Chasing trains!
One of the image styles I’m testing is to use the motion of the helicopter and a slow shutter speed to make the ground look like its zooming past the viewer. Tough effect to achieve! We need a flat space of 1 to 2 miles without any obstructions for safety. The best effect is also during early morning or late afternoon when its easier to achieve a slower shutter speed due to diminishing light. I’m using a gyro-stabilizer attached to the Hasselblad to help keep the camera movement to a minimum.
On this shot, we found a train headed west outside of Flagstaff, Arizona in a wide open area. The train was rocking along about 70mph. The pilot matched his speed to that of the train at 20-30ft off the ground while I leaned out the window to shoot.
Pretty cool effect!
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We need to do a comp of Ron running along side of the train!
That’s really interesting. I wonder what that would look like on video?
Ron:
That has to be one of the coolest effects I have seen. I am just learning about using motion blur, I think it is a very interesting part of photography.
As a rank amateur, I have to say thanks for your great blog, it has been so informative, entertaining, and helpful. I plan to start shooting stock soon, thanks to great people and photographers like you, that provide such priceless tips, tricks, and other information. Thanks!