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Fifi the WWII superhero!
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Fifi the WWII superhero!



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California Capitol Airshow 2016, this is the only B-29 still flying!

California Capitol Airshow 2016, this is the only B-29 still flying!
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upload_dateOct, 2016

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1 Comment |
Neckbone
 
Neckbone August 04, 2017
Great shot!

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo at the California Capitol Airshow in Sacramento on October 2nd this year. It was my second time attending the airshow, my first time with my new camera. This was my first attempt at capturing a plane in flight.

Time

It was about 2pm, it had been raining off and on, so I was worried I may not get the perfect shot. I was excited however, about the patches of clouds, which I knew would create a more emotional picture while still allowing enough light through to bring Fifi to life.

Lighting

The B-29 dropped the world's first atomic bomb during World War II, which ultimately led to Japan's surrender. The B-29 Superfortress helped end one of the deadliest wars the world had ever seen. I wanted the picture to evoke emotion, to tell its heroic story. To achieve the result I was looking for, I waited for the plane to pass in front of a dark patch of clouds. I was quite pleased with the composition of this photo.

Equipment

I used my Nikon D810, my upgrade from the Canon 60D I used to shoot. This full frame camera has so much more capability and was perfect for this shot. I used my Nikkor 200-500mm lens to get in close and my tripod, because the lens is too heavy to shoot without it.

Inspiration

This B-29, known as "Fifi" is the only one of it's kind still flying. It's story is important to our history and I really wanted to capture the spirit of the plane. After I got home and took a look at the shot on the computer, I printed and framed it to hang in my home.

Editing

Fortunately, this picture did not need much in the way of post-processing. I increased the exposure and raised the shadows a little, next I slightly increased the clarity and, just like that, Fifi popped out of the clouds like a goddess of war.

In my camera bag

My Nikon D810 goes everywhere with me! I also carry a tripod, my 70-200mm, 24-70mm, and my 200-500mm lens, because you never know when you might have an opportunity to use it.

Feedback

When photographing planes, an overcast day is almost always best to minimize glare and to add character to the photo. Take lots of photos and choose your favorite, you just might be surprised the difference an angle can make in the overall feeling of a photograph, especially when the subject is something as magnificent as the Boeing B-29 Bomber.

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