I’ve always had a thing for the Blue-winged Teal. In part because of their “crescent moon” < which is quite striking. In part because they are normally at some distance, being shy. For me, they seem to take all the glass I can must to have any hope of image size. So when I have them at point-blank range, and they don't care, my pulse quickens at the possibilities. They are not rare, just they are rarely cooperative with me. This male was very cooperative but I couldn't even get all the elements to come together. I tried my "making the common, uncommon." Then I play the time approach and .... nothing. It's another case in wildlife photography as so close and yet so far.

It’s such an elegant photo requiring very little for success. Yet it eludes me still. When the air temp is 32 degrees or less, the breath appears at the blackbird broadcasts. The male was in FL last week, and while cool by FL standards, not cold enough for any breath to be seen. Last year in our backyard, when the males arrived, the morning temps were such that, no breath could be seen. Right now it’s cold enough, but the makes are establishing or defending territories. Fingers crossed in the next couple of weeks, it will all come together.

The Dakota Territory Air Museum is a one-of-a-kind collection of flying aircraft. We’re very fortunate they are opening their doors and collection to our cameras for a one-of-a-kind A2A Clinic! Possible subjects range from Spitfire to P-51D, P-47 to FM-2P with the possibilities of Staggerwing, Waco, Monocoup, and so much more. One of the world’s finest collection of flying WWII aircraft will light your passions and fill your viewfinder with magic! 

Some of the Details

Date: 08-10 May, 2026 / starting 18:00 Friday ending 12:00 Sunday

Location: Minot, ND (you’d fly into Minot)

It starts about a month prior when you’ll receive an extensive PDF on the art of aviation photography. This will get your creative juices flowing and excitement building. The weekend starts on Friday evening with intense classroom work at the Museum. Items to be covered during the A2A Photo Clinic are:

The art and craft of aviation photography

Safety on the ground and in the air

Gear for static / ground-to-air / air-to-air

Photographic techniques for aviation photography

Working from a photo platform

Working with pilots

How to organize your own A2A photo mission

Professionally finishing your aviation images

and so much more!

Saturday morning we’ll have a sunrise ramp static shoot, images that we’ll finish and review during the Clinic in preparation for your A2A photo mission. Then more classroom time prepares you for your flight. You’ll be shooting from a Harvard and Cessna 185, two of the best photo platforms. You’ll have an A2A photo mission Saturday evening and then another Sunday morning, timed for the best light weather permits. The price for the Clinic is $3800 which includes all instruction and flights (meals, lodging, and transportation not included).

This is your opportunity to test the skies, take your camera in the air, and learn from the best aviation photography team! To register or ask a question or two, give the office a call 406. 240. 3503 (9-5MT M-F) and we’ll put you in the seat for a photographic experience like none before! Moose’s A2A Photo Clinic!

(You will be required to sign a liability release prior to flying.)

NOTE: If the flying is canceled because of weather, there is no refund