Melvin Vaniman | |
|---|---|
 Vaniman and Kiddo the cat | |
| Born | Chester Melvin Vaniman October 30, 1866 Virden, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | July 2, 1912 (aged 45) off Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Valparaiso University |
| Occupation(s) | Aviator, photographer |
Chester Melvin Vaniman (October 30, 1866 – July 2, 1912) was an American aviator and photographer who specialized in panoramic images. He shot images from gas balloons, ships masts, tall buildings and even a home-made 30-metre (98 ft) pole. He scaled buildings, hung from self-made slings, and scaled dangerous heights to capture his unique images.