Airplane Dilemna
Nov 22, 2011 08:05:07 #
bschrag
Loc: Houston, Texas
Hope I spelled that right. ...
My husband flies large RC Airplanes. He wants some pics to post in a mag.
I absolutely can't seem to "fix" on it in flight. By the time I find it in the camera, the movement is over and it's in another part of the sky.
Any suggestions. I know for one, my tripod. But any set-up, etc., ideas?
Thanks up front
My husband flies large RC Airplanes. He wants some pics to post in a mag.
I absolutely can't seem to "fix" on it in flight. By the time I find it in the camera, the movement is over and it's in another part of the sky.
Any suggestions. I know for one, my tripod. But any set-up, etc., ideas?
Thanks up front
Nov 22, 2011 08:31:48 #
The technique is called "panning;" trying to anticipate where a moving object is going to be so you can capture it in a camera. I'm sure it involves a lot of skill, and a lot of luck.
There are many sites that address this; here is just one to get you started.
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/mastering-panning-to-photograph-moving-subjects
There are many sites that address this; here is just one to get you started.
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/mastering-panning-to-photograph-moving-subjects
Nov 22, 2011 08:34:27 #
You probably need a camera that can take quick bursts of shots as well. You don't say what you have, but if we knew that any one of dozens of people here could probably give you very good advice. Details, Details, Details!
(and no, you didn't spell it right. There's no "N" in "dilemma") :)
(and no, you didn't spell it right. There's no "N" in "dilemma") :)
Nov 22, 2011 08:42:41 #
Say no to tripod, this is like shooting birds in flight, in fact you should practice with birds as they are everywhere and very unpredictable. You need a long zoom like 55-200mm, I just bought a remanufactured Nikon for $150. You "pan" with the bird and it helps if the pilot tells you what he is going to do. Set the DSLR to rapid fire and shoot as many pics as you can while the blasted thing is in your sights. This a lot like hunting!
Good hunting!
Good hunting!
bschrag wrote:
Hope I spelled that right. ...
My husband flies large RC Airplanes. He wants some pics to post in a mag.
I absolutely can't seem to "fix" on it in flight. By the time I find it in the camera, the movement is over and it's in another part of the sky.
Any suggestions. I know for one, my tripod. But any set-up, etc., ideas?
Thanks up front
My husband flies large RC Airplanes. He wants some pics to post in a mag.
I absolutely can't seem to "fix" on it in flight. By the time I find it in the camera, the movement is over and it's in another part of the sky.
Any suggestions. I know for one, my tripod. But any set-up, etc., ideas?
Thanks up front
Nov 22, 2011 09:08:25 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
Another tip would be to have your hubby fly "de plane" at a low speed but still fast enough to have total control...
Ah yas.... "de plane", "de plane"...
Ah yas.... "de plane", "de plane"...
Nov 22, 2011 09:15:45 #
What I have done is find the plane on wide then zoom in, then rapid fire. I generally get lucky with this strategy with at least one. The planes Im shooting are not very fast...they are pulling gliders so that could be why. good luck
ps...i spelled delemma wrong too on another thread header..oh boy.
ps...i spelled delemma wrong too on another thread header..oh boy.
Nov 22, 2011 19:38:51 #
I don't know what camera you are using but for me ( I take quite a few aircraft photos) I set my zoom lens to take the photo at a point where the plane will be when I want to pull the trigger on the shot. I focus on the plane well ahead of that point and follow it with the camera on continuous focus mode and the shutter release button half way down. In the shooting mode of my camera, I shoot in the continuous mode which gives me multiple frames. I have found this procedure works for me taking photos of aircraft at the Reno air races where the aircraft are passing the pylon in excess of 400mph. You really do not have time to switch to another aircraft on that lap and set up again or zoom in and out. A tripod or monopod is out of the question here. Hope this long winded reply helps!
Nov 23, 2011 06:14:13 #
You might try taking the pictures with the model coming toward you but at a small angle like 15-25 degrees.
Nov 23, 2011 08:30:45 #
I shoot aircrafts in flight and on ground, my question is what kind of equipment do you have (camera, lens etc) so I can give some suggestions.
Nov 23, 2011 08:47:06 #
I spend a week at Oshkosh - Wittman Field every year, when I can afford it, use Canon equipment. Been panning for years and don't care what people say it is difficult to master, and when you do think you got it down, you forget to eat your wheaties and nothing comes out panning. No Tri-Pod you got to do this on your own, a mono pod will only get in your way. Before you take your shots, practice on anything flying in the same path.Most of all learn to laugh cause a good sense of humor is necessary. When everything goes right, a really good photo !
Aeroshell Show Team, you get dizzy panning with these guys.
The Skyhawk landing in front of me, smooth panning and good results
Nov 23, 2011 08:50:17 #
Millismote,
Thats a P-51 mustang is it not. They are fantastic birds. Do you own the aircraft? Also its a butiful picture
Thats a P-51 mustang is it not. They are fantastic birds. Do you own the aircraft? Also its a butiful picture
Nov 23, 2011 08:53:05 #
Millismote,
Thats a P-51 mustang is it not. They are fantastic birds. Do you own the aircraft? Also its a beautiful picture. Sorry about the double post :(
Thats a P-51 mustang is it not. They are fantastic birds. Do you own the aircraft? Also its a beautiful picture. Sorry about the double post :(
Nov 23, 2011 09:01:19 #
Another tip that I picked up from a sports photographer. Once you know our sport, you'll learn to be where the action is going rather than trying to catch up to it. You might go out during his "play" (or practice) sessions to get a feel of what he is doing so you can anticipate the flying better.
In hockey, it's called skating to where the puck is going to be, not to where e puck is. Some times, you'll anticipate wrong, but when you are right, the payoff shot should be there.
In hockey, it's called skating to where the puck is going to be, not to where e puck is. Some times, you'll anticipate wrong, but when you are right, the payoff shot should be there.
Nov 23, 2011 09:14:00 #
Equipment is important but now days not very, with dslr cameras the way they are it depends on where you place yourself to photograph and where is your light source. Use polorizer and with me it's a 100-400 IS on a 5D or my XTI. The crop camera actually helps by extending the lens but sometimes that means camera shake when extended all the way out. When I get closer to runway I use a 24-105IS, both these lenses are exceptional performers and with a little luck, and practice. Air Shows are great places for Canon or Nikon - Cameras of any kind.
Nov 23, 2011 09:19:15 #
I take a lot of photos, only keep a few of them. Many bad ones but as years go by fewer and fewer bad ones, keepers remain about the same number.
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