When I think about it, a big smile emerges on my face. But I’ve become pretty well known for my arse shots. While it sounds bad when you first read it, it’s really nice when you see the reactions to them. The majority of photographers and correctly so, photograph aircraft from the front or side. This is not only a very logical place but one that nearly all viewers of aviation come to feel they should view an aircraft. When you begin to look at aircraft though as a work of mechanical engineering art rather than a lift platform, you start to explore its many other angels, at least that’s what I did.
The key to a great arse shot is really the angle you take it from, the background you have and the lens employed. The arse shot is usually one where you need to have some pretty solid Photoshop skills. The Stinson OY-1 at the top of the page, it had a pretty clean background because of the location where it was pushed. The PT-17 Stearman at the bottom wasn’t so clean, tugs and white pickup truck had to disappear from its background. Next is the drama built into that background, that’s pretty important as well to bring a dynamic to the arse. Finally is the position you take the photograph from. The focal length is important because you use it to accentuate the lines of the wings and stabilizer. Focal length and how high you are from ground level to a ladder is important. I normally grab the 24-70VR but have used the 14-24AFS on a ladder to bring out that great arse. Lastly, lining up DEAD center on the rudder, and the front proper hub so they are DEAD center in the frame is essential. Why am I telling you this? There are lots of arses out their too shot and no one person should have all the fun to themselves. Find one and make it yours, you’ll have fun!
Note: yes … all bad puns are intentional, a smile for the weekend!