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Kauai Helicopter Photo Experience - Couple questions to adequately prepare!

Started 5 months ago | Questions thread
Wildlife Guy
Wildlife Guy Senior Member • Posts: 1,956
Re: Kauai Helicopter Photo Experience - Couple questions to adequately prepare!
1

I have done multiple "doors off" helicopter flights in both Africa and Hawaii.  Totally agree with the advice above, but will summarize my experience.

  • Lens - 24-105mm on a full frame for Hawaii (I have used 24-105, 70-200 & 100-500 in Africa). 
  • Filter- Buy a screw on polarizer filter, good chance you will loose the magnetic in the downdraft.  If you have to shoot through plexiglass, you may want to remove the filter to avoid banding.  It is helpful for glare.  
  • Shutter Speed - 1/250th or 1/500th.  If the pilot is moving pretty quick, you may want to pump it even higher.  Shooting at f8 is not a bad idea since you won't be going for shallow depth of field on most subjects from a helicopter.  
  • Lens Changes - AVOID, you probably won't have time anyway.  Plus, if you drop a lens it is gone.  In the event it survives, someone else will enjoy.
  • Batteries and Cards - Put fresh charged batteries and empty memory card in BEFORE the flight.     
  • Two Camera bodies - Don't recommend if it is your first time shooting from a helicopter.  
  • Don't lean too far out the door, not necessarily safe and the downdraft will knock the camera/lens around and cause a lot of shake.  
  • Ask the pilot what you will see before the flight and their advice on what is worth photographing.
  • Look for abstract in nature - structures, lines, patterns, etc .  
  • Plan for it to be colder at altitude than on the ground.  
  • Don't forget to enjoy the experience, scenery, and the ride.

I love flying even if I don't have a camera in my hand.

 Wildlife Guy's gear list:Wildlife Guy's gear list
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Canon RF 24-105mm F4.0-7.1 IS STM Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM +4 more
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