tech2002 said:
those guys like bandit 1 probably using high end SLR type camera
Actually I use the
Kodak Easyshare Z650, a point and shoot but one with a myriad of functions and different settings which help the photographer adapt to the different conditions which they find themselves in while shooting.
A lot of people have the misconception (I'm not saying anyone here!) that you need a high priced camera to take a good or great picture. Having the bigger image sensor does help, don't get me wrong, but even the pro with a $5000 camera sometimes can't get good shots simply because he either wasn't in the right area or didn't know the nature of his camera. Remember, bigger and more expensive means more buttons and more to learn. I've seen manuals that are as thick as a Flight Safety manual, easily 2" thick. People will buy the camera but then not sit down and learn about everything the camera can do.
With regards to the Heritage Flight, I was at a great spot along the Toronto waterfront which I knew that they'd be flying over - proof that recon work does come in handy when shooting certain shows. The Snowbird shots I took were from show centre, where I was looking after my air show responsibilities on Saturday. The great thing about the Snowbirds is that they're flying a much tighter box this year compared to years past, which keeps them in front of the audience a lot more. Some of the static shots come from a creative imagination, thinking outside the box and just coming up with something different. I mean, how many of us have seen a side or frontal view of a Hornet, the Snowbirds, Rhino, etc...the only one I hadn't seen up close and personal was the Raptor, so I took many shots of her and posted the ones that looked ok. Not great, but ok and the bonus is that it gives people who weren't there a chance to see the lines of what is a truly magnificant aircraft. Personally, I'm big on Morning Glory but a very close 2nd is the shot of the CF-18's taxiing in where I managed to catch the heat waves coming from the engines. Both HF photos I like as well. Who am I kidding, I love any chance when I get to see military assets in the air.
I'm going through the process of saving up some money to get a decent SLR (Cannon XTi package, will set me back about $2000 including battery pack, memory cards and a couple of lenses - one zoom one wide angle for air to air shooting) but with my foray into the Forces it might be a little while before I get it, as I might be using Nikon when I do get in...
I know most are busy here with life and a whole bunch of different things, but if you have the time to spare to volunteer at a local air show near you, then I'd suggest going for it. You won't get paid, but the chance to meet performers and see the planes on arrival day or even first thing in the morning without people around more than pays for the hours that you put in as a volunteer.
For those who want to see more air show pictures that I've taken over the summer, feel free to go
here. I've also been lucky enough to do some writing and photographing for the Air Force website, and those pieces can be found
here and
here. Feel free to leave your feedback here, even constructive criticism is appreciated!
Cheers, and never stop looking up!
I've submitted the photo Morning Glory, which is attached below. The contest is open to anyone, so if you have a story, photo, or video to share, do so and who knows, you might be the lucky winner!
