Waco QFC
captured by D750 / 24-70VR Lens
No matter the genre, photographers are always hungry, wanting to get to the “top” of that genre and usually the sooner the better. IMHO, there is no rushing it, it (whatever “it” might be) will happen when it is supposed to. Aviation photography is one of the fastest growing genre in photography. In large part because it requires so little camera gear and in larger part, because it is so exciting and fun! With over 100 air to air photo missions in the book in less than six years, I’m constantly being asked, “What’s the secret?” In the realities of photography, there are no secrets as light is the number one factor that will make or break your success. There is one thing though the might help speed up your success in aviation photography a tad.
I’m going to spend an hour at Photoshop World talking about this very subject, but here it is in a nutshell. Once you understand light and use it to tell your story you start by creating the gorgeous statics! Statics, aircraft that are parked (like the top photo), are aircraft you can gain access to easily in the beginning. Most photographers photograph statics at airshows where you have a vast variety of aircraft. When you can take a “plane” parked aircraft and make it look like something special, you will get the attention of pilots and plane owners. You will demonstrate not only your talent but also your professionalism. Is that the whole secret? Actually, no. There is one more important step to finish this and if you want to learn it quickly, join us at Photoshop World next week. But starting with this, you’re a long ways on your way to success!