Originally Posted by
KiwiNedNZ
Gordy - Pats idea wasn't to focus on just professional photographers - it is photographers of all types - pro, amateur, semi pro etc. Suppose thats where it becomes difficult how to class them.
It's not difficult at all. A professional photo shoot is one where the camera crew determines the exact flight path (within reason), objective to be photographed, and time of day. A tourist ride follows a mostly-set flight path with far less input about the flight. It's a "ride" not a bespoke flight.
A professional camera crew is likely to be at least somewhat experienced with the situation, including use of the (proper) harness systems.
A tourist ride should have more restrictions on what is offered, considering it's probably the first time some of these people have ever been in a helicopter. One of those restrictions could be having them stay in their seats, belted in normally, without a harness for hanging out the doorway. Except for the middle rear seat, there is just no need for that, to get good photos in a doors-off helicopter. I've done that hundreds of times in a helicopter, and only used a harness for very special circumstances when wide-angle shots were required.
Let's get real... NYON isn't offering to let people sit on the floor with their legs hanging out in order to get better photos. They're selling thrills.