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Three's Company by Jerry Biddlecom
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Three's Company by Jerry Biddlecom



behind the lens badge
cameraNIKON D750

settings Aperture f/5.6 ISO 200 Shutter 1/1600 Focal Length 1100/10 

upload_dateMar, 2016

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Kingj krystalcain richardreyna Spykatcha Aai143 camillatulley 2214_4482 +23
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6 Comments |
lynncawood
 
lynncawood April 23, 2016
This shot actually makes me feel dizzy! Love it.
ivantrotman Platinum
 
ivantrotman April 25, 2016
A fantastic shot!
JDLifeshots
 
JDLifeshots June 14, 2016
Great capture! Congrats.
ladysnaps
 
ladysnaps June 14, 2016
As much as I'm scared of heights, I love this shot. Well done!
barrywilton
 
barrywilton June 30, 2016
brings back memories!! nice shot! Where were you jumping?
vbdebbieblue59385641 Platinum
 
vbdebbieblue59385641 April 30, 2021
awsome capture 👌

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Behind The Lens

Location

This picture was taken last October during the annual Bridge Day event in West Virginia. For one day each year U S 19 over the New River Gorge is closed off to traffic and jumpers from all over the world are invited to participate. The bridge is almost 900 feet above the river below and if you get there early enough you can position yourself in such a way that you can capture the jumpers just after leaving the jump platform.

Time

The event lasts from about 9:00 am to 3:30 in the afternoon, so there are opportunities for shots all day. This shot was taken about 10 in the morning.

Lighting

To keep the sun behind you, I advise that you start out on the left side of the bridge and then make your way over to the right side.

Equipment

A tripod (or monopod) is useless in this situation because you have to squeeze up to the bridge guard rail and lean out over to track the jumpers. If you are at all afraid of heights this is not for you! I used a Nikon D750 along with my 70 - 300 mm telephoto Nikon lens. Flash is generally ineffective because of the relatively far distance from you to the jumpers. I shoot raw and try for a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second.

Inspiration

I first heard of Bridge Day years ago and always wanted to check it out. I travelled up from Miami about 4 years ago not knowing what to expect in terms of photo opportunities, but it was better than I had anticipated.

Editing

I rely on both Photoshop Elements and Photoshop CS5. Because I want as sharp a picture of the jumpers as possible, my high shutter speed generally freezes the background as well, so I select out the subjects and use motion blur to give a sense of free fall. Yes you could try panning with a much slower shutter speed, but the physical restrictions make it almost impossible to do it well, at least with my skill level. And believe me, this can be very difficult shooting indeed!

In my camera bag

Two bodies: the Nikon D750 and the Nikon D7000. I have three lenses: the 70 - 300 telephoto, an 18 - 70 mm, and a 50 mm prime f1/4 lens (all Nikons). I almost always carry a flash (just in case) and a polarizer filter for each lens (when needed). Also, two types of remote shutter releases, a lens cleaning kit, a small flashlight, and spare batteries.

Feedback

If you're fairly proficient at bird tracking or sports photography (for instance, auto racing) then you'll be ahead of the game. The big difference here is that you are following movement going down and away from you as opposed to above and perpendicular to you. If you want to photograph Bridge Day, I can't emphasize enough: get there early! If possible, be among the first two or three to be allowed out on to the bridge. Security is very tight.

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