Former Navy Captain Battles 740 kmph Winds for Extraordinary High-Altitude Photography

Captain Navtej Singh shared the remarkable video on Instagram

A former Indian Navy officer has given viewers an extraordinary glimpse into the extreme conditions of high-altitude photography. Captain Navtej Singh recently posted a video showcasing his battle against powerful winds reaching speeds of 740 kmph while capturing images from a helicopter at elevations between 10,000 to 20,000 feet.

The Instagram video reveals Singh positioned at the helicopter's entrance, camera in hand, as the aircraft cuts through the atmosphere. The ferocious wind visibly distorts his facial features—pushing his cheeks back, causing his lips to flutter, and narrowing his eyes against the pressure.

The high-altitude currents create visible waves across Singh's skin as he endures the frigid blast.

"The wind doesn't just touch you, it slams into your face, making your skin ripple, your muscles twist, and your eyes stretch and blur," Singh described in his caption.

Singh explained that the aircraft deliberately operated without cabin pressure, a technique commonly employed during military aerial photography missions and rescue operations. When the door opened, Singh fought to maintain his position against the overwhelming force. Secured by both a seat belt and safety rope, he had only brief moments to compose his shots while working in extremely fast, cold, and powerful winds.

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"Breathing becomes hard, thinking becomes harder, and every part of your body wants to pull away, but your finger has to stay steady."

He further elaborated that within that fleeting moment, amidst the deafening roar, intense cold, and constant vibration, he needed to frame his shot, establish focus, and capture the image. Maintaining visual clarity and stabilizing the camera proved extremely challenging.

"But that's the only moment you have, and the world below won't wait. The wind tries to push you back, but the shot pulls you forward," he wrote.

Singh, who has retired after 32 years of naval service, frequently found himself in some of the most challenging environments during his military career. Today, he continues sharing his extraordinary experiences and photography with audiences worldwide.

His photography journey began approximately ten years ago, almost accidentally, when he acquired a Nikon D60.