The World’s First U2 Photo Shoot at the EDGE OF SPACE!

[@blairbunting]

Thank you for letting me be honest. I reached out to you last year because I could tell that you guys were passionate about your craft, and real people. Yours was the type of personalities we needed on set, as you both know how scared I was. Thank you for showing the tears and celebrations alike. Those memories will last forever.

[@JeahnLaffitte]

Congratulations to you, Blair and Chris/Jordan for such epic accomplishments. The shots are absolutely stunning and the story to be told for the ages 👏

[@caninesofcork]

The storytelling you did is amazing and the photos you were able to capture speak for themselves and will live on forever.

[@BenHytrek]

Amazing story, amazing photographer, and an amazing watch selection.

[@quite1enough]

Hi there from Russia, Saint Petersburg. You're absolutely amazing!! I envy you in a good way, with my health issues I will not be able to do anything even remotely similar like that! This is now a major part of the photography history in general. Good job, sir!

[@Joshrwms87]

Oh man I'm friends with Charles Sirithro and he was just talking about being a part of this shoot! He was stoked. Wish I could get into something like this! Rad man!

[@zealous]

This was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Thank you for letting us experience this with you 🙏

[@onejoshi]

@user-ky7iz6up1v Source: ChatGPT When you are on the edge of space, you can indeed see stars, but there are factors that can affect your ability to see them clearly or as prominently as you might from Earth's surface. Here are a few reasons why stars might not be as visible when you're at the edge of space: 1. Atmospheric Scattering: The Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, causing the sky to appear blue during the day. This scattering also affects the visibility of stars, especially when you are in the lower layers of the atmosphere. When you ascend to the edge of space, you pass through these lower layers and encounter less atmospheric scattering, making it easier to see stars. 2. Glare from the Sun: If you are near the edge of space during daylight hours, the intense glare from the Sun can overwhelm the visibility of stars, making them difficult to spot. 3. Limited Visibility Windows: Spacecraft or high-altitude balloons that reach the edge of space often have limited visibility windows, meaning there are specific times and conditions when stars can be observed. For example, you might need to be on the dark side of the Earth or wait until the Sun has set for stars to become visible. In summary, you can see stars when you are on the edge of space, but several factors, including atmospheric conditions, and the presence of sunlight, can affect the clarity and visibility of stars.

[@Thetruepredictor]

@user-ky7iz6up1v Also, the whole bright side of the earth sky is not lite up from parallel sun rays allegedly 93-94 MILLION MILES AWAY. All you see is a small local sun.

[@pjw2000]

7:58 "Not Flat -- We Checked" 😆 Everyone crushed it!

[@megafathergaming9375]

Looks pretty flat too me from U2 footage

[@mattwoodford1820]

yeah definitely flat!! Don't let the sheeple who are into this sphere earth conspiracy try and con you with their fish eye lenses and fake space photos fool you into believing this conspiracy theory. Flat is the truth

[@zerooneonetwothree1872]

They crushed the midwits with it, because thats all they needed to continue working with their conformist heads down. "It is NOT TRUE, trust me bro" "Niiice, yeah, thats all i needed"

[@f-149]

@@megafathergaming937519:09 You sure buddy?

[@gAb_3ll]

​@@megafathergaming9375bro

[@thidnascimento]

I don't usually comment much on KZbin, but this video deserves a comment. What an incredible story, what courage from the photographer, and those photos are fascinating. Chris and Jordan have truly outdone themselves on this one! A very pleasant surprise, far beyond what we're accustomed to seeing on KZbin equipment and photography channels! Here's to more stories like this! Congratulations!

[@thidnascimento]

@user-ky7iz6up1v I have nothing to say to you. Just downvoted.

[@onejoshi]

@user-ky7iz6up1v Source: ChatGPT When you are on the edge of space, you can indeed see stars, but there are factors that can affect your ability to see them clearly or as prominently as you might from Earth's surface. Here are a few reasons why stars might not be as visible when you're at the edge of space: 1. Atmospheric Scattering: The Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, causing the sky to appear blue during the day. This scattering also affects the visibility of stars, especially when you are in the lower layers of the atmosphere. When you ascend to the edge of space, you pass through these lower layers and encounter less atmospheric scattering, making it easier to see stars. 2. Glare from the Sun: If you are near the edge of space during daylight hours, the intense glare from the Sun can overwhelm the visibility of stars, making them difficult to spot. 3. Limited Visibility Windows: Spacecraft or high-altitude balloons that reach the edge of space often have limited visibility windows, meaning there are specific times and conditions when stars can be observed. For example, you might need to be on the dark side of the Earth or wait until the Sun has set for stars to become visible. In summary, you can see stars when you are on the edge of space, but several factors, including atmospheric conditions, and the presence of sunlight, can affect the clarity and visibility of stars.

[@Reztuhh424]

@user-ky7iz6up1vyou obviously are tetarded and know nothing about cameras

[@RobSmithTech]

Retired USAF Colonel here. You all put together an amazing mini-doc. Congratulations to all involved! Blair, thank you for giving so much of yourself to capture the story of this amazing aircraft and the people who keep it flying! Chris and Jordan, thank you for capturing Blair's story and so much of the efforts of our Airmen at Beale in a really beautiful and captivating way! Keep up the good work.

[@Torichian]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@forewarnedfilm]

To see the curvature of the Earth, and the blue of our precious atmosphere transition to the blackness of space - that's a view I have longed to see in person my whole life. I'm jealous to my marrow, but thank you for taking me along in this video. And thank you for beautifully conveying the emotional vein of this project so clearly - not all docs would have captured that as well as this did. When the U2 comes to end of its operational life, these photographs will be the perfect tribute to an iconic aircraft - and all those stationed at Beale. Fantastic work, Blair, Chris & Jordan.

[@POVwithRC]

Not flat, we checked. Ahhhh. Love it.

[@madedigital]

LOL the X15 plane did this 50 years ago and no gopro the horixon is level and straight (X-15 Hypersonic Research At The Edge Of Space) search youtube .......no spin by modern tv people the footage of the X 15 will crush this and every other presenter

[@ericaceous1652]

You really went all out on the epic - and its humbling to hear Blair speak so frankly and emotionally about his fears and his love for his family and friends. Brilliant video, and fabulous images

[@onejoshi]

@user-ky7iz6up1v Source: ChatGPT When you are on the edge of space, you can indeed see stars, but there are factors that can affect your ability to see them clearly or as prominently as you might from Earth's surface. Here are a few reasons why stars might not be as visible when you're at the edge of space: 1. Atmospheric Scattering: The Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, causing the sky to appear blue during the day. This scattering also affects the visibility of stars, especially when you are in the lower layers of the atmosphere. When you ascend to the edge of space, you pass through these lower layers and encounter less atmospheric scattering, making it easier to see stars. 2. Glare from the Sun: If you are near the edge of space during daylight hours, the intense glare from the Sun can overwhelm the visibility of stars, making them difficult to spot. 3. Limited Visibility Windows: Spacecraft or high-altitude balloons that reach the edge of space often have limited visibility windows, meaning there are specific times and conditions when stars can be observed. For example, you might need to be on the dark side of the Earth or wait until the Sun has set for stars to become visible. In summary, you can see stars when you are on the edge of space, but several factors, including atmospheric conditions, and the presence of sunlight, can affect the clarity and visibility of stars.

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Now THIS is how you boost your channel popularity to a higher level, PetaPixel team. I think it's a no brainer, this gotta be the pinnacle for everyone involved, Blair, Chris and Jordan. Such a beautiful plane with befitting outstanding photos for us to admire upon!

[@MrMightymind]

Wow... i'm not crying either Blair. Countless kids grow up wishing they have been where you have been, few get to do it. Let alone document it. Simply the best short film about film making I'll ever watch. Awesome.

[@ironicallysimple645]

Its nice to see some high res photo's from within the U2 way up there in the atmosphere. I remember watching James May'(BBC Top Gear presenter) going up & filming from within the U2 near the edge of space for hit TV programme & those images stuck with me all these years. Truly breath-taking.

[@ChrisJBrown72]

As a former member of the 9th Recce wing, an lived at Beale for more than 6 yrs… I am immensely proud of everything Beale does, and immensely jealous he got a high flight! His photos do the aircraft,the mission, and every person who makes it all possible Justice. Well done!

[@noenken]

The story is something you could write a movie around and the resulting pictures look absolutely incredible. I am so happy not having to deal with that pressure (mentally and physically) but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. And for Chris and Jordan, without taking away anything from all the stuff you guys have posted over the years but this is on a whole different level. Well done!

[@glenjo0]

Great video! The U2 shots Blair took are killer! Thanks to everyone at Beale AFB!

[@garybrindle6715]

Congratulations Blair , you show me how much that as commercial flying photographers we take for granted . Time I really got around to documenting my amazing adventures. My earlier work is on colour slides. For years (70 now) I thought anyone can do what i have done. Scuba diver ,glider pilot,air traffic controller,jungle explorer, canoe plodder,tall ship and yacht crew...and raised a family. At least my kids need to know.

[@cameralabs]

Very nicely done, I really enjoyed that, excellent work to all involved!

[@PetaPixel]

Made my day! Thanks Gordon! - Jordan

[@EduardoMendozaPhoto]

This is by far one of the greatest photography and Life adventures I've seen on KZbin and it's all thanks to Blair, Chris, Jordan and all the team, awesome work!

[@bikecommuter24]

As a Retired USAF member I worked on the F15C and A10 before I cross trained to Combat Arms and also retired from Media work, photography, video and writing I enjoyed this very much, I was stationed at Travis AFB in the mid 90's its about an hour from Beale my unit did some of its training at Beale.

[@SovietLensReviews]

That vintage Nikkor shot blew the rest away! Such magic.

[@ModulerDrone]

He couldn't have chosen a more dedicated and passionate photo/video duo for this task. Congratulations for everyone involved! Hope to see more!

[@mallermedia]

As a 64 year old progressional photographer who grew up in awe of the US space program and all that mythology, and I am deeply moved by this film. Thank you for the care and thoughtfulness, and kudos to the prodigious skill of the professionals who took Blair on the ride of his life. Wow. Just f'ing wow.

[@SamTaylors]

Spectacular! The images, the story, the story telling - all of it spectacular. Congratulations Chris and Jordan. I’ve enjoyed all your content over the years but this time you have elevated your craft and created something special and indeed timeless

[@chregig7967]

I had literal tears in my eyes when Blair was talking to his dad! This is the coolest thing ever!!!

[@Merjia]

God damn. This is astounding. Also new fear unlocked; realising you forgot your memory card while you're at the edge of space.

[@gstrummer]

hysterical

[@HelioLhama]

DUDE IMAGINE

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Amazing speechless shocking positively me as retired 66 yrs old Dutch marine NCO living in South America and Photography lunatic ! Nice you got one of the best Callsigns (Flash) I had a some Penthouse Paddles and Spot 1/2 and yes the earth is round ! Photos are out of this world Bravo ! 18 % gray and you are good to go.

[@niclasvestefjell]

Wow! Brilliant production! Hope that you get the chance to do more videos with this kind of storytelling.

[@PetaPixel]

I hope so too! - Jordan

[@arricammarques1955]

Very groovy with his dad's lens. Ultimate tribute, major respect.

[@thecandidframe]

That was amazing. I don’t ever get emotional watching a photography KZbin video…until now. Kudos to all.

[@LoznOz]

Loved this! Fantastic, well done and thanks for sharing.

[@kayreezy]

Jesus this is absolutely amazing. This video needs more views and I'm trying to help as much as I can by commenting just how amazing this is. Great freaking work everyone!

[@maxvanN]

wow.... and the pictures are unbelievable, great story

[@TuorUlmondil]

Thank you to everyone involved. This was an awesome documentary and I’m sure a truly amazing experience for you all.

[@richardparrott7192]

Absolute stunning, beautiful and heart-felt. Look where this took you!

[@globackx]

you just feel the passion that you guys have, thank you for sharing it.

