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.

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.

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.

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.

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