Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/3.4, 1/500, iso 160
This wasn't taken from an ulltralight plane, but it feels like it was, to me. I have a couple of books by photographer pilots that fly ultralights and do photography fairly close to the ground.
I can't imagine a better place than here for that kind of work. Don't worry, it's on my (long) list!
Canon 5D Mark II, 400mm F/5.6, f/5.6, 1/2000, iso 250
Long time readers know I have taken lots of airplane pictures, and many while flying myself. I haven't been close to a C-17 for a long time though. These pilots were evidently in a holding pattern and flew by our house several times. Doing a little investigation, they are from the local McCord AFB (wikipedia page).
In a couple of shots, at extreme magnification, I can actually make out the copilot!
Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/45, 1/100, iso 160
It's common for planes with floats to be flying in my backyard. I have yet to get a nice closeup when they go by though. But a few days ago I saw this guy out in the distance. I thought "big sky, little plane." He was all surrounded by big cumulous clouds. If you have done any flying, you know these are the most dangerous kind. Inside these clouds is destruction waiting to happen.
When I viewed the image on my screen, I still had that "big sky, small plane" feeling, but none of the sense of foreboding that I felt looking up at him in real time. So I felt it would make a nice Topaz Tuesday Black & White effects project.
I tried some different presets, then settled on Underexposed I. I then used the sliders to boost both the whites, blacks, and contrast. I wanted it to look real, but scary. And I love all the sky, but I had to make a choice for the 700px wide dimension here on the blog. If I showed my whole sky, you probably wouldn't pick out that it is a plane. So it is a crop.
On the continue link below you can see the original color image, pre-cropped.
Canon 5D Mark II, 400mm F/5.6, f/6.3, 1/1250, iso 400
We just passed the three month mark living here on Bainbridge Island. Our "backyard" is a busy place. All manner of watercraft have passed by, from a tiny inflatable boat to a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Last night we had another one of Bob's "Dream Gigs" - a luxury yacht shoot using a helicopter.
You see, I love yachts. And flying. Especially in helicopters. It's a bit hard to see in this light, but the photographer is hanging out the open door of this Robinson R44 heli. I have actually done this in a differenty type of heli, and it is a real thrill. And then this yacht is something to see, isn't she? Next time, please pick me to do this shoot. I'll gladly work for free!
Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm F/4.5, f/4.5, 1/320, iso 250
Made my first visit to the marvelous Museum of Flight since moving to the Seattle area. Many wonderful airplanes and displays. Boeing has been involved in so much more than just airplanes. It's a fascinating place to visit.
Canon 5D Mark II, 15mm F/2.8 fisheye, f/13, 1/500, iso 400
When most people think of flying they think FAST! Get there as fast as they can. Me? I like low and slow. Like a bird. It's a wonderful feeling. Like this fall day in 2009, flying along the Sacramento river with my buddy Ben. I so much enjoy photography from a plane like this. Windows that open! Or no windows! Definitely fun.
Panasonic GH2, 14-140mm, f/6.3, 1/1250, iso 160
So you know how I am with my aerial shots, it's a favorite subject for me (see the "Flying" category if you haven't seen these images). Usually though, I'm shooting from a private plane. Closer to the ground, I find myself fairly easily seeing compositions.
Earlier this year, leaving Phoenix in an airliner, I became fascinated by these land forms. No doubt formed over the eons, by water and wind, nature's own artwork.
Panasonic GH2, 14-140mm, f/5.6, 1/640, iso 160
Up to my flying photography tricks again. This time a little higher than normal! I loved how these clouds seems to be flowing down the river and the patterns of the crops. Endless opportunities flying over the Sacramento valley...
A salute to the heroes in our armed forces. This American is very thankful of what you do.
Canon 5D Mark II, 14mm F/2.8, f/8, 1/125, iso 100
I shot this image a while back, flying with my buddy Ben Hodges. See this post for some other images from that day. I was checking out these images again and had a feeling this one might make a good Topaz Adjust subject.
I began with the Spicify preset. I then worked with the adaptive exposure, saturation and saturation boost sliders. Not only did the textures of the land come to life, I really like what it did with the underside of the wing. You can really see the fabric and the reflections.
Flying with Topaz! Even more fun. As always, the original is on the continue link, where you can leave a comment if you like today's image.
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