Air show
Sep 21, 2019 23:01:35 #
Sep 21, 2019 23:58:31 #
I googled it and found this:
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/howto/how-to-photograph-an-airshow/
Seems reasonable.
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/howto/how-to-photograph-an-airshow/
Seems reasonable.
Sep 22, 2019 02:17:11 #
Ha ha. More info please. What do you mean "I have an opportunity to shoot an air show-Blue Angeles"? From inside the cockpit? Or or from on the ground in the stands?
Inside the cockpit I can't help but be envious.
From on the ground, there are many opportunities for different themed shots. My recommendation is don't forget to enjoy the show.
As far as settings.. for inflight shots, continuous focus, 3D tracking, high speed burst, and a zoom lens is desired. The wider the range the better. And carry extra batteries.
Inside the cockpit I can't help but be envious.
From on the ground, there are many opportunities for different themed shots. My recommendation is don't forget to enjoy the show.
As far as settings.. for inflight shots, continuous focus, 3D tracking, high speed burst, and a zoom lens is desired. The wider the range the better. And carry extra batteries.
Sep 22, 2019 07:38:57 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
rbmitch123 wrote:
I have an opportunity to shoot an air show-Blue Angeles. Any tips on settings?
Here are my settings.
I use a 300 mm f4 lens for in the air shots.
I use two camera bodies, one with a wide angle lens for planes on the ground.
VR cannot keep up with panning, turn it off especially if hand holding.
I use GROUP AUTO FOCUS, with center weighted metering
I use Continuous auto focus
Aperture priority
Shoot as fast as possible, minimum of 1/1000 sec. or faster is better
For propeller planes/ shoot a 1/125 sec. or slower to get the prop blur
Sep 22, 2019 07:47:19 #
rbmitch123 wrote:
I have an opportunity to shoot an air show-Blue Angeles. Any tips on settings?
This is impossible to answer meaningfully. Turning the camera on would be the most meaningful response with the information you've provided.
I've shot airshows and have used anything from a 70mm lens to a 600mm. The Blue Angels do a high speed pass where two planes approach each other and pass, seemingly avoiding a mid air collision, usually right in front of the paid access seating area. Try to get as close to that area as possible.
Camera settings are no different than any other shooting situation. Use the aperture that provides the greatest sharpness or depth of field, shutter speed that will stop action, and an ISO that will let the first two settings provide adequate exposure. No magic there.
As you can see in the images below, even 1/2500 sec is not short enough to freeze two planes approaching each other. But timing is everything on those. The formation passes are easier. I would use 1/4000 sec or faster if possible.
_DSC7924 by Gene Lugo, on Flickr
_DSC8003 by Gene Lugo, on Flickr
_DSC7944 by Gene Lugo, on Flickr
_DSC8103 by Gene Lugo, on FlickrOk this last one is not the Blue Angels
_DSC5318 by Gene Lugo, on FlickrSep 22, 2019 08:49:59 #
If this is your 1st attempt at shooting an airshow, don’t be frustrated. A lot of shots depend on where you’re located in relation to the airplanes. Practice, practice, practice & enjoy the show.
Sep 22, 2019 08:50:01 #
If this is your 1st attempt at shooting an airshow, don’t be frustrated. A lot of shots depend on where you’re located in relation to the airplanes. Practice, practice, practice & enjoy the show.
Sep 22, 2019 09:10:07 #
Gene51 wrote:
This is impossible to answer meaningfully. Turning... (show quote)
At least you saved the best for last!!
Aim High...Go Blue...Air Force!!!
Sep 22, 2019 10:51:48 #
Yes I do. I photographed them last year at an air show in Houston TX. I used a 300mm f 4 Nikon tele lens mounted on my Nikon D500, a 1.5 crop sensor camera. I shot in AF-C high speed, 10 frames per second, to make sure I got the right composition when two planes were flying right at each other. The 300mm lens allowed just enough space to get all four or five planes in the frame when they were doing tight formations.
