The world of photography is a realm of endless creativity and challenge, and Noah Wetzel, a master photographer, has pushed the boundaries of this art form to capture a breathtaking image that will leave you in awe. In a feat that required meticulous planning, precision, and a dash of daring, Wetzel snapped a photo of Red Bull athlete Mike Brewer soaring through the 2026 eclipse in a wingsuit, all while navigating the complexities of extreme telephoto optics and near-total darkness.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the sheer timing involved. With just 84 seconds to capture the moment, Wetzel had to rely on his extensive preparation and practice. This included a test run in Utah, where he braved rafting and hiking to a remote location, all to ensure he could freeze the action of the wingsuit flyer against the celestial backdrop. The result is a photograph that showcases the beauty of both the natural world and the precision of human endeavor.
The technical aspects of this shot are equally impressive. Wetzel utilized two Canon 600mm f/4 L IS USM lenses, stacked and set up nearly a mile away from the wingsuit's path. This setup not only allowed him to play with forced perspective, making the eclipse appear larger than life, but it also presented a unique challenge: the near-complete darkness of the eclipse. To combat this, Wetzel employed a complex wireless flash system, ensuring the wingsuit's action was captured without a silhouette.
The photographer's dedication and expertise are evident in his words. "I can’t express how insanely challenging that was to line up that photograph," he said. "I couldn’t be more stoked with the result. That is as good as it gets and has to be one of…if not the most complex, precise, and pressure-saturated photographs ever captured."
This isn't Wetzel's first extraordinary eclipse photo. His previous work, which won a Red Bull Illume award in 2019, featured a mountain biker against an eclipse backdrop. Wetzel's ability to capture such unique and challenging moments showcases his talent and passion for photography, inspiring us to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.
