Flying with a vampire

Romeo and Juliet have nothing over star-crossed lovers Bella and Edward in the romantic “Twilight,” which opens in theaters on Dec. 12. Based on the popular young-adult novel by Stephenie Meyer and directed by Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”), the film revolves around 17-year-old Bella (Kristen Stewart), who falls madly in love with her classmate, the handsome Edward (Robert Pattinson). It just so happens, though, that Edward belongs to a coven of centuries-old vampires. But these living dead are a far cry from musty Dracula. They are missing fangs and can hang out in the sun. And these vamps drink only animal blood. Photographer David Strick ventured onto the set outside of Portland, Ore., overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, on April 7 to capture Edward demonstrating that his “vein” of vampires can fly, going airborne with Bella on his back. Of course, the stars were on wires most of the time, but there were a few sequences in which Stewart and Pattinson were free-standing about 20 feet up in the trees.

David Strick is a veteran photographer who’s dedication to capturing entertainment production has led him to unparalled access to behind the scenes Hollywood.