Seriously, Really Sharp Handholding?

Dec 10, 2010 | Aviation

Let me attempt to kill two questions with one post. Is the 200-400VR2 and 70-200VR2 really sharp, and, do you really get sharp results handholding these two lenses? These two lenses which are cornerstones of my photography right now for both wildlife and aviation keep generating these questions. So I thought I would take a moment to put up a couple of Zoomify images (Click on the Click Here). If you don’t know what Zoomify is, just search this site, I’ve provided the definition many times in the past. Bottomline for my photography, theses lenses along with my well practiced handholding technique provides all the sharpness I require. Search Hadnholding to read about the technique I use. Hope this helps and provides you a measure for what tack sharp should look like.

Photos captured by D3x, 200-400VR2 / 70-200VR2 on Lexar UDMA digital film

It Lives after the Maverick & Goose Solute

Dec 9, 2010 | Aviation

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1750.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

Yep, they went and painted one up. Just wish I photographed this one in flight. Next time

They Were There

Dec 9, 2010 | Aviation

No point to the photos other then, I liked what I saw in the viewfinder. In this case, the exhaust blurring out the background and giving movement to a still click.

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1681.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

And this? I just liked the attitude that the angle and light brings to an otherwise parked plane. Keeping it simple.

Photos captured by D3x, 200-400VR2 on Lexar UDMA digital film

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Dec 9, 2010 | Aviation

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1661.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

It was real simple, look for the story, the thread and follow it. Knowing where the F5 would eventually park helped get into position.

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1672.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

Lone planes are OK but pairing them up, comparing them and working their lines against each other is even better.

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1674.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

But making a simple click lining up everything dead center, using the exhaust to blur out the background and then add the simple element of a person, perfect! One of my favorite shots of the Aggressors.

Photos captured by D3x, 200-400VR2 on Lexar UDMA digital film

It was Touch & Go!

Dec 9, 2010 | Aviation

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1582.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

It actually turned out to be a “quiet” time on the ramp with most of the flights for the day concluded. What does that really mean? Possible unique images of multiple aircraft in one shot, lots of folks working, those images weren’t going to happen. In many ways it’s a lot like wildlife photography. Though you plan, you have all the facts, once you’re on scene things just unfold the way they want to unfold despite your planning.

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1586.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

So OK, things aren’t what you planned, you go to plan B. One of the F5 Aggressors was doing touch & go’s, OK, I’ll do some panning practice. Jets I find so damn easy though because you can be in Aperture Priority, shoot wide open and have a nice, fast shutter speed. In this case I was at 1/1500 which handheld is a no-brainer. That permitted me to concentrate on the cool clouds in the background to make a little lemonade out of the moment. Schweet!

Photos captured by D3x, 200-400VR2 w/TC-17e on Lexar UDMA digital film

Back to School – Top Gun that Is

Dec 9, 2010 | Aviation

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1546.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

I got the email just a couple days back, “You available Wed?” It cam from my dear friend, mentor and teaching partner Richard so without asking what’s up, I said, “YOU BET!” The email came back, “I’ll be in touch.” A couple days later I’m back on the tarmac at Top Gun school, NAS Fallon. I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert on military aircraft, terms, haircuts or customs but I do love it all just the same. So after the usual security paperwork and instructions, it’s clickity click time!

[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPFAFB1573.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]

We had some dramatic light with the incoming storm so at first, I went after the F-18s with the dramatic light. Then I looked for the human element and when the sun ducked behind a cloud I looked for monochromatic stuff. I constantly did 360s looking for images while being aware of my surroundings. It’s such a rush to be amongst the aircraft and the men and women to use them in the service of our country. And heck, this was just the first ten minutes of our visit!

Photos captured by D3x, 200-400VR2 (handheld) on Lexar UDMA digital film