How do I do that?

[mxelre]

Ok so I'm new to photgraphy and I've been wandering around on flickr. I was looking at some pictures and I keep seeing those pictures of people jumping in mid air. So I asked myself how the hell did they do that? Well I thought they were probably two, one taking the pictures and the other one jumping. But then I thought what if he's alone? Ok he's probably using a remote or something...But then again, does the camera really have time to focus and take a picture? Anyways I just wanted to know how they did those!

Thanks!

 

[telf22]

auto focus on the more advanced cameras is really quick and accurate, this with the combination of a self-timer and timing your jump works really well. also, if you have a fast fps, you can set a custom timer with for example 8fps continously and choose the perfect one.

 

[mxelre]

I only have a D40....so yeah 2.5 fps MAX and no auto-focus I guess?

 

[telf22]

I only have a D40....so yeah 2.5 fps MAX and no auto-focus I guess?

oh ok sry i guess you will just have to time your jump perfectly with the shutter continously going off (put something heavy enough onto the shutter so u can do the shot yourself)

 

[termina3]

it's much, much (much much) easier to have someone else pull the shutter.

if you're determined to do this solo…

1. set the camera up on a tripod (or table, w/e)
2. prefocus to where you'll be jumping (focus should be on full manual; perhaps putting an object where you'll be jumping would make this easier)
3. set the timer for ~10 seconds (or however long it will take you to get to your jump-off spot)
4. push the shutter and start counting the seconds. jump just before you get to 10

other notes: make sure the speed is fast (min 1/250). The smaller your aperture the greater the DoF, which will make your job of focusing easier.

final note: get someone else to do it, this could take forever without a remote trigger (which I assume you don't have)

 

[mxelre]

Ok thank You very much for the information guys!

 

[jake-g]

...put something heavy enough onto the shutter so u can do the shot yourself...

Whatever you do, don't do that. That is the worst advice I have ever heard, and can only hope it's a joke.

 

[termina3]

Have I mentioned yet this would be much easier with 2 people?