. It's pretty amazing-- you may just want to let someone else handle it for you while you blow your mind.

The footage and photos of you actually freefalling will be much more meaningful than some undistinguished shots of the ground from the air.

thanks for your comments all... tubes and samh23: that settles it. I'm not going to worry about silly things like photos and will just focus on the awe of the experience...
posted by moonbird at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2004

Duct tape a video camera to your head.
posted by troutfishing at 9:45 PM on September 18, 2004