As I’m nearing the end of 365 project, you try a lot of things that get the creative juices flowing. Off-camera flash, papercraft props, and the like; but never have I been more interested in something (other than self-portraits) than levitating shots. That feeling where you feel temporarily weightless for a split-second captured in a photograph is very rewarding; especially when everything is timed right and framed perfectly. This started back in late August and since then, as of the 14th November, one photo wasn’t a levitation photo (Remembrance Day). Imagine something as simple as opening a door, you can add a little bit of interesting by floating to open that door. The possibilities are endless!
A little background history of where I got my inspiration from. Natsumi from Yowayowa camera has some incredible and awe-inspiring photos using levitation. Some photos are very simple, where others have a high level of difficulty and composition (examples: #1, #2). The higher difficulty for some shots means her friend is with her near the camera (if she is from a far distance, and at the risk of the camera getting stolen).
What amazes me the most is how composed she is when levitating; how her face doesn’t seem she’d be exerting a lot of energy to levitate– almost natural. I noticed in some of my photos that isn’t the case as you do see the exerting face.
Now to those who would like to try this for yourself this is the minimum gear I need to take a levitation shot:
Camera: Nikon D3
Lenses: AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4, AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8
Tripod: Velbon Sherpa 550R with Manfrotto Ballhead
Shutter speeds: Ranging from 1/250 (with flash), 1/400 and faster (the faster the better)
Of course if you don’t own an SLR, a point and shoot will suffice, provided you have ample light– worse case scenario, use flash.
Depending on how the photo is framed I’ll either go with the built-in intervalometer which will fire an x amount of photos after it has autofocused. I also use the self-timer (2, 5, or 10s)– only difference is you have to get the focus first before taking the shot; I use the self-timer more when I’m using the 14-24mm lense. For both situations, it will require running to your designated spot, composing yourself and hopefully counted down properly– I stress that the most, because the levitation comes down to that split second; otherwise you’ll either just got off the ground or just about to land. That part alone will get you to jump over and over– I hope you have the stamina for that. You will get the hang of knowing when the shutter will fire.
Here’s the collective of my levitation shots thus far: Float on – Levitation
I don’t know if I’ll continue to levitate from now (nearing 300 days) to the end of the 365Project, though time will tell.
I hope then, this helps in getting you guys to go out and levitate! ^_^
