Pics from a Chopper

[S.Horton]

In addition to pics of his new uber-home, my boss wants to take me up in his chopper to get night cityscapes.

Sounds great, but before I say I will do that:
1. Will the vibration damage the body or the lens?
2. Will IS help with that much vibration?
3. There's a red handle for emergency fuel cutoff, center console --
Should I fake a twist/push and snap the reaction in an attempt
to get a money shot? :lol:

(To #3: He doesn't want to pay for the photos.....)

[PhotosGuy]

Shooting landscapes from a heli - what would you bring?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=208602
aerial photography - how to shoot?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=240871

[Mark_Cohran]

I shot from a chopper in Hawaii. It was actually a piece of cake. You don't' have to worry about vibration damaging your body or lens. There wasn't so much vibration that I felt I needed IS. As to the rest - your call.

Mark

[Phil Light]

Unless you're already good at it, I would start by practicing night tripod mounted shots first to see what kind of exposures will be required before introducing all of the vibration. I've tried shooting a city at night from a helicopter (before I had a digital SLR) with crappy results. Even day shots from a helicopter are a challenge. Plan on as fast a shutter speed as you can get away with. Also, before you go up find out if you will be able to open or remove part of a window. The crappy, curved plexiglass they have in those things is not exactly "L" quality.

[Dchemist]

You might try dusk or dawn so you have some light to work with... Dennis

[rabidcow]

http://www.naturescapes.net/062004/ej0604.htm

this might help

[Raphael Emond]

For the paid photoshoot, Chooper are expensive to run. Enjoy the ride and offer the picture for free.

Each year, I'm offered a 15min ride on a 1200$/hour helicopter for 3 pics.
I think it's worth the ride.

But it's really easy to do shots from a chopper. Vibration is not a concern for day shot.
But I don't think you will be able to do night shots. If it's not windy and have a good pilot and a IS lens, maybe!

[bsmotril]

Key to getting good shots from a chopper or aircraft is to NOT brace or lean against the body or frame of the aircraft. Try to keep your behind anchored to the seat, which will isolate you from most of the vibration. Resting elbows on window sils or against the glass will pick up more vibration. Try to use higher shutter speed than you normally wood by increasing ISO. And use a good quality haze filter.

[S.Horton]

Excellent!

U guys rock. Great forum!

I was planning to 'shoot day for night' by getting up there around dusk; night shots I can do but the setup (for me) takes a while and I agree that attempting something in total darkness would be a bad idea.

Didn't think about the b*rf bag; he's got 'em, I'll have one.

I'll post what I can get.

[S.Horton]

http://www.naturescapes.net/062004/ej0604.htm

this might help

Help, nothin' - Perfect!!!! Thank you!! :eek: