Wolfy4u wrote:
Don't do it until you're absolutely sure that your method of breaking the fall works.

I know. I'm having a hard time imagining something reliable.

PhillipM wrote:
Shoot 'em at a lake, falling off a dock.

I thought of that. or my pool. But only get one take, then.

NothingIsRealButTheGirl wrote:
from the height of a chair seat or table top. Not too high.

What do you think would be a good way to safely break their fall? Whatever it is can be in frame. I want a 'levitation' effect without looking like they are on a pedestal, and without looking like they are going to land on their feet. I can shoot from a tripod and remove the cushion in a later photo.

Something I can bring to a studio or outdoor location without too much difficulty.

You're in LA.. There must be more than one stuntman company you can contact for info. and the deflating pads they use in falls. IF you want to go to that expense...

Good Egg Productions wrote:
12' - 14' trampoline.  Without that sissy net.

My neighbor has one in his yard. Maybe I should go say hi.

KevinMcGowanPhotography wrote:
You're in LA.. There must be more than one stuntman company you can contact for info. and the deflating pads they use in falls. IF you want to go to that expense...

Those are for really high falls. Last shoot I was at that required a stuntman to fall backwards they used cardboard boxes.

Greg Holt Photography wrote:
Maybe talk to someone who owns a gymnastics studio or gym. The one we used to go to had tons of equipment used to break falls during practice.

Some skate parks and parkour gyms also have foam pits used for training.

You are in LA right.
http://tempestacademy.com/facility

+1

Foam pit.
Snow bank.

Trampoline is a whiplash and neck breaking device. Matresses and inflatables are  OK only when people know what to do with their heads when falling on their back.

You will need someone with practice to fall back straight, without instinctively bending at the waist.

edit: It's about falling back only.

Good Egg Productions wrote:
12' - 14' trampoline.  Without that sissy net.

That's a negligence causing bodily harm advice, unless you were sarcastic...

NothingIsRealButTheGirl wrote:

I thought of that. or my pool. But only get one take, then.

Well?

Then do it right the first take .....

LOL

MMDesign wrote:




Sam Taylor-Wood did a whole series and she used wire and harnesses.

I want the hair to trail the falling head, not lead it. Probably would use a fan.

NothingIsRealButTheGirl wrote:
from the height of a chair seat or table top. Not too high.

What do you think would be a good way to safely break their fall? Whatever it is can be in frame. I want a 'levitation' effect without looking like they are on a pedestal, and without looking like they are going to land on their feet. I can shoot from a tripod and remove the cushion in a later photo.

Something I can bring to a studio or outdoor location without too much difficulty.

Contact Anais MM # 1122691 she did it for me landing on a futon. She set it up herself and performed magnificently. Truly an innovative Lady to work with.

NothingIsRealButTheGirl wrote:

I know. I'm having a hard time imagining something reliable.

Air mattress.

MC Photo wrote:
Air mattress.

+2  I like the idea of more than one.  I'd also try to find somebody small and youngish and keep them slightly under inflated.  The mattresses that is.

natural beauties of qld wrote:
get a judo exponent to teach the model how to break a backwards fall - it is actually a very simple skill to acquire and takes about 10 mins to learn.  If you learn judo, it is the very first thing that is taught (breaking a forwards fall is the second thing).

1+

Eric Liffmann wrote:

+2  I like the idea of more than one.  I'd also try to find somebody small and youngish and keep them slightly under inflated.  The mattresses that is.

Don't stack air mattresses. The force of the fall will tend to scatter them, and your model may wind up landing on the floor/ground.

Black Dog Studios RI wrote:

Don't stack air mattresses. The force of the fall will tend to scatter them, and your model may wind up landing on the floor/ground.

She is only falling 18 to 28 inches and a queen size air mattress is 9X52X80 ".
If she hits fairly close to center it is unlikely they will spread enough for her to slide off. The impact force will not be much more than falling from floor level.
Even one mattress, fully inflated, should handle the problem.
Test it first with a forward fall, by the photographer.

NothingIsRealButTheGirl wrote:
from the height of a chair seat or table top. Not too high.

What do you think would be a good way to safely break their fall? Whatever it is can be in frame. I want a 'levitation' effect without looking like they are on a pedestal, and without looking like they are going to land on their feet. I can shoot from a tripod and remove the cushion in a later photo.

Something I can bring to a studio or outdoor location without too much difficulty.

When I was a cheerleader I used those huge gym mats to fall on. Sometimes gyms will let you rent the mat.
Also, good luck finding a model who can fall backwards naturally. It's a hard thing to teach yourself. =P I trust fall onto my giant beanbag chair all the time. I sorta love/hate the feel of falling.

Vector One Photography wrote:
Falling into water is a really dumb idea. Water does not compress and is NOT a shock absorber.  Professionally they use large stiff foam blocks (acrobats and tumblers) or taped shut empty corrugated cardboard boxes (stunt men short falls) or air bags (long fall).

If falling into water were that dangerous, no one would ever be able to jump into or dive into water.  The OP is talking about 3 or 4 feet, not 10 meters.