Paraglider gives National Geographic photographer quite a view
PORTLAND, Ore. - Sometimes you have to go to new heights to see the world in a completely different way and that's exactly what a famed National Geographic photographer did.
George Steinmetz has been photographing the remote corners of the world for 25 years and is one of National Geographic's top expedition photographers.
To capture some of his images, Steinmetz created and learned to fly an experimental aircraft consisting of a backpack motor and parachute-style wing. The unique motorized paraglider allowed him to fly low enough to the ground to document rarely seen places.
The result is a series of photographs with a unique view of the world we live in and the work will soon be on display here in Portland. Desert Air: Photographs by George Steinmetz opens at OMSI this Saturday.
"Not only are Steinmetz' images breathtaking, they showcase what's possible when you combine creativity with sheer innovation and engineering," said Mark Patel with OMSI. "It's those amazing applications of science that we love to showcase."
I want one!!! Unlike my quad copter drone they can't outlaw me from doing photos in one of those...yet anyway but likely will be coming to a bone head legislator near you soon.
@FreedomRocks They're awesome. I looked into buying one and read all of the accident reports. Mostly people flying into stuff, like barns, trees, wires. Haven't flown one. Another alternative are the Light Sport guys out in Sandy. Really fun people.
I flew a Nat. Geo reporter in front of Mt. Hood for about three hours in a Cessna a couple of years ago. He paid me to just orbit until the light was right, and then make racetrack patters on the north side while he shot out the open window. Freakin' cold, but, wow. The landscape of the Pacific Northwest is magnificent.
@Playanekes @FreedomRocks Thanks I may look into that. I have my private license but have not flown since my second child was born 16 years ago. I stopped due to lack of time and realizing I was not flying enough to stay safe.
@FreedomRocks They have tried, but the FAA was already in control. Remember the heavyweight boxing match in Vegas (I think) in the 80's when the guy tried to fly one into the ring, then proceeded to get the crap beat out of him by boxing fans?
@FreedomRocks Correction, November 6, 1993 boxing match between Ridic Bowe and Evander Holyfield at Ceasar's Palace.