It’s air show season again. All across North America, the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, Snow Birds, Black Diamond Jet Team, and hundreds of other flight demonstration teams will be taking to the air to delight the crowds below. If you are like me, you love photographing the air shows. Not only is it exciting and entertaining, but it’s also the thrill of the hunt. To capture that perfect image of an aircraft doing something extraordinary. To help you in your quest for that perfect aircraft shot, I’ve compiled ten useful tips to make your day as an air show photographer more pleasant.
1. Arrive early and stay late
You will you get a better parking spot, avoid lines into and out of the air show, and have fewer people in your shots at the beginning and end of the day. More importantly, you should have some nice color in the sky early in the morning and late in the afternoon to shoot static aircraft with.
2. Try to tell a story with your photography
There is more to an air show than just flight demonstrations. There are static displays, vendors, autograph signings, families enjoying the air show, and kiddy rides. I recommend photographing everything. Try to tell a story about the day.
3. Keep your equipment as light as possible
One camera and a couple of lenses are all you need. I typically carry a 70-300mm lens for the flight demonstrations and shoot everything else with a 24-70mm lens. Believe me, standing and walking on a hot tarmac for 10 hours with several camera bodies and a bag full of long lenses will have your entire body screaming.
4. Use fanny pack camera bag or photo vest
A fully loaded shoulder or backpack-style camera bag will put tremendous strain on your shoulders and back. I recommend using a fanny pack camera bag, which puts the weight of your equipment on your hips. You could also try a photo vest at air shows, but they can get hot. I prefer a ScotteVest travel vest. It’s lighter than the traditional photo vest and less obvious to would-be thieves.
You could also try a photo vest at air shows, but they can get hot. I prefer a ScotteVest travel vest. It’s lighter than the traditional photo vest and less obvious to would-be thieves.
5. Wear a hat and use sunscreen
The sun out on an open tarmac is unforgiving. Without a hat and some sunscreen, you are going to cook. Also, after applying the sunscreen, wash your hands. The chemicals in sunscreen can damage the plastic on your camera body. You might try applying the sunscreen with the back of your hands, but it’s not easy.
6. Sunglasses and ear plugs can come in handy
You will be staring into the open sky all day, looking at shiny airplanes, and standing on a bright concrete tarmac all day. It can really put a strain on your eyes. As far as earplugs are concerned, jet aircraft are not quiet. If your ears are sensitive to the noise, you might consider some of those foam earplugs.
7. Carry pain relievers in your camera bag
Aspirin, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen will come in handy if you develop a headache from eye strain or an aching back from carrying around your gear all day.
8. Stay hydrated throughout the day
Carry a couple of bottles of water with you if allowed to enter the air show with them. Due to FAA or TSA restrictions, you usually won’t be allowed to bring in your own water. So have some money to purchase water while there. You can get dehydrated very quickly standing out on a hot tarmac. This will result in headaches, weakness, and possibly a medical emergency if not dealt with.
9. Carry energy bars with you
It’s going to be a long day, and you will need food. You can purchase food at all air shows, but it’s typically expensive and not what I would call healthy. I prefer to carry four or five Cliff Bars with me. Check the entrance rules for the air shows you are attending. Many do not allow outside food or drink. Not even energy bars. With that being said, energy bars still manage to find their way into my pockets and hidden areas in my camera bag.
10. Don’t overlook smaller air shows
Everyone knows about the big air shows with twenty or more acts usually capped off with one of the big military headliners like The Blue Angels or The Thunderbirds. But there are many smaller air shows that are just as fun to photograph. One of my favorites is the Stearman Fly-In held in Galesburg, Illinois each year. Smaller air shows have fewer visitors. Parking is typically not a problem and is very close to the event. Many smaller air shows even have free admission.
Do you have any tips for air show photography that you would like to share? Share them with us in the comments section below.