How to Light a Helicopter

Need suggestions on lighting a helicopter. Looked at what Joe McNally did when he lit a firetruck in NY. I'm looking to light up the inside of the helicopter. Thinking of using multiple 580 EXs and EXIIs.

Thanks in advance. Just looking at a few ideas.

- Kev

What exactly do you have available for lighting?

Only thing that comes to mind right away is that you'll definitely need radio triggers. In small spaces when you need light from back of the camera and when you want to hide light sources infrared just does not work.

mmm ok.

<Subscribing Out of Curiosity...>

I usually try to follow the lighting patterns used from design. In the case of a chopper, depending on the model, I would try to use a hi-power light source directly behind the bubble (Say an old Hiller, of the low model Bells) pointing almost upwards, as centered on the console as possible. Easier to get away with this, if instead I have a divided windshield to work with.

In the case of the Bell 200 type aircraft, where the head and foot window panes are located, the most natural lighting is obtained by putting light sources relatively close to those areas.

Cables should not be a huge issue if the setup is well coordinated, and with a safety person handy you can route the cables towards common areas of the ship that are not visible from the camera POV and down to the ground via skids.

There ya have it, for whatever's worth.

It really depends on what effect you are trying to achieve.

Taking out seats and unnecessary equipment, and not filling the tanks will lighten a helicopter.

Check this:
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …t-night-chopper-pt-1.html

and this:
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …t-night-chopper-pt-2.html

I knew I had read about this somewhere before so I googled strobist and helicopter and I found the article. It was interesting to read, anyway hope that helps.

Thanks Microcosm.

OK there are a few safety items first,

Is the A/C going to be operational during the shoot? If so we a have a few items to consider. If the A/C is stationary and without power, then all is cool. But the minute you fire up the radios and nav gear you chance damaging it with any radio interferance from the cameras systems. Both IR, as well as radio can have a negative effect and so you must be very careful. My first stop would be to talk with the A/P mech that services this specific A/C and make sure that there are no issues.

Second is make sure that if the A/C is to me moved or operated in any way that you plan your shoot and put it on paper and openly discuss everything with both the owner and pilot. Communication errors can cause serious injury and death or destruction and damage to property when no plan is in place and not everyone is on the same page.

I saw video of a pilot that was inspecting an A/C prior to purchase. He got to the strip and jumped in the A/C only to learn the hard way that the engine did not have oil in it yet....