Cirrus Flight over Fort Collins - Best of Show Advanced Enhanced - February 2010
Photographer: Pam Hess
Image Title: Cirrus Flight over Fort Collins
Date: February 2010 - Best of Show Advanced Enhanced
Score: 21/27
Comments from Judges: Nice composition. Use of muted color in background great contrast to white of airplane. Would be nice if airplane were sharp.
Q. How did you set the shot up?
This was one of those unexpected opportunity blessings. We were practicing for an aerial shot for the following morning. The Cirrus was in training and requested formation flying, I in turn requested some practice shots. Finding out I had my camera with me the other pilot then requested some specific shots. Win Win situation. He got his plane with the mountains in the background and with the plains on the east.. I got "my favorite shot" as they beautifully banked the plane in preparation for the next secession of shots.
Q. What equipment did you use?
Nikon D300 and the best lens I have at the moment Nikon 18-200DX. Enhanced it is! PS with two different sunsets. I love sunsets! Take them even if they don't have great composition! They come in handy later! As Bob Ross would say.. I made it my happy place with a happy little plane.
Q. What f-stop and exposure?
I was practicing with the camera. You have to be prepared quickly for pointing the camera into the sun and then having the sun brightly shine on the plane. I usually have two programmed settings ready to go. When I saw the moment approaching that was in between my settings, shutter priority to the rescue! ISO 1000, F5
Q. How many attempts before the success?
We got a lot of great shots that flight but as the photographer the one that stole my heart and I had vision for was not the one intended...many of you photographers have heard that one before I am sure! Fast Continuous Always! I love digital and delete what is not needed.
Q. What did you learn from taking the shot?
Aerial shot advice. You can open the window and not shoot through the window, preparations before take off are needed. Take your claw tripod and grip it on your shoulder - extra support. (this one is not perfectly sharp - the intended ones are perfect!) Fly with Certified Flight Instructors - do NOT fly formation unless extremely skilled with hours to prove it! Be ready for wind, awkward positions in the plane but most of all Have FUN! Response from pilots, they like a "spinning prop look" (must be because that is the way they always want to see them! - no stop props while in the air!) I will change that.
Q. What did you learn from the image being judged at competition?
Every detail in my pictures have purpose. You ask me why I did something and I could tell you. It is nice to get confirmation on what you attempted to visually convey. When some details are in question or brought up as an improvement, it is a great way to revisit some of your decisions. Making sure what you want to convey is as clear as possible. I want soft sunbeams across the airplane is my goal but when the improvement would be a "sharper airplane"- I'll go see if I can't achieve both to the best it can be. Thank you judges for your time.
