Action Photography

When preparation technique practice come together Stan Eames L-39 Albatross Bob Powers F-4 Phantom slope soaring gliders local Herring Gull photographed Cape Cod MA Clyde Geist U Dave Garwood Editors note Former MA columnist Dove Garwood accomplished photographer hundreds published photos number magazine covers credit uses ]960s-vintage mechanical cameras Action shots highest form model aviation photography fire viewers imagination far static posed photos can make reader say himself Hey looks pretty cool Maybe Ill flying Given like have photos flying buddies photographing people including people action photographs gives us some most-treasured images photo collections two types photos can difficult images capture competently preparation technique practice can boost chances article gives tips tricks techniques help take better model airplane action photographs written magazine photography point view whether strive have work published things please editors impress art directors wow readers will improve own personal model photography Preparation Working photographers say hope come out know time film rewound back can whether have shots need theyll have load another roll keep Knowledge equipment film capabilities limitations processing lab key elements preparation Camera selection Familiar equipment necessarily technically advanced geargenerally works best Choose tools give flexibility capture images seek Most common well-suited model airplane photography venerable 35mm Single Lens Reflex SLR camera yields images sharp enough enlarged magazine cover size SLR handles variety lenses January1999 33 Graphic Design carla Kunz because looking through lens framing shot have excellent idea what composition shot will Some SLR cameras give exact 11 ratio viewfinder image film frame others show film viewfinder Read cameras manual find out case gear limitation SLRs cannot see subject through viewfinder instant film exposed mirror flips up out way shutter viewfinder blacked out may lead capturing glint off wing spoils picture recording human subject eyes closed faults cannot discovered until film returned lab limitation leads photographers make exposure given subject just sure Twin Lens Reflex TLR cameras rangefinder RF cameras have limitation present limitations own find TLRs bulky fast handling RFs limited selection available lenses Best bet consult book basic photography consider complete list advantages disadvantages type choose camera based expect using Camera knowledge pays utterly familiar operation camera lenses flash unit Know what button knob lever does know what effect incorrect settings will Sometimes can live incorrect setting sometimes spoils shot case wrong-film-speed setting may spoil roll Study manual comes camera see sidebar examples other types books 34 Model Aviation ting front subject make sure theLynsel Millers TG-3 focus good lighting airplane pilot knows approves working downrangevisible pleasing eye wing upper surface showing would better above horizon Airplane flying out frame makes reader think hes missed peak action camera man little slow shutter release Camera position shifted catch glimpse pilots face shaded hat Dave Sanders close pass EPP-foam KA-6 January1999 35 Panoramic camera can help show landscape though airplane images will small Soar-Utah-95 disposable camera Portrait technique improved using long lens taking photo subject Joe Conrad isIf airplane frame good two twice good Note cloud concentrating elsewhereadds interesting reference point Photographed 1996 Los Banos CA event Pete Marshall concentrates Big difference between kinetic launch shot static Statue Liberty posed airplane camera Angle chosen shot George Voss launches DAW FoaMe-109 Wilson Lake KS gives clear sky head-shot background Film selection Select medium-speed film daylight photography ISO 100 200 film will let stop action provide generous depth-of-field distance front behnid subject will focus will provide margin sunlight reduced cloud cover Faster-speed film grainier limits enlargement size Slower-speed film has finer grain requires attention focus camera-steadying techniques Lenses Carry lenses expect need consider cutting baggage down bare minimum Some shots will taken normal lens 50mm focal length 35mm film will make good use short-to-medium telephoto 100-200mm 35mm film youre steady enough hand-hold 300mm lens will help fill frame airplane zoom variable focal length telephoto lens wonderful tool adding flexibility shooting 70230mm zoom may used shots aware critical cover shot opportunities zoom lenses sharp fixed-focal-length lenses Batteries Pack spares dead battery mechanical camera lose internal light meter electronic camera also lose motorized functions including autofocus film advance Light meters Consider using handheld light meter back up camera s internal meter Soar Utah 95 internal meters both cameras quit happy spare meter extreme cases can rely rule thumb bright sunlight set aperture lens opening f/16 shutter speed reciprocal film speed example ISO 200 film would exposed I/5 second nearest shutter speed f/16 really bright conditions beach snow cover go shutter speed faster thin clouds slower heavy clouds two slower Technique Work pilot key getting good flying shots working closely cooperatively pilot will relying him put airplane need skill knowledge its flight characteristics crucial success Its photographers job select part sky put airplane pilots job put preferred location will chosen after considering light source what isnt foreground background awareness other airborne model traffic spectator safety Before photo session communicate clearly pilot ideal location airplane will likely away sun