On location commercial video shoot with Chris McLennan and Heli Glenorchy / Heliworks Queenstown

With international travel and photo expeditions on hold - it has allowed me the opportunity to create breathtaking content in my own “big backyard”. Recently I worked with the amazing team from Heli Glenorchy and Heliworks Queenstown to create a new video which was showcased last week to the travel industry. They have received fantastic feedback and interest in their products from this project.

Here is a look behind the scenes during my recent commercial video/photoshoot for Heli Glenorchy and Heliworks Queenstown.

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We started off with a series of air-to-air shots. I was harnessed into one helicopter and shot with the doors off. To shoot these segments I used the new Nikon Z 7II camera with NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.

I mounted my camera on the new Manfrotto 460 Gimbal which I suspended from the roof of the helicopter. This provided me with incredibly steady footage and was a breeze to use.

Having constant radio contact with both pilots and combined with their extensive experience enabled me to get great angles safely and efficiently.

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To pull in details of the incredible landscapes I used long lenses with the Nikon Z 7II. I was able to track the helicopter with ease as it buzzed me at speed. The autofocus tracking and host of video features in the new Nikon Z 7II were invaluable in this project.

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All of my gear was carried in the Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 550 AW II. I worked with Lowepro bags extensively with the re-design process of this camera bag. Making of the Lowepro Pro Trekker

I also used my DJI Mavic Pro 2 to shoot air to air. Again with constant radio communication and careful planning, I was able to capture beautiful video footage.

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For this shoot I used the following gear:

  • Nikon Z 7II

  • NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

  • NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8

  • NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8

  • Lowepro Pro Trekker 550 AW II

  • Manfrotto 460 - 3 Axis Gimbal (for extremely stable air to air and on ground host footage)

  • Manfrotto Gimboom

  • Manfrotto Tripod - MG057C4

  • Gitzo tripod and 2-way fluid head - GT5543XLS Series 5 Systematic XL

  • Lexar CFexpress, SD and Micro SD cards (all 128 GB) - I have always used Lexar memory cards in all of my cameras and devices. I love their high performance and incredible reliability.

  • DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone & Smart Controller

  • Syrp Magic Carpet Slider

  • RODE Stereo VideoMic - For epic helicopter sound

  • RODELink Filmaker Kit

  • SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box

  • Rab jacket to keep me warm and comfy

  • B Nana