Air to Air Photo Shoot for Blackcomb Aviation in Vancouver

Posted on May 25, 2012 in Aerial Photography, BLOG, Photo Updates | 3 Comments

I have worked with the good folks at Blackcomb Aviation occasionally over the past 20 years while living in the Whistler, BC area.  Usually it has been me, or one of my clients hiring a helicopter to do an aerial shoot of something on the ground, a house, a hotel, scenic photos, or even once a group photo.  Fortunately this time, it was Blackcomb Aviation that was hiring me, which added and exciting new dimension to the shoot.  I got to direct 2 helicopters at the same time to shoot some Air to Air promotional shots for their new contract providing tours for Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC.  Here are some of the results.

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Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.  Mountains, ocean, beaches and glass towers co-exist in gorgeous harmony.  All of the views that we photographed on this shoot are parts of the Grouse Mountain Helicopter Tours packages.  If you are in Vancouver and are looking for an amazing and exhilarating experience,  head to the top of Grouse Mountain, and go for a once in a lifetime scenic mountain flight in one of Blackcomb Aviation’s kick ass helicopters.

3 Comments

  1. Younes Bounhar
    May 25, 2012

    Terrific images. This looks like an awesome tour, which I may well consider when I am in BC in September!
    I also would have a question if you don’t mind: when shooting from a heli, do you use any special equipment (gyro) or do you just hang out from the door and shoot away? Thanks

    Reply
  2. Andrew Doran
    May 25, 2012

    Hi Younes,

    The flights are definitely worth it, the scenery around Vancouver is breathtaking, I’m lucky to be able to live here.

    For this shoot I did use a gyro (Kenyon KS-6). But I was expecting varying light conditions in the evening. On a sunny day you can just lean out and shoot. (It’s better with the doors off, but most heli’s have a window that will work if you’re a bit of a contortionist). Set you gear up to shoot at a minimum of 1/1000 sec, and don’t try to rest it on any parts of the helicopter for support. Your arms and a fast shutter speed are a pretty good stabilizer if a gyro is not available.

    Reply

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