I began this photo documentary in 2011 and continue to photograph the event annually. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition. Each team consists of 5 participants: 4 jumpers and 1 alternate jumper. Jumpers exit from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 1500 feet (457 meters) using an MC-6 static line, steerable, parabolic parachute.

     Participants aim to land as close as possible to a marked, designated area within the landing zone. Upon landing and completing a PLF (parachute landing fall), participants are timed by qualified judges until they reach the designated area.

     The Rhode Island Army National Guard has been the host for this special event since 1982. The photographs below document the event from 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The event was cancelled in 2013 due to sequestration.