[@jeffl5785]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing.

[@oospagheti]

man, thank you for that! as an military aviation aficionado / filmmaker this is gold! to have a real photographer to show a little bit of the U2 history as it deserves! this aircraft changed the world as we know and it’s one of the biggest achievements of human history! also thanks for the US airforce and skunkworks division at lockheed martin, this is awesome!

[@wongkesiang2287]

The tension building up from the start and the breathtaking views at the end is just amazing

[@houseofintent]

I've never gave PetaPixel a thought until Chris and Jordan moved in and now you guys are doing doc and video stuff. Keep it up! and Keep it up with the podcast.

[@KeithKman]

93 of the best pilots and RSO’s in history flew out of Beale on the SR-71. I couldn’t imagine walking the same hallways those men walked. Legends!

[@__.111.]

Absolutely amazing photos, and well done to everyone involved in this project

[@johnmehalick]

Blair, thanks for the ride and pictures.

[@mtcrun]

Wow! Incredible! The photos! The subject! The story telling! The production! Please PetaPixel more of this style!

[@thomasfriedmann8522]

Very well done. Thankyou to everyone involved in documenting this beautiful plane and all the work to keep it up.

[@MikeKobb]

What an incredible opportunity. Spectacular photos as a result. I especially loved the one shot with his dad’s lens.

[@quite1enough]

This is absolutely incredible. Blair is so touching person, this is all now is one of the most important pieces of history in photography in general.

[@tonyfoulkes9289]

Amazing work by all involved. Thankyou Kaipara, New Zealand.

[@yajt6651]

What a tremendous story and storytelling! I am moved by how Blair was willing to engage with such an intense experience for such a long time, and I’m glad that that story was told. I was expecting a different kind of documentary and am wonderfully surprised that it was the story about Blair’s experience as a mind-bogglingly brave photographer.

[@milktoastgregg]

I have teared up so many times watching this. I love that these guys got to capture your experience. I don't think there could have been better people to make this video. Absolutely incredible work.

[@Leaferr]

my god, this is one of the coolest things I have ever watched, EVER. this is bound to go mega viral, good shit to the photographer man, and the people that produced this story, seriously.

[@alexeivaningen]

I'm literally at a loss for words. Amazing amazing amazing. This has been one of the most moving pieces I've ever seen. Thank you all involved.

[@stu0cool]

Outstanding presentation! Congratulation on the opportunity of a lifetime. For those viewing this, and watching the stress and anxiety Blair went throught, consider the USAF pilots who do this multiple times a year. I have to believe it never becomes routine. Also all of the support people from the crew chiefs, mechanics and life support staff that work as such a great team to keep the pilots safe. Aim High!

[@TheTechnoPilot]

This is a truly beautiful and epic mini documentary. As a commercial pilot who studied high altitude flight physiology and who now is a cinematographer, I appreciate all the multitude of aspects of this story. It’s very interesting to hear his perspective of the pressure to make this shoot come to reality. It’s a stress that I can both appreciate, but simultaneously on the actual flight and flight safety side wouldn’t have that perspective because of my training. It’s very interesting to hear this unique perspective. I would honestly LOVE to hear how those gorgeous ground shots of the Dragon Lady and crew were captured. The moodiness and shear size of the subject are highly impressive. Thanks to the whole team for capturing all of this so professionally. What a cool story!

[@joek6661]

Great video - what an incredible opportunity. I grew up on Beale and love to see the folks who maintain and operate the aircraft. I was happy to see the crew from PSD featured as well. I appreciate the bit of legerdemain with the pen - nice nod to Top Gun. Also, Blaire has a pretty nice-looking watch collection. Thanks for sharing this experience.

[@Excalibr101]

Petapixel casually dropping something as beautifully shot and produced. The back-half had me absolutely in shambles, but wow, what a fantastically done piece from everyone.

[@Zenonkozak]

That was the best behind the scenes photo doc I've seen in a long time, and the resulting photos are astounding. Great work by all involved

[@dfinlay587]

Simply incredible! Awesome shots.. and adventure. Congratulations.

