jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Of course, skydiving with her would give you the best results, but you didn't mention that possibility. If there's an instructor of some kind diving with her, maybe they offer a photo service.

Another possibility is having you wife wear a GoPro type of camera - $60 and up.

Using spot focus would help, but this won't be an easy shoot, and there will be no do-overs.

Some ideas -
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=388896
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/38-photographic-technique/102645-skydiving-photography.html

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Not to say, you should not make you own images, but the place where my daughter and I took the leap, provided video—at a cost. Great experience.

Lars Bogart Loc: Camano Isl., Wa., U.S.A.

she will be skydiving harnessed with instructor.
yes they will be videotaping the whole thing and pictures too.
but me as novice picture taker must be taking pictures.
I am practicing taking pictures of birds in flight against bright sky background.
So far some good and others really bad.
thank's again for all your advise.

Roy

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

This is good. Your photos will be the backup. That way she can not blame you for not having a record of this event, if your shots do not turn out.

But do not worry, she will find something else wrong that will be your fault.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

What drop zone is she going to? Make sure it is a member of the USPA (United States Parachute Assn). They set and enforce, to the extent they can, the safety standards and procedures for skydiving in the US. Standards and procedures that are used through out the world. Any drop zone that is not a member has probably been kicked out for safety violations.
A list of member DZ's as well as other useful info can be found here:
www.uspa.org
Your wife will have a great time. I envy her. I was a skydiver for 20 yrs. I can't anymore due to a work related back injury but I sure miss it. Wonderful memories!

Lars Bogart Loc: Camano Isl., Wa., U.S.A.

O.M.G. !!!
You Are Sooo Correct. !!!
" It's All My Fault" !!
Too Funny, And Soo True !!

donald4u Loc: California

I would use Manual plus auto ISO. To stop her in action at least a 1/2000. Adjust your aperture I would say F11. Take some test shots so you can adjust your exposure. I would us matrix and servo. Check out Nikon Focusing by Michael the Maven. Also Steve Perry on Nikon focusing. Make sure you battery is charged and your media card is formated . Most important. Have fun. Please post some of your pictures.

Lars Bogart Loc: Camano Isl., Wa., U.S.A.

Yes, She is going to certified skydiving company.
Snohomish, Wa.

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Most skydiving places take photo's and vidieo of your experience. Yes of course it does come at a price, my son has done this a few times, and the photo's they take are up close and personnel. And you the viewer get to enjoy the moment standing on the ground watching, as they do fall at a rather rapid pace, the possibility is pretty high that you may not keep up. And as for the price it shouldn't matter, the way I see it if you can afford the price of the jump, the little extra for the photo's shouldn't make much of a difference. Enjoy your time watching her jump.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

Pay for the video guy to video the entire thing, it’s well worth it especially if it’s her first time. My guy used music set to an Aerosmith song called Livin on the edge. Cost me $175 but well worth it.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Snohomish is a very well-regarded drop zone. She should have a wonderful time.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I wish her a "Very Happy Hatch Day!"

Assume bright sunlight start with a long zoom lens. If you have a 300mm or 600mm lens that is great. Add to your rig a good tripod and a long zoom lens bracket. A shutter release may cause shake. This is how to minimalize it. The average bracket runs under $50. Try to set your ISO as high as possible. Use manual for best results. Have tour shutter speed 1/1000 or slower. Have your f/stop set at f11 or better. Remember she will be a black silhouetted parachute in a large bright sky. You must correct/compensate for that.
Some key shots will be her suiting up, entering the plane, dropping out of the plane and her parachute deploying. When she is going to land aim and focus the camera approximately where she should land. Let her enter the frame. Photograph her 6 feet off the ground, and decending. When she makes ground zero, try to capture her knees buckling. You really want to capture the parachute opened and the look on her face as she is ready to land.
You could parachute with her and use an inexpensive disposable digital camera. You could also use an inexpensive bridge camera. She could have a helmet mounted inexpensive video camera

Best of all.....have lots of fun and.....

Happy Shooting!

distill Loc: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire UK

I hope she realizes that it is not the fall but the landing that does the damage, you did include the parachute in the birthday gift didn't you!

Lars Bogart Loc: Camano Isl., Wa., U.S.A.

Very professional.
grass landing zone.
visitor , guest viewing area.
watch the professionals pack their chutes.
A well done operation.

Lars Bogart Loc: Camano Isl., Wa., U.S.A.

Parachute cost was extra.
Still thinking about adding it.
Hmmm, well ok, will add it. !!
Should it be added before or after the jump ??
Better increase my shutter speed to accommodate the "Free Fall" speed !!