The AIRSHOWS

WARBIRDS Aviation

Warbirds are any vintage military aircraft  usually owned, operated and maintained by civilian organizations and individuals or, in some instances, by military forces for the purpose of maintaining their aviation heritage.  These are beautiful in flight and hearken back to a time gone bye when brave men secured our freedoms.

STATICS Aviation

Statics are an art form in and of themselves.  Trying to show what makes each iconic aircraft unique while trying to capture a shot that will allow the viewer to visualize what mission it might be getting ready to undertake. Whether shot hand-held or on a tripod, making the shot that may tug at the viewers emotions is always the goal.

MILITARY Aviation

Modern military aircraft are technological marvels with state of the art avionics.  Capable in multiple theaters of dropping mass amounts of ordinance or targeting with pinpoint precision, they are comfortable in any role. These aircraft carry on the tradition of aviation started with the early warbirds and are crowd favorites at every airshow around the globe.

THE OBJECTIVE

  • Research
  • Plan
  • Practice
  • Shoot

Like anything else in photography, it begins with knowing your subject. Researching the aircraft’s history from build to current status is crucial for telling its story. Many aircraft, particularly, warbirds and vintage planes, have a very unique history to share. Look at others work you admire to get an idea of what appeals to you and how you may want to shoot various aircraft both statics and ground-to-air.

Knowing the layout of the airshow or the event prior to arrival allows for your to create an itinerary you can follow for the day. Having a plan of what performers will be in the air or aircraft on the ground can make for a much more enjoyable photographic experience. Decide on what gear you are going to take and how you are going to get it around safely. Create a shot list that you want to accomplish and when possible talk to others who have experience.

Aviation photography requires good technique with hand-holding and with panning. Practicing prior to getting to the event is crucial and will increase your chances of coming away with great images. Knowing when to shoot in shutter priority or aperture priority and making all these changes second nature is what allows you to focus on what you are there for, the great aircraft.

This where all the research, planning and practice pays off. Being able to put the camera to your eye with confidence knowing the settings are right, your technique is sound will make it all pay off with stunning images. Take your time! Zoom in to capture the concentration of the pilot or stay a bit wider to capture gesture. Aviation photography is so rewarding with proper ground work.

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