[@angelamaloney4871]

I finally had time to sit down and view this. It was amazing. Congrats, team!

[@davidcarter5137]

Stunning; worthy of an Emmy................

[@hikeandphoto2521]

That was awesome! Really love how the story progressed, how many sacrificies Blair had to do, how his family and friends stood by him, he did and incredible job, despite the difficulties he took wonderful shots, Bravo!! Excellent production Criss and Jordan, congratulations!

[@espressodisplays]

Incredible to watch. Much respect from your fans in Australia.

[@TuckerGott]

Wouldn't it have been easier to teach a U2 pilot to be a photographer than to teach a photographer to be a U2 pilot? I'm sorry, that was amazing.

[@gavynmm9782]

No. Takes a lot to fly this plane so it would be difficult to fly and take the picture

[@Africatwinrider1]

A pilot flies the plane, the photographer wasn't flying the plane

[@jimtaylor431]

Ahhh.. the Armageddon argument :-)

[@Africatwinrider1]

@user-ky7iz6up1v loyola, they are not in space in an aeroplane

[@carramrod8232]

@@Africatwinrider1you’re missing what he’s saying. There would be 2 U2 pilots in the jet, one flying and the other taking pictures. Wouldn’t it be easier to train a pilot to take pics than a photographer to get on a U2? I guess the story wouldn’t be as cool though

[@MoeAji]

Truly impressive photos. The lack of "blue" above the airplane looks very trippy.

[@charlieharris3639]

Just watched this after listening to the 2 most recent pp podcasts and just wow! Those pictures looked incredible and the emotions were HEAVY. Amazing work!!!

[@timjanssen2771]

Awesome, beautifully shot and edited mini doc. Thank you Blair, Chris, Jordan, Jaron and everyone else involed for allowing us a glimpse into this one of a kind project.

[@AlfonsoWalton610]

From prep to landing, every second was captivating. Stellar work, team!

[@lost_boy]

this is amazing. well done to all involved!

[@juanmiguelterra1133]

This video and especially his photos are from another world!

[@Brian_S.]

What amazing pictures yall took. Straight breath taken there's so much passion there from all of yall. What was awesome is you let us be a part of it so amazing I do thank you from the bottom of my heart I really enjoyed seeing it.

[@Nick-13]

Phenomenal - literally out of this world. Incredible presentation !

[@gordonbunker3272]

Thank you Blair Bunting and the Petapixel crew for this fantastic story and imagery. You stopped my clock with this one!

[@MikkoKalavainen]

What a ride! The U2 is one of my all-time favorite planes, seeing it get the love it deserves is one thing, seeing it from a photographers' perspective is completely on another level. The images are astounding! Great job on the video too! Subscription earned!

[@regulluz]

The grandeur of this masterpiece prompted me to write. You outdid yourselves a thousand times with this production! OMG! Words cannot describe the way you transmitted those feelings and those experiences via a 20min KZbin video. The Editing, Sound, Music Score, Photography, Plot, Screenwriting, Cool Wow Joyful Tearful factor.... all worthy of Oscars and Emmy's. I love airplanes, so maybe I am biased but, wow... you got laughs, tears and wow's out of me. Thank you for this! I know you knew but now we all know that your names belong together or above George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Guillermo Del Toro, Tim Burton, MIchael Bay and James Cameron, among others. Also, many thanks to USAF. When is the next one?

[@HansWurst1683]

Epic pictures and a great Video.

[@ishkabibl]

Really awesome work guys! Bravo.

[@amosb1163]

Wow. Great cinematography and storytelling. Finally something more to do for Jordan than gear reviews! And photography related still. Great work!

[@Newbmcgee]

Wow. Congrats on the flight and the wonderful work that all of you have put together for the photos and the documentary.

[@dwhonan]

What an absolutely incredible experience. Thank you for taking us along with you, and sharing the amazing teamwork it took to bring home those remarkable images.

[@AndrewWorkshop]

This should have so many more views, hopefully it get pushed out to more people. Great work guys!