If you have a full frame camera I would still use the same lens. That way you have some cushion for framing your shots. If you have a zoom tele around 200-400m that works fine too.
If the sky is grey or ugly, consider setting exp compensation of +.3 or +.7 to make sure the planes are not underexposed. Shutter speed was about 1/800 sec or higher.
All my shots were hand held. And you need to pan as you shoot even at high shutter speeds. Af was set to d21 or group but bot 3D.
If you have a full frame camera I would still use the same lens. That way you have some cushion for framing your shots. If you have a zoom tele around 200-400m that works fine too.
If the sky is grey or ugly, consider setting exp compensation of +.3 or +.7 to make sure the planes are not underexposed. Shutter speed was about 1/800 sec or higher.
All my shots were hand held. And you need to pan as you shoot even at high shutter speeds. Af was set to d21 or group but bot 3D.
Sep 22, 2019 12:05:44 #
rbmitch123 wrote:
I have an opportunity to shoot an air show-Blue Angeles. Any tips on settings?
Are you talking about LNAS? You better be there by 8 am or you won't get any shots. I left to be there by 10 for an 11 start, and got in line at 1130, and was not going to get in till maybe 230. No place outside the base too get lucky..... Wasted trip.....a lot of people had the same problem...... Hope you had/have better luck. It was a nightmare my son in law paid for box seats and could not get in either.....
I would start at 1/1000, f8, and raise the Iso to get the shutter speed. Hand held or mono pod. It's too hard to track with a tripod. Depending on how close you are to flight path 400mm or more.
Sep 22, 2019 13:32:07 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
nicksr1125 wrote:
If this is your 1st attempt at shooting an airshow, don’t be frustrated. A lot of shots depend on where you’re located in relation to the airplanes. Practice, practice, practice & enjoy the show.
That’s right. It took me 20 years of going to air shows at Edwards Air Force Base before I got a good photo of the “knife-edge pass” and “crossover” maneuvers by the Thunderbirds solo pilots. Previously, I’d get one plane or the other, but never really got both in a position that I liked.
Part of my problem all those other years was I was shooting film. Had ONE chance to get it and hardly ever was able to even come close.
Yes, it’s all about practice and timing. And a really good shutter burst and buffer!
Sep 22, 2019 13:34:23 #
my air show formula - 100-400 zoom, manual mode - autofocus off, set at infinity, depending on day, iso set for 1000 shutter speed
Sep 22, 2019 13:35:53 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
frankraney wrote:
Are you talking about LNAS? You better be there by 8 am or you won't get any shots. I left to be there by 10 for an 11 start, and got in line at 1130, and was not going to get in till maybe 230.
At our local (Edwards AFB) shows, although the aerial demos start at noon and run until 4:30pm, gates open at 9 am. We are there by 8:30 am and immediately make a run for the flight line to stake out our position to the “intersection” where the returning planes turn to taxi in front of the crowd.
We plant ourselves there and hold our spots. We don’t look around at the static displays — that can wait until we’re on our way out. We’re there for the “show”. If we give up our spot to look around, we’ll lose it. Don’t want anyone in front, blocking our shots. Yeah, we’re selfish that way.
But, back on point. Get their early and be prepared to stay in the spot you get all day.
Sep 22, 2019 13:37:46 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
photoman43 wrote:
If the sky is grey or ugly, consider setting exp compensation of +.3 or +.7 to make sure the planes are not underexposed.
That had always been my problem when I was shooting film. The images would be too dark or too blown out. I’d get a nice blue sky, but the planes didn’t look as good.
Sep 22, 2019 13:38:35 #
JD750 wrote:
Inside the cockpit I can't help but be envious.
Inside the cockpit I can't help but be envious.
Better you than me... those old FA18s are (out of hours?) flying scrap heaps.
RIP Lieutenant Commander Kevin "Kojak" Davis, Capt. Jeff Kuss and
the many other Blue Angels that have lost their lives.
:-(
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