1. Use the Right Gear

Airshows demand specialized equipment to capture fast-moving subjects. Here are some essentials:

Camera and Lenses: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus is ideal. Use a telephoto lens (e.g., 100-400mm) for close-up shots of aircraft in flight and a wide-angle lens for capturing the atmosphere on the ground.

Tripod or Monopod: A monopod provides stability while allowing flexibility to track moving planes.

Filters: Polarizing filters can reduce glare and enhance sky contrast, while neutral density filters help when shooting at slower shutter speeds in bright conditions.

2. Master Your Camera Settings

To handle the dynamic environment of an airshow, adjust your camera settings to capture crisp, high-quality shots:

Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze jets mid-flight. For propeller planes, slower speeds (around 1/200s) create motion blur in the propellers, giving a sense of movement.

Autofocus: Set your camera to continuous autofocus (AI-Servo on Canon, AF-C on Nikon) to track fast-moving aircraft.

Burst Mode: Use continuous shooting mode to take a series of photos, increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment.

3. Position Yourself Strategically

Arrive early to scout the best location for shooting. Look for spots near the center of the showline for the most action-packed views. Avoid backlit positions by considering the sun’s angle, as shooting into the sun can result in underexposed subjects or lens flare. If possible, shoot during the “golden hours” (early morning or late afternoon) for better lighting and dramatic skies.

4. Anticipate the Action

Airshows are fast-paced, so preparation is key. Research the event schedule and learn about featured aircraft to anticipate key moments, such as takeoffs, aerobatic stunts, or formation flights. Listen to announcers, as they often provide cues about upcoming maneuvers.

5. Focus on Composition and Context

While close-up shots of planes are exciting, don’t forget to capture the atmosphere and storytelling elements:

Wide Shots: Include crowds, hangars, or the airfield to convey the scale and energy of the event.

Details: Focus on unique features like cockpits, nose art, or pilots preparing for flight.

Sky: Frame your shots to include clouds or smoke trails for added drama. Use leading lines from the planes’ paths to guide the viewer’s eye.

6. Capture Video Strategically

If hired to shoot videos as well as photos, switch between wide and telephoto lenses for variety. Use a gimbal or tripod for smooth video footage, and pan slowly to follow aircraft movement. For dynamic shots, use slow motion to emphasize dramatic maneuvers.

7. Post-Processing and Editing

After the event, use editing software to enhance your images. Adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness to bring out details. For RAW images, correct exposure and tweak highlights to perfect your shots.

—

Written by Jack Vale

The post Tips for Photographing an Airshow appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.