[@samantharogers8038]

We got to take the shortcut and experience this life-changing trip without having to go through all the training and worry you and your family did. I love how you honored the men and women at Beale as well. Fills my soul.

[@LukaszFrankowski]

That's insane! Congratulations Blair and thank you Peta Pixel for showing this. Also what an amazing way thing to do taking your dad's lens on a Z7ii. Wow, just wow!

[@MeThorvald]

I've had tears in my eyes when I saw that one video about James May going on the U-2 trip too. Like that time, tears were present. Also great photos!

[@markfarmer36]

Absolutely amazing video, and once in a lifetime shots, congratulations Blair and PetaPixel team.🎉

[@hanmonic]

Blairs photos are incredible. Amazing story

[@philippeblockmans8463]

This is an amazing documentary. Eager looking forward for more episodes if this becomes a series!

[@karthikks]

Wow! Goosebumps.. 🙏

[@docohm50]

Back in July 1982 I arrived at Beale AFB, my first assignment. I was 18 weeks away from turning 19 and I was a avionics technician. I was there from 82 to 86' and this brought back a lot of awesome memories.

[@chuckh630]

Outstanding!! What an amazing thing to do. Thank you for sharing.

[@thatsginter]

Mad feels from this, great job everyone involved!! Superb photos and amazing story !!

[@erikengelbart]

Great photos and video. I´d love to see more videos like that, totally worth it

[@alandyer910]

Well done! Superb. Love their insignia patch: “It’s not flat. We checked.” In learning more about the U2 program I was surprised to find out they still shoot film, in long continuous rolls. The cameras and film they use would be an interesting, though likely classified, story.

[@mylessmith5244]

I worked at the USAF's only squadron which develops this film. The imagery isn't classified, since the technology has existed for decades. This enables the USAF to fly U-2 missions in support of disaster recovery and give the imagery to FEMA, first responders, etc. Lots of other surprising benefits of film.

[@lucadipaolo1997]

It's quite possible they shoot Kodak Aerocolor IV, which has been popping up lately for use in 35mm cameras. I'd have zero idea which camera they use though.

[@karikaru]

Got chills from this! What a feat for all of you! I grew up reading my Dad's aviation books and Popular Science magazines and these photos took me back to that boyhood wonder. Props to Chris and Jordon for putting the documentary together - i think you did a great job bringing us the realness of such an awesome task. Hope you get more opportunities in the future to do more stuff like this. Selfishly, I'd also love to see Blair walk through he he achieves these really cool edits (assuming he does the editing).

[@Plush_RC_Customs]

The imagery is magic and you can't help getting emotional. I wish every politician, statesman, leader of a country could see this through their own eyes. When seeing the planet from that high up you surely would grasp how delicate and fragile the world we live in is... I liked the patch they made for you, a token of being a member of a very select few to ever had the pleasure of going that high in a plane. Yes I'm jealous. Very jealous. But also very happy for you that you had the chance to this. Topping this will... be pretty much impossible. Yes, the world is full of a plethora of adventures but this one... This one doesn't come second to a lot of them.. If any at all. Thank you for showing us this.

[@jimmygadd]

That "not flat, we checked". Thats an award winning patch

[@Merjia]

I was in tears watching those shots, and Blair's videos. Awe. Pure awe.

[@myblujl7503]

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@devtank]

Amazing for all the reasons. Now I want a print!

[@mikkibubble4711]

So he pinched his dad’s lens and did not dare to confess closer than at the edge of space? - priceless ❤

[@bizpixvegas7651]

Fantastic video, fantastic images. Kudos to you Blair. When I heard, "your blood could boil," if it were me, I would have probably walked out for good!!! Looking forward to the full video and more.

[@joroboyvn]

Listened to the podcast with Blair last night as I am going backwards from the newest. Not sure how I missed the documentary as I am a regular viewer of your channel, but I thought it's for the better that I listened to the podcast first as you know a little more about the subject and the struggles during the shooting of this amazing documentary. Great job team PetaPixel, Blair, Erin, and the amazing pilots and crew operating these behemoths!

[@Eric1396]

Wow, just wow, what an incredible episode.