Adventure – Page 2 – An Adventure in Awesome

“Departure Day: Capturing the Magic of RIAT 2024”

Departure day, a full day of aviation and photography for the ultra-passionate. Since this was going to be my last opportunity at capturing this year’s attending aircraft, I struggled with how I was going to capture them. On one hand, I can use settings that will pretty much guarantee the shot and the other is riskier but produces a much more striking image. That is to shoot with a slow shutter speed while panning the aircraft as it is taking off. The result is an image where your subject is tack sharp and the background is blurred due to the panning motion. The sense of speed makes the subject appear to leap out of the photo. And after three days of off and on practicing this, I felt confident and comfortable with my panning abilities. I found the key was to shoot within a certain range of shutter speeds.

My range was as slow as 1/80^th and my safe zone was 1/200^th. A factor that you must keep in mind is the speed of the aircraft as it is taking off. The faster the takeoff, the faster the shutter speed you can get away with. This also means the slower the takeoff, your shutter speed had to be slower as well to show a sense of motion. Something else to keep in mind is that it is far easier to successfully pan with a small lens versus a larger one. For example, I had no problems shooting as slow as 1/60^th of a second with my 18-135mm. But compared to my 100-400mm, the slowest I comfortably shot at was 1/125^th. Unfortunately, shooting a large telephoto zoom at such slow shutter speeds, my keeper rate drops significantly. Remember, all you need is one to be spot on.

I’m not going to say it was an easy decision and to execute it. Shooting aircraft with slow shutter speeds, handheld with a large telephoto lens, sitting down on the next to last upper row of the grandstand, was so unnerving. Especially knowing there’s sure-fire technique just one turn on the main dial away. I was super hesitant to shoot the Greek and Turkish Phantoms with a slow shutter. But I had to trust in my abilities and knowing that the outcome would be totally worth it. So, without further ado, here’s 45 of my favorite images from Departure Day at RIAT 2024. Enjoy!

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Until next post,

Steven

Gear used:

Canon 90D

EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS ST

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

iPhone 11 Pro Max

Here’s links to Part One and two

“Seeking Unique Shots on Arrival Day at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024”

The Royal International Air Tattoo: Redefining Awesome for Aviation Photographers

The Royal International Air Tattoo: Redefining Awesome for Aviation Photographers

As a seasoned aviation photographer who has attended both the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Oshkosh Airventure, I can say with confidence that RIAT is a far superior experience. I’m sure some would argue that you can’t compare the two events. Because one being the world’s largest military airshow and the other is the world’s largest fly-in. But both are world-renowned events that draw thousands of aviation photographers. And that’s how I’m going to compare RIAT with Oshkosh Airventure, as an aviation photographer and not as an airshow enthusiast. My reasoning is threefold. First, the unparalleled variety of attending aircraft. Second, the nonstop and lengthy flying displays, and finally, the unmatched quality of the catering to photographers. It is because of this unique combination that sets RIAT apart from AirVenture.

Let’s start with the unparalleled variety of attending aircraft. Holy fuck! Where do I begin? How about the 20-plus F-16s on the “Viper Line” from 8 different Air Forces. Or the stunning pairs of F-4 Phantoms from Turkey and Greece. What about the two new F-15QA Advanced Eagles from Qatar. Plus, the six national aerobatic teams, which included Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse, the Saudi Hawks, the Finish Air Force Midnight Hawks, the RAF Red Arrows, the Royal Jordanian Falcons, and the petite Yellow Sparrows from the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Let’s not forget the single-ship demos. Starting with the Eurofighter Typhoon demos from the RAF, the Luftwaffe, and the Italian Air Force. Alongside two Gripen demos from the Czech and Swedish Air Forces. Also, those beautifully painted F-16 demo teams from Turkey and the Danish Air Forces. Along with the stunning Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornet in it’s 100^th anniversary livery. Last but not least, the two noise makers. The RAF F-35B and the Spanish Navy EAV-8B demos.

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Most airshows and aviation events start flying about 11:30 to 12 o’clock and the show wraps up around about 3:30 to 4 o’clock. RIAT on the other hand, starts its flying displays at 9 AM and goes nonstop to 5 in the afternoon with little to no downtime in between demos. There’s not even a break for lunch! Quoting Top Gun, it’s a target-rich environment. Some of the highlights from this year for me were the Royal Danish Air Force F-16 demo that sported an amazing 50^th anniversary of the F-16 liveries, the Qatar agile fly by wire-controlled F-15QA, and the impressive fighter-like aerobatics of the Italian C-27J Spartan. It was refreshing seeing numerous European fighters as well as the rare bonus of the USAF flew two U-2s during Saturday’s show.

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Last but not least, the unparalleled level of catering to photographers.The Friends of RIAT (FRIAT)package provides the best access I’ve ever seen at any airshow or aviation event. It not only gives you entry to the show but also includes access to arrival and departure days with choice of various shooting locations including an elevated Grandstand along with flying programs available daily. No need to wait in long lines for food and restroom breaks. Within the FRIAT area, there is dedicated catering, private restrooms and not the standard port-a potty. There’s also luggage facility to securely keep your camera bag overnight, so you’re not having to lug it in and out of the show each day. Also, for protection from Mother Nature, the FRIAT enclosure has a large tent with plenty of tables and chairs to get out of the elements if need be. Conveniently, there is also a lense rental service within the FRIAT area with tons of big & fast glass for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mounts. Other included amenities are an official RIAT souvenir program, and exclusive FRIAT gift. This year’s gift was a gold-colored F-16 pin to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Fighting Falcon.

