Oct 13, 2018

  I’ve never been in a helicopter before and the anticipation and excitement had my adrenaline racing through my body.  After a 5-hour drive from New Hampshire, I finally pulled into the lot.  I had to gather my camera gear and decide which lenses to take with me.  I decided on trying out the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which I was told would be perfect for action in the air.  Later, I would quickly change to my regular lens, 28mm-135mm since I was a bit freaked out that I would be missing all the scenery.

The adorable, millennial pilot, Josh, asked if I wanted him to remove the doors, since it would be easier to shoot.  It was cold outside, but that made no difference to me.  I was all in.  He made sure the seatbelt fit tightly since I was afraid that I would fall out once I got comfortable.

Before I knew it, the helicopter slowly lifted off the ground, just like I see in movies.  As we took off, Josh flew a bit sideways and I loved it.  I had no fear whatsoever.  The loud sound of take-off would eventually be drowned out by my fascination and excitement of flying high over Bar Harbor.  I felt a sense of being free for the first time in a long time and was overcome with the feelings of peace and serenity.  I had no fear, whatsoever.  

I did spend a little too much time trying to get the correct exposure, but I didn’t miss a beat.  As it turned out, my exposure settings were perfect.   We flew over colored cauliflower and the blue waters of Bar Harbor, Maine

The sail boats were spread out in what seemed like a perfect and well thought out pattern.  It was as if the they staked their claim to that one section of water.  It was the most magical moment I have ever experienced.

I’d take turns looking through my camera lens and then push it away from my eyes, to make sure what I was photographing was exactly what I was shooting.  It just seemed surreal.

It was over way too fast. Josh said it was 17 minutes but to me, it felt like 5.   When it was over I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to see what photographs I shot. See for yourself and tell me what you think.

I can’t wait to do it again, but next time, I’m going to hang out the side of the helicopter a bit more.