Jun 7, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/dappofm0045.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
This is the F-86E is what we came down to see fly. Prior to the flight is was parked where everyone could easily see it. Well, it couldn’t have had a messier background if it tried with hangers, hot dog stand, pick up trucks, funky trees and tan hangers. Well, no matter where I stood, lens I tried, yuck was in the frame. So, I decided to make the best shot I could of the F-86E and let Photoshop deal with the background. I’m not happy with that results either. Nothing beats getting it right in the camera!
Photo captured by D3s, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
Jun 7, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/dappofm0125.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
The side guns of a B-25; great plane!
Jun 7, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/dappofm0094.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
The family made a field trip this weekend to So Cal, Chino to be exact to the fantastic Planes of Fame Air Museum. It was a first for us and we choose this occasion because of the special event, a F-86 presentation and flight. Well before the presentation and flight we cruised the museum and it’s cool!
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/dappofm0100.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
Above is a P-51D and below is a P-40F, both of these planes are in gorgeous condition, both fly. And here lies the first and biggest challenge, beautiful planes in very busy, busy backgrounds. Now you have two options, not worry about the background or trying to do something about it. To say it was frustrating is a little bit of an understatement. Planes aren’t really meant to be on the ground so I find it important to make them look as sexy as possible in this static position. All I’ve got here are, “here is a plane, see the plane” shots. Challenges, great motivator!
Photos captured by D3s, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
May 31, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPARRR6730.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
May 27, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp1769.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
What was I after photographically? The P-51D served many roles in WWII, from bomber escort to ground troop support. You might remember them coming in at end of Saving Private Ryan and their being called “tank busters.” The P-51D can do easily 400mph, not bad. Well with the combination of speed and history, I wanted to fly on the deck and photograph the P-51D from above with the ground a total blur. The shutter speed is already down to 1/90 so that part of the equation is OK, but what’s the problem with this whole concept? First there is the FAA who doesn’t really like strafing. Next to get the ground blur, what do you need to do when panning? The camera position is stack as it pans with the moving subject. I’m in a chase plane doing the same speed as the subject. There is no way to pan. I can’t spin in my seat and it’s not safe to have the P-51D speed by, come back around and then speed by again since we’re not sitting still. So while what I had in mind didn’t work, I managed to get past the disappointment!
Photo captured by D3s, 70-200VRII on Lexar UDMA digital film
May 26, 2010 | Aviation
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPARRR19013.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
OK, the price, expertise, time, equipment, one or all of these have scared you off from this whole idea of doing air to air. Many are uncomfortable getting in a 757 let alone a small T6. Yet you’re like to try your hand at aviation photography. Well all is not lost!
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPARRR12777.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
All three of these images were taken at the Reno Air Races. There were taken from the pits using a 70-300AFS lens.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DAPARRR3590.swf, 585, 473 [/swf]
This might be the answer for you and your photography. You can break into this very heart pulsing photography at any of the many airshows that happen nearly every weekend somewhere in the country. The trick is to get in a place where when the planes pass by, you have that clean background. And there is no better background then nice clouds. Trust me, once you try it, you will get hooked! Oh yeah, be sure your panning technique is real good!
Photos captured by D3, 70-300AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
