F-22 Raptor
Jul, 2017Views
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Awards
Legendary Award
Top Shot Award
Peer Choice Award
Peer Award
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Canadian Air Force base of Bagotville, Quebec during their awesome air show. It's a classic air show that has been going for years. My first show was in the early 80'sTime
Around 11am. I always get early to the show the maximize my time to get good pics of aircraft on static display. I also use a heavy dose of patience because there is always a lot of people. In this case the aircraft was further on the tarmac because it would do a flight demonstration latter on. My challenge was to find the right spot near the security fence to get the best angle for the shot. I wanted the capture a graphic picture that illustrates the unique geometrical features if this fighter aircraft.Lighting
Light at an air show is challenging because I have no control over it! I am at the mercy of two factors: weather and air base location and orientation. With the years I've learned to adjust to changing light conditions. Booming sun and clear sky are great for in flight shots but harsh for static planes on the ground. Heavy cloud overcast increases difficulty to capture flying planes but is good for the ones on the ground because it reduces hard shadows. For this shot the overcast was mt friend.Equipment
Nikon D5300, Sigma 70-200 mm 1:2.8 APO DG HSM, Sigma APO tele Converter 1.4x EX DG. Shot was taken hand held without a mono pod.Inspiration
The F-22 Raptor is a unique aircraft with shapes unlike any other fighter. The shape combines angular and linear feature that blend into compounded curves. It's also a big plane compared to other aircraft of similar types. It makes for an aggressive and purposeful look.Editing
Post processing is basic. I really work hard a getting the shot right at capture. First I removed the safety cord that was in front of the plane. I slightly cropped for optimum composition, balanced exposure with the levels tool and enhanced sharpening with unsharpen mask.In my camera bag
For an air show I have one camera body, standard zoom lens, telephoto lens and converter. I also have a polarizing filter for my standard zoom lens which can make for dramatic shot enhancing a deep blue sky on a sunny day. I also carry a mono pod. It's important to remember that weight is an issue. I can spend up to 8 hours standing and walking under the sun on a hot tarmac. All is in a good and comfortable photo back pack. Advise: spend your hard earned bucks on a good photo back pack.Feedback
Get to the show early. The crowd is relatively small at this time and it's good for static display planes. Walk up and down the site constantly and go back on your steps because the different angle will give you shots you didn't see the first time. Look for shape, form and lines the airplanes have to offer. Don't be afraid to close in on a specific part of the airplane for a more graphic and geometrical image. Take 2 or 3 similar pics with a different depth of field.
