I get asked pretty regularly how I do my pictures. I wrote a blog about my initial levitation excursions here, but I figured I could give an easier point-by-point for people who want to give it a try.
First of all, you don't need an ultra fancy camera. Here is what I use for 100% of my levitation shots:
First of all, you don't need an ultra fancy camera. Here is what I use for 100% of my levitation shots:
It's a little nicked up because I'm clumsy.
Your pictures will indubitably come out better if you have a nicer camera though (duh) and if you have a good understanding of what makes a good photo (which I don't...so you have a leg up on me).
When I'm taking the picture by myself (which is 90% of the time), I set up my camera on a nearby ledge or my "tripod":
When I'm taking the picture by myself (which is 90% of the time), I set up my camera on a nearby ledge or my "tripod":
Someone abandoned this stool on the sidewalk...I rescued it and now I use it as my tripod. :)
I put my camera on self-timer (10 seconds is usually the max amount, and it gives you a good amount of time to run to place or to ready yourself) and then jump in air to get the right levitation shot.
Levitation shots are the same principle as jump shots. But it's a rhombus/square idea. All levitation pictures are jump shots, but not all jump shots qualify as levitation shots. The difference is the positioning of your body. If you want it to look like you're floating, you have to look relaxed. Here are a couple tips to help:
1). Set your camera to a fast shutter speed or high iso -- it's all the same technique as getting a good action shot.
2). Having a lot of light helps the picture from coming out blurry. If you don't have enough sun, try a flash (although it can create a washed-out effect, sometimes that's cool too).
3). Most of the battle in looking relaxed is in the arm positioning. If your arms are stiff, it looks like you're just jumping. Relaxed arms help.
4). Another thing that helps you look natural is the angle of your body. Even having a slight angle forward can make you look as if you have a destination.
And here are a few hints from personal experience in the last few months of taking levitation pictures:
1). I use a double jump to get more height. It can be hard to get a good jump when you're going straight up, so I do a prep hop to help me spring into a higher jump for the actual levitation shot. If you're having a friend take the picture (which often can make the whole endeavor less embarrassing if you're taking the picture in public), this can make the timing coordination easier for them as well.
2). If you're taking pictures in a public arena, try to avoid shops that sell delicate items. Shopkeepers tend to get antsy about you jumping around and flashing photos (for good reason).
3). For girls with long hair -- this is another added factor. When you're first starting, I'd advise tying it up until you can get some good consistent levitation shots. In order to avoid the whole "hair blowing everywhere" effect that jumping often induces, you should get the camera to go off while you're in the upward trajectory of your jump. The double jump method that I use helps give your hair a little bit of volume (if you want) so it's not completely flat in the pictures.
4). Shoes make a difference. I love how heels look in the pictures, but my Vans get the best height and produce the most consistently good levitation photos. It's almost impossible to take a good photo in flip-flops because your feet automatically scrunch to keep them on (and look very stiff). Basically, any shoes you'd be uncomfortable going on a rollercoaster in are a bad idea. Every one less factor you have to think of while taking levitation photos makes it that much better.
Levitation shots are the same principle as jump shots. But it's a rhombus/square idea. All levitation pictures are jump shots, but not all jump shots qualify as levitation shots. The difference is the positioning of your body. If you want it to look like you're floating, you have to look relaxed. Here are a couple tips to help:
1). Set your camera to a fast shutter speed or high iso -- it's all the same technique as getting a good action shot.
2). Having a lot of light helps the picture from coming out blurry. If you don't have enough sun, try a flash (although it can create a washed-out effect, sometimes that's cool too).
3). Most of the battle in looking relaxed is in the arm positioning. If your arms are stiff, it looks like you're just jumping. Relaxed arms help.
4). Another thing that helps you look natural is the angle of your body. Even having a slight angle forward can make you look as if you have a destination.
And here are a few hints from personal experience in the last few months of taking levitation pictures:
1). I use a double jump to get more height. It can be hard to get a good jump when you're going straight up, so I do a prep hop to help me spring into a higher jump for the actual levitation shot. If you're having a friend take the picture (which often can make the whole endeavor less embarrassing if you're taking the picture in public), this can make the timing coordination easier for them as well.
2). If you're taking pictures in a public arena, try to avoid shops that sell delicate items. Shopkeepers tend to get antsy about you jumping around and flashing photos (for good reason).
3). For girls with long hair -- this is another added factor. When you're first starting, I'd advise tying it up until you can get some good consistent levitation shots. In order to avoid the whole "hair blowing everywhere" effect that jumping often induces, you should get the camera to go off while you're in the upward trajectory of your jump. The double jump method that I use helps give your hair a little bit of volume (if you want) so it's not completely flat in the pictures.
4). Shoes make a difference. I love how heels look in the pictures, but my Vans get the best height and produce the most consistently good levitation photos. It's almost impossible to take a good photo in flip-flops because your feet automatically scrunch to keep them on (and look very stiff). Basically, any shoes you'd be uncomfortable going on a rollercoaster in are a bad idea. Every one less factor you have to think of while taking levitation photos makes it that much better.
5). Ladies, if you are wearing skirts or dresses...please wear tights or bike shorts underneath. You may not care, but other people might.
And finally:
I don't photoshop my images, although supposedly you can create better pictures with less effort. Too bad I don't have any Photoshop Skills. But I kind of like the challenge of not altering my images. However, I know there are tons of tutorials on youtube and online on how to get the levitation effect using photoshop. I've also been told of an app called "levitagram" (check it out here) that helps you achieve levitation pictures on instagram. I've only described this method on my blog, because it's the way I do it and I know it best. But there are tons of other ways to create this effect.
And finally PS:
Have fun! Getting a good levitation photo involves a lot of experimentation and some trial and error...but the journey should (hopefully) be enjoyable. And let me know if you want any more tips or have pictures to share with me.