First Air Show this Sunday - any tips??

Whiskeyman

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
If I were shooting this I'd try to get some unique shots by getting in close to the aircraft on the ground and I'm not above getting cozy with anyone I think can get me in behind-the-scenes or past the ubiquitous (and annoying) "Velvet Rope"..
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It wasn't too long ago (well 15-20 years ago) that I was a frequent air show participant, behind those "velvet ropes", and most of the time we were very accommodating to photographers who wanted shots of our aircraft. All it took was for someone to politely ask, and we'd likely try to help them get the shots they wanted, as long as we could. To enhance the chance of success, be friendly, patient, not demanding (yes it happens) and ask quietly away from the crowd. (The last thing we needed was to have a big group hear the request and then have everyone ask.) Most fliers are proud of their aircraft, and are there to show them off. Letting someone photograph their bird is just one more way to do so. But all that being said, if you ask and they say no, just go on to the next opportunity.

WM
 
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dickelfan

Senior Member
I had a blast at the air show yesterday! Will definitely go back!

Lots of pictures to sort through in the next few days.

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dickelfan

Senior Member
It was the first version of the 80-400. I tried using it on the tripod, but felt that I got better shots hand held. The prop planes were tuff to get a good shot with a slow shutter speed. Little easier with the jets, but you had to be fast panning, and this was the first time I'd ever really tried panning. Friend of mine has the newer version of the lens and he really likes it.
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
dickelfan said:
It was the first version of the 80-400. I tried using it on the tripod, but felt that I got better shots hand held. The prop planes were tuff to get a good shot with a slow shutter speed. Little easier with the jets, but you had to be fast panning, and this was the first time I'd ever really tried panning. Friend of mine has the newer version of the lens and he really likes it.
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I do a lot of plane spotting and i just don't see a tripod being of any value. If anything, it would be far to restrictive in my opinion. I understand that the camera + lens is heavy, but it is not as if you are holding it up for hours on end. Some of the guys i see plane spotting have some pretty large lenses and they do all their shooting hand held. With panning, you have to continue through with your sweep, just like skeet shooting. Look forward to seeing more photos.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Whiskeyman said:
It wasn't too long ago (well 15-20 years ago) that I was a frequent air show participant, behind those "velvet ropes", and most of the time we were very accommodating to photographers who wanted shots of our aircraft. All it took was for someone to politely ask, and we'd likely try to help them get the shots they wanted, as long as we could. To enhance the chance of success, be friendly, patient, not demanding (yes it happens) and ask quietly away from the crowd. (The last thing we needed was to have a big group hear the request and then have everyone ask.) Most fliers are proud of their aircraft, and are there to show them off. Letting someone photograph their bird is just one more way to do so. But all that being said, if you ask and they say no, just go on to the next opportunity.

WM
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Personally, I mourn what appears to be the lost art of being polite. I've gotten some amazing shots because someone was nice enough to grant me access I might not otherwise have gotten and as I often say, if you want the shots no one else is getting, you have to do what no one else is doing... Or go where they're not going, I guess in this case. As you point out, though, it works both ways and a polite refusal has to be accepted graciously. Still, no harm in asking and I've never gotten anything but courtesy in response to my requests.

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hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Horoscope Fish said:
Personally, I mourn what appears to be the lost art of being polite. I've gotten some amazing shots because someone was nice enough to grant me access I might not otherwise have gotten and as I often say, if you want the shots no one else is getting, you have to do what no one else is doing... Or go where they're not going, I guess in this case. As you point out, though, it works both ways and a polite refusal has to be accepted graciously. Still, no harm in asking and I've never gotten anything but courtesy in response to my requests.
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Reminds me of the time I asked to photograph a yacht race. These weren't what you might call a yacht. They were sailboats, but nonetheless they were still beautiful. I wound up getting a ride on one (not during the race though). :)
 
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