October 26th, 2012 
Emily 
One of my long-time best friends visited me in Kenya recently. We had a whirlwind, awesome time together and did tons of stuff that I hadn’t tried before (like eating ox balls). In celebration of our awesomeness, we also perfected the jump shot.
“The jump shot?” you ask. It’s exactly what it sounds like, you jump in the air and get someone else to take a photo of you looking fabulously awesome and happy.
Meg and I got really into the jump shot during her last weekend here. We were jumping every chance we could get. By the end of the weekend, we had perfected the photo, and learned a thing or two about jump shots.
Without further ado, here are my jump shot tips:
1. Get your timing right.
Trying to synchronize the jump shot with a group of people is tough, so make sure you discuss whether you are jumping on the count three or just after you say “three”. If you’re really intense, you might want to practice a few times.
2. Throw your arms up and bend your legs.
A really good jump shot gives the illusion of height. Even if you’re not an all-star jumper, you can still look like an all-star jumper by tucking your legs to the side (look at all that air you got) and pointing your arms towards the sky.
3. Think about the backdrop.
We tried the jump shot in a dark cave, and it didn’t go so well. It was too dark, and the flash on our camera got confused. We ended up looking blurry. For a really stellar jump shot, get something dramatic in the background, like a waterfall, a beautiful landscape, or a famous monument.
Jump shot fail.
4. Use the rapid shot feature on your camera.
If your camera has an “action” setting or can otherwise be programmed to take a series of photos in rapid succession, set it up. You will get the perfect jump shot if you’re camera has this setting because the camera will take 3-4 photos in the span of a second, and one of those photos is bound to catch you mid-jump. If your camera doesn’t have this feature then you’ll have to rely on trial and error.
Please note the use of tips 1 and 3. Synchronization and stunning backdrop.
Shot 2 in the rapid shot series.
Yes, got it!
And the landing.
5. Convert others to the cult of the jump shot.
We got the other people on our safari to do some jump shots too. Because let’s be honest, jump shots are cool, and who doesn’t want a photo of themselves looking cool?
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you are too much! I love this, so true. It became a social phenomenon. Have you planked? Those are the best too!
I’ve never tried planking! I don’t think I even know what it is. (Google time)
Ya, I haven fallen victim to it, it is the funniest thing ever! Immature, but hilarious! What fun!
i HAVE
I have NOT yet taken a jump shot yet, which is strange since I do love posing for pictures. Maybe going to LA for my best friend’s 30th birthday will be the perfect place to take my first jump shot.
Thanks for the tips!
Oh yeah, jump shots with friends are always best. Do it!
Love it! I’ve had a rough week and your awesome pics and tips have picked me up. Now, I’m expecting a post on planking. Note: it sounds more physically challenging, but I’m sure you can do it!
Aww, I saw a facebook post about your rough week, and I hope things improve over the weekend.
Yeah, I’m going to have to do some research on planking. I think the jump shot might be more my style.
You do look cool!
Well thank you! You’ll have to try it out!
When I was taking my daughter’s first communion photos, I had her do a jump shot in her fancy dress, then did it for a girl getting her senior pictures taken. Love jump shots! Another favorite we do: when visiting someplace high (mountains and monuments work well) we find a spot where it looks like a drop-off but isn’t, then pretend to be struggling to climb the cliff or not fall off the cliff. We have these shots from all over the US. Your tips for the jump shot are perfect!
Oh, I love these ideas, thanks for sharing. I also love the idea of doing the jump shot in a fancy dress…maybe for my sister’s wedding?
Great job of writing up the tips. Sounds like a challenge for my photography club….I’ll pass the idea along.
Thanks Melody. Let me know if anyone in the group takes a jump shot photo. I’d love to check them out.
[...] So round up some subjects and get shooting! (If you need any tips, check out this handy guide to jump shot photography.) [...]