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airborne petawawa blog

Skydive Videos: The Art of Camera Flying

Do you ever wonder how skydivers manage to get the most incredible footage of themselves soaring through the sky? If you’ve ever attempted a selfie, you know this kind of photography ain’t easy. The secret to their success? An outside videographer! Commonly known as a camera flyer.

Got questions? Luckily for you, I have answers. Photography and videography is how we share our sport with the world... and convince them to take the leap!

Equipment: Ideally, your videographer will have TWO separate devices on their helmet; a GoPro for video AND a Sony/Canon for capturing high definition photos (also called stills). Combined, these two devices allow for the ultimate thrill to be captured in the most efficient way. 

Camera Jacket: Yes! Your videographer wears wings to fly with you! They wear a camera jacket to reduce their fall rate (slow down). This allows your camera flyer to get in close (high five distance) and get the shot.

 

 

- Check out Joe Miller aka Joe Mama featured left performing a Rear Float Exit, photo by Steve Barker

 

How does it work?

Long story short, you leave the aircraft as a team! You enjoy the freefall together, and then when your parachute deploys, the camera flyer sticks around to film your opening. After they get the epic shot of your deployment, they turn, track (fly) away, and deploy their own parachute.

Umm... Landing shot?

Your parachute deployed before your camera flyer’s did... so how are they ALREADY at the landing area to film your landing? I’ll let you in on a little secret: Their parachute is half the size of your tandem parachute!

 

High speed, low drag baby.