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Let us recap, the Royal International Air Tattoo offers an unparalleled variety of attending aircraft, nonstop and lengthy flying displays and the unmatched services that caters to photographers. Oshkosh’s Airventure is an event that every aviation enthusiast and photographer should experience at least once in their lives. And if it blows you away, then go to the Royal International Air Tattoo to redefine awesome.

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Gear used:

Canon 90D (X2) shot in Shutter Priority from 1/60^th to 1/200^th with Image

Stabilizer turned off.

EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS ST

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

EF 500mm F/4.5L USM

iPhone 11 Pro Max

If you missed Arrival Day, follow the link below.

“Seeking Unique Shots on Arrival Day at the Royal International

Air Tattoo 2024”

Also check out Departure Day

“Departure Day: Capturing the Magic of RIAT 2024”

Until next post,

Steven

“Seeking Unique Shots on Arrival Day at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024”

This is the start of the most intense and diverse aviation venue I’ve ever attended. The Royal International Air Tattoo also known as RIAT, has been an event that has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. It is the world’s largest military airshow that goes from Wednesday to Monday. I Missed Wednesday due to My helicopter flight over London.

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Despite the scale of this show, the diversity of the flying displays along with the sheer number of attending photographers, capturing a unique image is going to be nearly impossible. But I can make a few of my images stand out by changing my shooting technique. It’s a widespread practice to shoot fast jets with the highest possible shutter speed to ensure freezing the motion to get the shot. I chose the gutsier move, to shoot much slower to give my images a sense of motion.

The major disadvantage of this is my keeper rate drops significantly which increases the chance of missing a shot. When I shoot with higher shutter speeds, my keeper rate is about 85 to 90% depending on the quality of light. The more light, the higher the keeper rate. But shooting with slower shutter speeds, it drops to 30 to 40%. It makes reviewing photos extremely painful. But when it’s done right; the sense of motion makes the subject jump out of the frame and it’s so rewarding. It should be noted that I wasn’t brave enough to do this the entire show and mainly used it during take-off and landings. But the more I did it, the more confident I became outside of my comfort zone. Enjoy my perspective of Arrival Day at RIAT 2024.

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Gear used:

Canon 90D (2X)

EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS ST

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Be sure to check out Show Days

The Royal International Air Tattoo: Redefining Awesome for

Aviation Photographers

Also check out Departure Day

“Departure Day: Capturing the Magic of RIAT 2024”

Until next post,

Steven

From the Thames to the Clouds: My Memorable London Adventures

Even though I rented a car during my trip to England, I didn’t feel comfortable driving into the heart of London having to deal with traffic and parking for my sightseeing adventures. I feel I would miss so much having to stay focused on driving. This meant from my hotel in Reading, I could take the bus to Pennington station, and from there ride the train into London. To venture into the unknown of such a large and world-renowned city was super exciting.

It was early Tuesday morning and with the help of Google Maps, it was time to answer the call to London. The bus to the Reading train station picks up in front of my hotel. After a short ride into downtown Reading, it was a brief but pleasant walk to the train station. Shoutout to Google Maps, it makes traveling abroad so much easier. It shows you what train to take (along with times), and how to get to the right track. And while on the train (same as when on the bus), it tells you how many stops until you reach your destination. I got to be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride into London. Was so peaceful and calming considering I’ve never been to London and my levels of excitement were growing as I got closer.

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Once off the train, I made my way through the stunning open space of Pennington station to begin my adventure. My goal was to try to experience the city by seeing the most iconic landmarks of London. Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and a lesser-known point of interest, the Graffiti Tunnel off Leake Street. Mother Nature was being kind, and the weather was picture-perfect. I spent the day navigating the city, had lunch on the Thames, bought souvenirs for my friends, and even rode on the underground a few times, which I found noisy but convenient. After a long but memorable day and a shit ton of walking, I made my way back to my hotel in Reading.

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After doing helicopter flights over LAX and Seattle last year, I had to do one over London. On very short notice and with the help of Wingly, I was able to search and book a site seeing flight. The day after my bus and train trip into London, I drove down to Blackbushe Airport to meet Simon, the pilot of my scenic flight. After a quick safety briefing, pre-flight checks of the Robinson R-44, and clearance for departure, we were in the air and headed to London. From Blackbushe airport, the planned route was to join up with the Thames, fly on the southern side up to the London Eye, and turn back on the northern side. Simon was very professional and informative about numerous points of interest up and down the Thames. The only downside of the flight was due to where we took off from. It took more time to get to London than the actual time we spent over it. This was due to my last-minute booking which really limited my choice of flights. Most of the longer scenic flights with closer departure locations were already booked well before I even had this idea. But it was still very exciting and got a unique perspective of London. Time for me to cut the chatter and let you to check out some photos from this adventure. Enjoy!

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