{"id":42015,"date":"2022-05-30T14:47:43","date_gmt":"2022-05-30T14:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=42015"},"modified":"2023-07-17T08:51:28","modified_gmt":"2023-07-17T08:51:28","slug":"so-you-wannabe-a-cameraflyer-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/so-you-wannabe-a-cameraflyer-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"So You Wannabe a Cameraflyer \u2013 Part One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The latest episode in our \u2018Working in the Sport\u2019 series, Simon Brentford, world medallist with NFTO, talks about how to become a camera flyer.<\/strong>..<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Learning the correct distance from a bigway takes experience, there is no shortcut
Photo: Author Simon Brentford filming a big-way camp at Skydive Hibaldstow by Alex Potter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s lots of great reasons why I love being a camera flyer, but one of my favourites is that there are always lots of teams and events to shoot. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Skydivers always appreciate a well-filmed jump showing them how cool they are! Camera flying expands your windows of friends, dropzones, teammates and glorious experiences.<\/strong>
 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skydivers always appreciate a well-filmed jump showing them how cool they are!<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This article shows you how to get into camera flying with as little as 200 jumps and a small budget. We\u2019ll start with part one, which concerns itself with which type of skydiving you want to pursue and those first intrepid steps into a new discipline. Part two will talk about how to specialise and come up with strategies for advancing your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Put a bunch of camera jumps in and you could make money videoing tandems
Photo by Martin Skrbel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Which type of camera flying do you want to do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the first question that needs to be asked and helps to define how you should structure your training. For most people, I suspect it will be along the lines of \u201cI want to try everything\u201d, or, \u201cI\u2019m not sure what I want to do yet\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For others, it will be becoming a tandem camera flyer like Debi Debs, an up and coming UK camera flyer :<\/p>\n\n\n\n


I got a camera on my head on jump 201, but started filming tandems around 350ish late last year. It\u2019s what I always wanted to do since jump number 1. It was a tandem jump and seeing the camera guy filming my tandem climb out like a superhero. I just thought he had the best job ever!
<\/em><\/p>Debi Debs<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For others, it\u2019s about jumping with your friends, be that formation skydiving or freefly. And then there are those who want to skydive as much as they can for as little outlay as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, there are those that have a competitive streak running through them and flying camera on a team that trains is really their thing \u2013 much as I hate pigeonholing, I am probably matched here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Simon filming NFTO, by Martin Skrbel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Your first 20 Camera Jumps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve decided to get into cameraflying, or at least give it a go, here\u2019s some top tips I thoroughly recommend for your first 20 jumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep it Safe<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First things first, let\u2019s make it safe. Don\u2019t just plonk a GoPro with a standard clip on the top of your lid. Go for low-snag mount. Also remember when you are camera flying, keep your head down on deployment. Make sure, you\u2019re also wearing an audible and don\u2019t lose altitude awareness. It\u2019s ok to do your normal alti checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get someone to check your camera setup before your first jump. This is especially true if you jump at a dropzone or country where you can put a camera on with less than 200 jumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Keep your head down on deployment to reduce snag hazards
Photo: Author Simon Brentford by Joe Mann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Practice<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before your first camera jump, put your helmet on to film a few test clips looking at something nearby on the ground. This will help you dial in where to point your head. Review your footage a few times to see how you\u2019re doing. Practice switching your camera on whilst it\u2019s on your head and whilst wearing gloves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mind The Step!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The camera step can be a daunting place if you\u2019re not used to it. It\u2019s easy to get a team in the face and if you\u2019re unlucky (and I\u2019ve seen it a few times), you might even fall off. So do some practicing on the ground. Expect the camera step not to be visible from the float rail and likewise expect to be pushed backwards. You can pin yourself to the side of the fuselage to reduce your drag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mind The Step!
Photo: Simon exits from the step with perfect timing
Photo by Glen Lowerson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

First Jump \u2013 Keep it Simple<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To start with, I would recommend a simple follow out with a couple of friends. Set your audible higher, so you can track off a bit earlier. Wear your normal jumpsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware of Target Fixation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Returning back to the subject of safety, avoiding target fixation must also be one of your priorities for those early jumps. It\u2019s easy to get far away from the group and then overamp your track back to them. Taking out your buddies halfway through the jump is not going to help anyone, not least your own confidence. Discovering the correct distance takes many jumps! Take your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, enjoy those first few jumps. Yes, the footage probably won\u2019t be great, but you\u2019ll learn quickly. Expect to be a bit nervous, but enjoy your new-found bragging rights as you post it all over social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"

Photo: Simon filming NFTO, by Joe Mann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Camera and Helmet Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Knowing how to setup your camera can take some time to hone in. But these tips will definitely help in your configuration settings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n