James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Folks, the Blue Angels are here for a Father's Day weekend show. They are flying out of Smyrna Regional Airport which is only 2 miles from my house. Today I was able to get a few shots of them practicing. Some of these were taken at my house. My wife and I attempted to get to the airport before their practice session was over...but alas, they had the roads to the airport closed. I guess for safety reasons.
Now, this is my first time shooting fast jets with the HX300 so the quality isn't what it should be. I need to learn how to do high speed panning better. On a side note: They are scheduled to be in Dayton Ohio next weekend for the big Dayton Air Show. Now that would be a show to see...!

taken as they fly right over our house

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another pass over the house

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#5 and 6 climbing to rejoin the main formation

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flying low as seen from the road leading to the airport

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Super shots, James! I've seen the shows of the Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds. Just awesome.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Quality is way up there to my eyes..good job!!

bigmac115100 Loc: Florida

Because you were unable to get to the airport, you really got some unique compositions. Great job

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yep Linda, they are a thrill to watch. The noise can be deafening at times.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thanks rlaugh...

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

I know, especially the shot of them flying low over the road leading to the airport. They were at tree top levels...what a thrill.

SunnyDee Loc: New Hampshire

You captured some nice shots. It's awesome to watch them.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Fantastic, James! By all means, keep practicing, but I don't think you'll improve on these beauties! Excellent work!!!

rizer Loc: Long Island, NY

Great shots James. What lens did you use?

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

great shots

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I think you did very well. Nice shots enjoy the show..

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

You are only an easy day's drive to Dayton. While you are there be sure to spend a few days shooting planes all day long at THE museum! If you have never visited the USAF museum @ Wright-Patt, it is a wonderful collection of all eras of aviation. A note to first timers, the aircraft are in three different types of display. First are the planes inside the buildings. The last visit I saw the XB-70 and the B-36 inside! There are also planes hung from above. Second location is the area outside the main building. This inventory changes with each new museum acquisition. Last but not least, and you will most likely have to ask as if you know where you are going is the Annex. This is a huge hangar where the "other" planes are housed. The presidential aircraft are here, including N26000. This is the VC-137 that was used to return the body of JFK to Washington D.C. It remains in the configuration it was in upon arrival at Andrews, including the saw cut in the bulkhead. If you are visiting the museum during the airshow you can expect crowds at both places. Count on thunderstorms, it always stormed @ DAY during airshow weekend. The static displays were always exceptional due to the industrial interest in this show. Hope you have a lot of fun, this show was one of the better ones. Be sure to have lots of fresh cards in your pocket, you will see lots of moving and lots of static planes. Shoot 'em all! Have fun!. Share what you shoot, if you please.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yes they sure are. More opportunities await over the next few days in which I hope to get some nice shots

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yea, I need practice Randy...hard to follow something moving 400mph+.