probably above horizon specified distance camera position may able take wind direction consideration may become pilotss job handle crosswinds During shoot youll find yourself instructing pilot Gimme another pass like Closer Lower Slower Rock wing toward camera can lead hazardous flying Remind yourself pilot he/she aircraft commander ultimately responsible preserving airplane safety regarding people present Eliminate distracting elements otherwise-excellent images diminished clutter foreground objects background distract viewers attention main elements picture Practice looking unneeded elements viewfinder compose picture move yourself ask people take step two shift camera position wait minute until coast clear objects background can add composition showing photo taken say whether slope soaring inland site coast often detract main image Its amazing see number club field shots include Porta PottiTM background Guess what draws viewerss eye Study background everything photograph decide case showing background can improve picture Ask yourself showing less background reveals primary subject better 36 Model Aviation ded grip-and-grin shot Good lighting clear background tense subjects Jerry Slates Dave Sanders Airplane shown flying frame builds excitement through anticipation What will happen next Doug Buchanans BAe Hawk youre making head-and-shoulder portraits way get clear background squat down shoot upward subjects making open sky background Photograph airplanes flying toward camera Ask pilot fly toward camera position moving object entering frame gives more-exciting point view object leaving frame Keep airplane above horizon clearest view airplane wing ask pilot move camera position its against sky Airplanes below horizon tend often blend background become difficult see Study light term photography Greek words photo tight graphos drawn written means -to write light pay attention light better writing drawing light will Beyond minimum light needed properly expose film quality light plays big part pictures record scene wish capture important characteristic airplane photographers direct versus diffuse light Direct sunlight gives sharp high-contrast images generally best recording strong color film Light diffused overcast sky reflected building illuminating subject open shade gives softer rendering tends mute strong colors Diffuse light generally flattering photographing people useful basic rule shoot sun behind camera position fully illuminating model subject backlight side light overhead light part airplane its own shadow detail part picture reduced lost Set up portraits thoughtfully Few photos preserve memories like portraits attending few basic problems photographing people can record character studies instead just snapshots Lets distinguish between posed candid photos candid shots subject scarcely aware youre taking pictures gives natural expression posture often youre close enough show detail want have less control over distracting elements composition posed shots youre closer subject have creative control scenario subject well aware camera Most people tense up camera pointed body stiffens jaw muscles tighten display nervous expression sometimes silly grin result often looks like mug shot solution photograph head-andshoulders portraits subject engaged activityoften conversation another person Use long lens isolate subject group take multiple frames get variety facial expressions Moving tight changing camera position using telephoto lens almost always improves portrait Its rarely necessary show whole body whole airplane get good portrait Try framing chest up part airplane markings jacket hat suggest model aviation scenario Its person center attention portraitnot airplane background Faces shaded hats strong sunlight can tough problem school solution use fill flash few SLR camera focal-plane shutters can synchronize flash high enough shutter speed useful outdoor settings problem leaf shutter TLR RF cameras Another pro trick use reflector bounce light subjects face under hat works well requires photographers assistant way around problem ask subject take off hat otherwise intentionally overexpose frame capture detail shadows let highlight detail wash out overexposure Practice Amateurs try save film pros try save time goes old saying conserving film important must exceedingly careful setting up shot Having plenty film gives flexibility try angles techniques bracket exposures additional exposures less light film meter indicates make backup shots National Geographic photographers typically shoot 100 rolls 3600 frames get 20 40 spectacular haunting images people places articles Like airbrush computer screwdriver practicing tools improves performance Preparation technique practice fundamental elements great photography Add mix some basic technical understanding little study work successful published photographers can go far toward making impressive memorable action model airplane photographs Garwood 5 Birch Ln Scotia NY 12302 Dave Garwood@ CompuServe com January1999 37 Further Reading well-documented body basic technical knowledge about camera operationthe relationship among lens aperture shutter speed film sensitivity instancethat should know operate camera lenses accessory equipment successfully price two rolls film processing can buy helps avoid mechanical mistakes speeds development creative abilities recommend four types books sources fundamental advanec great photos Ahis Lea s Action model aviation photography form sports photography Look Sports Illustrated see pootographers anticipate action set up shot show sports activity also players Beyond basics spend training time money studying published work other photographers Dave Garwood

