John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

It was a Battle of Britain anniversary the other day (15/09/2015) and we had the largest no. of Spitfires & Hurricanes seen for quite some time. These were split up into several 'flights' enabling much of the South of England to see some. Unfortunately, our 'flight' only had the two - and here's my take.

Exposure +1, and tried to focus on the Spitfire. Stopped shutter speed down to get some blur on the props but couldn't hold steady enough to get a truly sharp image. Poor composition left both planes almost flying out of the picture and barely skimming the baseline so I increased canvas size to give a little more underneath and to fly into, then used the spot healer to match the extra sky.

Canon 60D / 400 F5.6 L.

Comments both general and suggesting how I might improve technique should I get another chance would be most welcome.

Spitfire and Hurricane

(Download)

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

John,

Beautiful planes! The story of the air battle over Britain in 1940-41 is one of the most inspirational in all of history.

I think you could increase depth of field, with that brightness of sky, even with the long focal length, to capture both in focus. You might also try shooting at high speed multiple shots, with your auto focus in "servo" mode. Might get more "keepers"

Don't sell yourself short with this shot, however. I love the dark shadow under wing, which brings out the "bulls-eye" logo, and sleek fuselage, that much more.

Catching moving objects at 300-400mph, overhead, possibly in a crowd, is tough under any circumstance.

Makes it tough to have your "finest hour" in photography here, but many thanks for sharing this photo, and a belated thanks to Great Britain for standing up to the thuggish Nazis when all odds were against you.

GWR100 Loc: England

Lovely picture John, Id be pretty happy with this one,

Geoff

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

I'll second that! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

That image works for me. You could take a tip from pro sports photographers and use a monopod when shooting. Another option is to set for hyperfocal distance.

Alternatively, a little judicious post processing may improve the original sharpness. Post your image in the Post Processing Digital Images section and let the guys work on it, you may be amazed at what they can do, John.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

The PPDI guys had a go at it for me. See what you think here http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-338364-1.html#5681216

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

I agree with some of the others, I think I would be pretty happy with these. WW II fighter planes are difficult because they are extremely fast, and still have props to deal with. I have found that shooting this kind of aircraft when their throttles are open, you can shoot 1/400th sec or higher, and get "acceptable" prop blur and still get a sharp image. If you shoot them on final when landing, you'll have to slow the shutter down. I just make sure I don't freeze the prop and get that unreal look.
Over all, a good job on some tough photography! I have found that shooting in "Shutter priority" works for me. Hope some of this helps!

Phil

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Thank you all for your comments. I'll be taking them on board and using them at my next visit to the local airfield. Light commercial traffic, gliding school and heli school + some private and restored planes to practice on.

Would like to get some of the old biplanes (there was an Avro (something or the other) doing touch and goes on flypast day, a lot slower with a thumpier engine so blur and prop movement might be a challenge - but I'm going to try using my ballhead as a cheap gimbal.