Getting the Photo

My friend Joy and I joke at times about some of the stupid things we do to get a photograph. Lying down in the middle of the road or climbing over a fence. Then I got an email from a friend with the following story and photos. I think this guy wins... either for stupidity or shear determination to get the photo.

The following photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The descriptions are his own. The identity of the photographer IN the photos is unknown.
I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock IN the Grand Canyon. The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.

Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod I asked myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not take that sunset picture on that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?

After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available)and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes. At that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals... The canyon's depth is 900 meters here.

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock. He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand. Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.

He lands low on his flip flops both his right hand and right foot slips away... At that moment I take this shot.

He pushes his body against the rock.

He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

I did check several urban legends websites to make sure this was real cause often these type of stories are pure hoaxes and the photos are photoshopped. However, it appears these photos and story are indeed real. It also appears other idiots have also made this jump and been captured on film, 'cause I also found this photo of two boys making the same jump. However, one thing I did discover is that the jump is not quite as scary as these photos make it seem.

Apparently, the jump is not over a 900 meter drop as described by the photographer above. As you can see in this photo, there is a shelf between the two towers. Granted, this is not a jump I would make in any circumstances, but it is not the 900 meter drop as described. So instead of risking death, these idiots are simply risking some cuts and scrapes and maybe a broken bone or two.

I don't think I will worry anymore about what I do to get a photograph, cause it is no where near as moronic as these folks.