When preparation technique practice come together Stan Eames L-39 Albatross Bob Powers F-4 Phantom slope soaring gliders local Herring Gull photographed Cape Cod MA Clyde Geist U Dave Garwood Editors note Former MA columnist Dove Garwood accomplished photographer hundreds published photos number magazine covers credit uses ]960s-vintage mechanical cameras Action shots highest form model aviation photography fire viewers imagination far static posed photos can make reader say himself Hey looks pretty cool Maybe Ill flying Given like have photos flying buddies photographing people including people action photographs gives us some most-treasured images photo collections two types photos can difficult images capture competently preparation technique practice can boost chances article gives tips tricks techniques help take better model airplane action photographs written magazine photography point view whether strive have work published things please editors impress art directors wow readers will improve own personal model photography Preparation Working photographers say hope come out know time film rewound back can whether have shots need theyll have load another roll keep Knowledge equipment film capabilities limitations processing lab key elements preparation Camera selection Familiar equipment necessarily technically advanced geargenerally works best Choose tools give flexibility capture images seek Most common well-suited model airplane photography venerable 35mm Single Lens Reflex SLR camera yields images sharp enough enlarged magazine cover size SLR handles variety lenses January1999 33 Graphic Design carla Kunz because looking through lens framing shot have excellent idea what composition shot will Some SLR cameras give exact 11 ratio viewfinder image film frame others show film viewfinder Read cameras manual find out case gear limitation SLRs cannot see subject through viewfinder instant film exposed mirror flips up out way shutter viewfinder blacked out may lead capturing glint off wing spoils picture recording human subject eyes closed faults cannot discovered until film returned lab limitation leads photographers make exposure given subject just sure Twin Lens Reflex TLR cameras rangefinder RF cameras have limitation present limitations own find TLRs bulky fast handling RFs limited selection available lenses Best bet consult book basic photography consider complete list advantages disadvantages type choose camera based expect using Camera knowledge pays utterly familiar operation camera lenses flash unit Know what button knob lever does know what effect incorrect settings will Sometimes can live incorrect setting sometimes spoils shot case wrong-film-speed setting may spoil roll Study manual comes camera see sidebar examples other types books 34 Model Aviation ting front subject make sure theLynsel Millers TG-3 focus good lighting airplane pilot knows approves working downrangevisible pleasing eye wing upper surface showing would better above horizon Airplane flying out frame makes reader think hes missed peak action camera man little slow shutter release Camera position shifted catch glimpse pilots face shaded hat Dave Sanders close pass EPP-foam KA-6 January1999 35 Panoramic camera can help show landscape though airplane images will small Soar-Utah-95 disposable camera Portrait technique improved using long lens taking photo subject Joe Conrad isIf airplane frame good two twice good Note cloud concentrating elsewhereadds interesting reference point Photographed 1996 Los Banos CA event Pete Marshall concentrates Big difference between kinetic launch shot static Statue Liberty posed airplane camera Angle chosen shot George Voss launches DAW FoaMe-109 Wilson Lake KS gives clear sky head-shot background Film selection Select medium-speed film daylight photography ISO 100 200 film will let stop action provide generous depth-of-field distance front behnid subject will focus will provide margin sunlight reduced cloud cover Faster-speed film grainier limits enlargement size Slower-speed film has finer grain requires attention focus camera-steadying techniques Lenses Carry lenses expect need consider cutting baggage down bare minimum Some shots will taken normal lens 50mm focal length 35mm film will make good use short-to-medium telephoto 100-200mm 35mm film youre steady enough hand-hold 300mm lens will help fill frame airplane zoom variable focal length telephoto lens wonderful tool adding flexibility shooting 70230mm zoom may used shots aware critical cover shot opportunities zoom lenses sharp fixed-focal-length lenses Batteries Pack spares dead battery mechanical camera lose internal light meter electronic camera also lose motorized functions including autofocus film advance Light meters Consider using handheld light meter back up camera s internal meter Soar Utah 95 internal meters both cameras quit happy spare meter extreme cases can rely rule thumb bright sunlight set aperture lens opening f/16 shutter speed reciprocal film speed example ISO 200 film would exposed I/5 second nearest shutter speed f/16 really bright conditions beach snow cover go shutter speed faster thin clouds slower heavy clouds two slower Technique Work pilot key getting good flying shots working closely cooperatively pilot will relying him put airplane need skill knowledge its flight characteristics crucial success Its photographers job select part sky put airplane pilots job put preferred location will chosen after considering light source what isnt foreground background awareness other airborne model traffic spectator safety Before photo session communicate clearly pilot ideal location airplane will likely away sun probably