Make your camera levitate in three shots!

(Image credit: Ryan Fredericks/DeathByVlog)

The floating camera trick is a fun technique to play around with, and although there are different ways to achieve the effect, we like Ryan Fredericks’ very simple approach. For his levitating camera shot, Ryan simply dropped the camera and captured the results of it in midair using a fast shutter speed. 

"Every now and then I will see a commercial photo in a piece of advertising that looks as though a product is suspended in mid-air, and I thought it would be a great concept to put my own spin on," Ryan tells us.

"There are so many creative images out there, whether they're in a magazine or on an Instagram feed, so I do my best to remember what concepts really strike me and use them as inspiration to try and expand upon."

We asked Ryan for his practical settings and tips so that we could try it ourselves. Obviously... be careful when dropping your own camera. If you're giving this a go at home rather than in an urban environment, why not plump up a few cushions underneath the drop zone just to be on the safe side?

How did Ryan create this effect?

“I captured three different images with a Sony A7iii and Sony Zeiss 35mm 1.4 lens, each with a different focal point. By setting up a tripod to make sure the frame never changed, I was able to blend all three photos together in Photoshop for the final image.”

(Image credit: Ryan Fredericks/DeathByVlog)

1. Shoot the background

This was taken as a long exposure to achieve the light trails you see from the cars passing by, using f/11, ISO 50 and an 8 second exposure.

(Image credit: Ryan Fredericks/DeathByVlog)

2. Shoot 'middle' layer

I stood in the centre of the frame with my arm extended and hand open, mimicking holding a camera. I went for a shallow depth of field with an f/1.4 aperture to pull the focus to only my hand.

(Image credit: Ryan Fredericks/DeathByVlog)

3. Capture final shot

This was the “levitating” camera. Luckily, after just a few attempts, I got a shot with the camera completely suspended and in focus, thanks to a 1/2500 shutter, ISO6400 and f/1.4 aperture.

Keeping your camera in one position is key for this technique to work. Once your three images are shot, merge your layers using your favourite editing software and add then apply any edits to your final image.

Read more: 

Ryan Frederick's video tutorial
Home photography ideas
Levitation photography secrets

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Lauren Scott
Managing Editor

Lauren is the Managing Editor of Digital Camera World, having previously served as Editor of Digital Photographer magazine, a practical-focused publication that inspires hobbyists and seasoned pros alike to take truly phenomenal shots and get the best results from their kit. 


An experienced photography journalist who has been covering the industry for over eight years, she has also served as technique editor for both PhotoPlus: The Canon MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine and DCW's sister publication, Digital Camera Magazine


In addition to techniques and tutorials that enable you to achieve great results from your cameras, lenses, tripods and other photography equipment, Lauren can regularly be found interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry, sharing tips and guides on subjects like landscape and wildlife photography, and raising awareness for subjects such as mental health and women in photography.