A groundbreaking project brought together Red Bull Air Force's elite wingsuit skydivers and acclaimed photographer Michael Clark to achieve a photographic first: capturing the exhilarating descent of skydivers against the breathtaking backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. This remarkable endeavor, meticulously planned over several years, demanded innovative solutions to extreme environmental and technical obstacles, culminating in a series of extraordinary images that push the boundaries of action sports photography.
Details of the Extraordinary Aerial Feat
The visionary concept for this daring photographic expedition originated approximately four years ago with Jeff Provenzano, a distinguished member of the Red Bull Air Force team. He envisioned completing his aerial tour of U.S. states with an unforgettable skydive over Alaska, illuminated by the elusive Northern Lights. To bring this audacious dream to life, Provenzano enlisted the expertise of Michael Clark, a photographer with over three decades of experience, known for his unique blend of artistic flair and technical precision rooted in a physics background. Clark, who harbored a childhood aspiration of becoming an astronaut, applied his analytical prowess to devise a feasible plan for documenting this complex nocturnal jump. Further bolstering the team, Jon DeVore, captain of the Red Bull Air Force and an Alaskan native, provided crucial logistical support for the skydiving operation. The team's journey was fraught with challenges, including capricious weather patterns, strong winds, and the unpredictable nature of the aurora itself, leading to numerous postponements. Despite these setbacks and the gruelling conditions, including temperatures plummeting to -21°F at jump altitude and wind chills exceeding -100°F at terminal velocity, their unwavering dedication persisted. To freeze the rapid motion of skydivers moving at approximately 120 mph while simultaneously capturing the long-exposure effects of the aurora, an innovative photographic approach was essential. Mike Brewer, flying alongside the skydivers, utilized a Nikon Z6 equipped with a Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 lens and a helmet-mounted SB-400 speedlight. This setup allowed for a quick flash to capture the skydivers' sharp movements, complemented by longer exposures for the aurora. On the ground, Clark and fellow photographer Kien Quan employed a Nikon Z8 with battery-powered strobes, meticulously timing flashes with 1.3-second exposures to create dynamic motion blur while illuminating the athletes upon landing. The red LED lights integrated into the wingsuits, initially thought to be a practical necessity for safety and visibility, unexpectedly transformed the visuals, making the skydivers appear as if they were "flying on fire" beneath the ethereal glow. This unexpected aesthetic triumph, discovered only through the captured images, surpassed all initial expectations. The collective effort, characterized by mutual learning and adaptation, culminated in one singular, perfect skydive where all elements—the vibrant aurora, the illuminated wingsuits, and the expertly managed motion blur—converged to create a truly magical and unprecedented photographic series.
This remarkable collaboration between extreme athletes and a visionary photographer exemplifies the power of innovation and teamwork in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. It not only delivers visually stunning imagery but also inspires us to push the boundaries of what is considered possible in both sports and artistic expression. The project highlights how a blend of scientific understanding, creative problem-solving, and sheer perseverance can transform ambitious dreams into tangible, awe-inspiring realities. It reminds us that some of the most extraordinary achievements emerge from collaborative efforts, where diverse skills and perspectives unite to create something truly unique and impactful.