above horizon specified distance camera position may able take wind direction consideration may become pilotss job handle crosswinds During shoot youll find yourself instructing pilot Gimme another pass like Closer Lower Slower Rock wing toward camera can lead hazardous flying Remind yourself pilot he/she aircraft commander ultimately responsible preserving airplane safety regarding people present Eliminate distracting elements otherwise-excellent images diminished clutter foreground objects background distract viewers attention main elements picture Practice looking unneeded elements viewfinder compose picture move yourself ask people take step two shift camera position wait minute until coast clear objects background can add composition showing photo taken say whether slope soaring inland site coast often detract main image Its amazing see number club field shots include Porta PottiTM background Guess what draws viewerss eye Study background everything photograph decide case showing background can improve picture Ask yourself showing less background reveals primary subject better 36 Model Aviation ded grip-and-grin shot Good lighting clear background tense subjects Jerry Slates Dave Sanders Airplane shown flying frame builds excitement through anticipation What will happen next Doug Buchanans BAe Hawk youre making head-and-shoulder portraits way get clear background squat down shoot upward subjects making open sky background Photograph airplanes flying toward camera Ask pilot fly toward camera position moving object entering frame gives more-exciting point view object leaving frame Keep airplane above horizon clearest view airplane wing ask pilot move camera position its against sky Airplanes below horizon tend often blend background become difficult see Study light term photography Greek words photo tight graphos drawn written means -to write light pay attention light better writing drawing light will Beyond minimum light needed properly expose film quality light plays big part pictures record scene wish capture important characteristic airplane photographers direct versus diffuse light Direct sunlight gives sharp high-contrast images generally best recording strong color film Light diffused overcast sky reflected building illuminating subject open shade gives softer rendering tends mute strong colors Diffuse light generally flattering photographing people useful basic rule shoot sun behind camera position fully illuminating model subject backlight side light overhead light part airplane its own shadow detail part picture reduced lost Set up portraits thoughtfully Few photos preserve memories like portraits attending few basic problems photographing people can record character studies instead just snapshots Lets distinguish between posed candid photos candid shots subject scarcely aware youre taking pictures gives natural expression posture often youre close enough show detail want have less control over distracting elements composition posed shots youre closer subject have creative control scenario subject well aware camera Most people tense up camera pointed body stiffens jaw muscles tighten display nervous expression sometimes silly grin result often looks like mug shot solution photograph head-andshoulders portraits subject engaged activityoften conversation another person Use long lens isolate subject group take multiple frames get variety facial expressions Moving tight changing camera position using telephoto lens almost always improves portrait Its rarely necessary show whole body whole airplane get good portrait Try framing chest up part airplane markings jacket hat suggest model aviation scenario Its person center attention portraitnot airplane background Faces shaded hats strong sunlight can tough problem school solution use fill flash few SLR camera focal-plane shutters can synchronize flash high enough shutter speed useful outdoor settings problem leaf shutter TLR RF cameras Another pro trick use reflector bounce light subjects face under hat works well requires photographers assistant way around problem ask subject take off hat otherwise intentionally overexpose frame capture detail shadows let highlight detail wash out overexposure Practice Amateurs try save film pros try save time goes old saying conserving film important must exceedingly careful setting up shot Having plenty film gives flexibility try angles techniques bracket exposures additional exposures less light film meter indicates make backup shots National Geographic photographers typically shoot 100 rolls 3600 frames get 20 40 spectacular haunting images people places articles Like airbrush computer screwdriver practicing tools improves performance Preparation technique practice fundamental elements great photography Add mix some basic technical understanding little study work successful published photographers can go far toward making impressive memorable action model airplane photographs Garwood 5 Birch Ln Scotia NY 12302 Dave Garwood@ CompuServe com January1999 37 Further Reading well-documented body basic technical knowledge about camera operationthe relationship among lens aperture shutter speed film sensitivity instancethat should know operate camera lenses accessory equipment successfully price two rolls film processing can buy helps avoid mechanical mistakes speeds development creative abilities recommend four types books sources fundamental advanec great photos Ahis Lea s Action model aviation photography form sports photography Look Sports Illustrated see pootographers anticipate action set up shot show sports activity also players Beyond basics spend training time money studying published work other photographers Dave Garwood