How To Look Good In Skydiving Photos and Videos

How to look good skydiving is top of mind for lots of people who have decided to jump out of an airplane for the first time. Skydiving is mega cool, and you automatically get cool points for doing it – but looking good in skydiving photos and videos does involve thinking through some things that you don’t have to consider on land. Feeling confident and relaxed so you can have the best day ever means being suitably prepared for what to do and also dressing properly for the occasion.

At Skydive STL, we’ve got everything you need to feel amazing during your first jump. Here are some answers to common questions people ask about looking Instagram-ready during the process, as well as some foolproof tips for looking good in a skydiving video.

Comfort is key. Athletic clothing or athleisure is best. If you’d go jogging or play tennis in your outfit of choice, then it is probably perfect for your skydive. It can get a little chilly as you climb to altitude, so consider layers that cover your arms and legs. If you’re not sure what the weather would have you wear, plan on bringing some options with you and let your instructor advise you on how to dress for maximum comfort.

This is an important question as there’s a safety element to consider. Avoid anything that will flap in the wind or garments with straps or buckles. It might look cute or cool on the ground, but at 120 mph and possibly slapping you in the face? Not cute. Avoid studs or hooks as they can affect the performance of the skydiving gear. Jeans are fine but not especially comfortable under a skydiving harness. Jewelry should be removed. Glasses and contact lenses can be worn if needed; goggles are available to protect eyes and eyewear.

No, you must have footwear to skydive. Lace-up! Athletic or skate shoes are best for safety and performance. You want your shoes to stay on throughout your jump, so no slip-ons, slides, flip-flops, or any open-toe shoes. Also, no boots, heels, or anything with hooks.

We’re also often asked, “Should I put my hair up for skydiving?” Yes, you should. Plan to tie hair back into a ponytail or braids. You need to make sure your hair won’t be in your instructor’s face when you enter the 120 mph wind of freefall. While hair standing straight up is kind of a funny image to picture, it’s not safe. Your instructor has important work to do that very much includes seeing where you’re going!

Skydivers sometimes wear a buff, headband, or bandana to keep their hair out of their face … but it’s less than ideal for tandem students. Not only is it possible that anything you wear on your head will quickly vanish into the sky, but there is also the possibility that it could slip down over your face or obstruct the view of your instructor. Better to wear a tight-fitting skull cap or something similar that, with added help from your goggles, will stay put. It’s important to note, too, that for safety reasons you cannot wear a bandana around your neck.

You can take pictures before and after your jump, but not during. Per USPA regulations, you must be a C Licensed skydiver – which includes the accrual of 200 jumps – before you can jump with a camera. But good news! Our team of highly-qualified instructors is able to offer top-quality images and video of your jump. The media packages of your jump are available shortly after landing and presented in a format that is easy to share on social media. (Don’t forget to give us a shout out – #skydivestlouis #skydivestl)

The butterflies in your belly may make the idea of letting loose and relaxing out of reach, but as soon as you exit the aircraft you’ll forget all that anxiety. Freefall is a joyous and freeing experience that is super easy to smile about, so show the camera your cheesy grin! Three important things to remember:

• Chin Up: Raising your chin helps your body form the optimal belly-to-earth position for skydiving.
• Smile Wide: Engaging the muscles in your face will keep your cheeks from flapping in the wind!
• Eyes Forward: The view’s better looking out at the horizon, and your face will be on camera not the top of your head!

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Still have questions about gearing up for your big day? Check out our FAQs or reach out! We are here to support your skydiving journey. Blue skies!