Tips for taking photos...from a helicopter!

[wong]

Its our 10 year anniversary soon, So I've booked a package that includes a meal at the Peninsula Hotel and a 10 minute trip in a helicopter ( ~ 3 - 4 pm in afternoon) for me and the missus. Any tips !

I live in Hong Kong, so should get a decent view of the skyline there (weather permitting). I dont actually take that many photos and only bought a SLR for kids photos. I use a Nikon D40, with the 18-200 VR lens. Also have the Sigma 1.4, 30 mm for indoor use.

I have a circular polarizer - should I use it?

Any tips - technical ( use the VR from moving vehicle mode )or artistic appreciated.

[Mini1275]

First of all dont fall out , i'm sure someone can help on here.

Edited by Mini1275 on Monday 5th October 08:53

[4hero]

Avoid falling out is a good tip!

I went on one earlier this year, took two bodies (one with a 70-200 and the other was a 17-40mm). I ended up using the 17-40 all the time.

These were shot through the window, we weren't allowed to open them (due to health and safety)



^ shot at 23mm



^ shot at 40mm

Edited by 4hero on Monday 5th October 09:06

[CVP]

Agreed on the wide-angle comment, I found the 24-85 the most useful lens

If you have access to somehting really wide-angle you can use that for inside shots of the helicopter, also if poss don't forget to take a couple of shots of the outside either before or after.

Chris

[Scooby_snax]

[Scooby_snax]

[4hero]

^ and your tip is?

[Scooby_snax]

[4hero]

4hero said:

^ and your tip is?

[Scooby_snax]

My tip is...
Take the doors off
strap yourself in
use a 70-200 f2.8
tell the pilot where you want to go

[Scooby_snax]

• *** lens requirement depends on flying restrictions viz how low you can go and whether you wish panoramas or specific shots

[andy-xr]

Strap it to the rail and trigger it with a remote release. There you go

Worst case, remember where it fell off and drive there later to collect the memory card

[crmcatee]

you'll need to stabiise it if you're mounting anything to the chopper.

[CVP]

crmcatee said:

you'll need to stabilise it if you're mounting anything to the chopper.

We do appear to have lost direction in advice for the OP here. He's taking a quick tourist flight in what will be very controlled airspace, so will have no ability to either customise the chopper to his requriements and also the route will likely be absolutely standard.

However the quoted advice still rings true with a little twist, try not to lean on the airframe with your shoulder to brace yourself too much as there is a heck of a lot of vibration coming through in a lot of the smaller machines.

Chris

[4hero]

I imagine it'll be a similar flight I went on (a gift for my father in law's 60th, someone had to keep him company ).

Take a few snaps of the copter from outside for future reference (this one used to belong to Jenson Button apparently).



A couple of artistic shot are always good!





Grab a few shots of the local "scenery"



And, of course, take a snap or two of the person who you are treating!



No modifications to the chopper required, and no stabilisation either (not even the lens), just a decent shutter speed is all that is required!

[Zad]

First of all, don't spend all your time looking through the viewfinder. Take time to actually enjoy the experience 'being' there.

It really is easier to photograph with the doors off, and a harness tethering you to a hardpoint (if the pilot allows it and has one for you to use) but it isn't very passenger friendly. It kinda gets a bit draughty.

If it is sunny and bright, you could possibly consider a polarising filter to cut down reflections from the plexiglass window.

[wong]

Thanks for all the replies.

Its only a 10 min. trip, so I think the 18-200 (does everything reasonably, but nothing well) will have to do and not bother swapping lenses.

Slightly higher shutter speed
Before and after pictures.

Thanks

[Famous Graham]

Wear a strap.

Actually, make it two. One around your neck, the other around your torso, under your armpits.

Just in case

(for the camera I mean )

[Fly Boy]

& don't rest your support arm on the window - as it vibrates like f@ck...

[wong]

Just an update.

Trip went well

Further tip - wear dark coloured clothing .
I got a lot of internal reflections from my checked shirt despite using a polariser.