Air-to-Air advice needed (props)

[WilliamC]

I have an opportunity to have a go at A2A photos of a rather lovely prop aircraft. No money involved and no liability if it all goes boobs skywards, it's a bit of fun and something I'd like to do (but do my bestest for the subject if I can!).

I'm quite experienced at taking shots of props (so know the shutter speeds etc), I've also spent a fair while in light aircraft and flown them myself but this will be something else entirely. The target a/c has a variable pitch prop so I'll be able to get him to 'fine' it to get max rpm thus slightly higher shutter speeds. The target pilot has also done close formation flying before and I shot him yesterday in a 6-ship formation from the ground, my pilot has some experience of GA formations too.

I'd really appreciate some advice from someone who knows what they're doing with this. My kit is in my sig.

TIA!

EDIT: Btw, I'll be in the P2 seat of a PA-28 to do this. The target a/c is an ex-RAF Bulldog.

 

[Bernie174]

You ,might need to look at the CAA web site before you get as far as the technicalities.
I've just had a look at thier leaflet on photography. It mentions rule 17 (1) (c).
Of what? I have no idea, I don't think it's the ANO though.....

On the technicalities, I've only done jets a2a. Make sure the windows are clean is the only thing that stands out in my mind!

 

[Cheesy]

See my Flickr for my credentials.The biggest problems I've had a2ahave been reflections on the canopy - I use a circular polariser and a good lens hood. Get as close to the canopy as you can with the hood. Finally, shooting props - lower your shutter speed to get a great prop blur.

In terms of image composition; aircraft look better when you are off the plane; ie not looking down the wing line. A bit of plan form works really well; try to break out both wings.

Cheesy

 

[WilliamC]

Thanks chaps. Ref the rules, the target pilot does formation flying on a very regular basis so I shall rely on his advice for that.

Cheesy: The advice on composition is very useful thanks and I now think I can visualise what we can try and go for. It could be a challenge getting plan views from a PA-28 with its low wing but with the target being quite a chuckable a/c we can probably work something out. I already know the maximum shutter speed I can get blur with on the target a/c, no more than 1/400 so we'll need some nice still air and steady flying.

Ref lenses - I am assuming that my 70-300L (on a crop body) is going to be too much so hopefully my 17-70 will do the job but I'm really not sure. The 17-70 does only have the small petal hood though so I'll see if I can get something more appropriate for this.

Thx folks, any other advice much appreciated!

 

[davecurley]

Firstly, if you can swap your taxi for a C172 or 182 High wing with windows that open ( Pa-28 do not have opening windows) Next for you lens, if you are shooting through the windows get a piece of seating foam and make a collar about 1.5 eaches thick to fit aroud the lens hood hen you hold the camera, as close as possible to perspex with it touching ( vibration will transmit if you you touch).

Finally do not at any time badger the pilot to get you closer, the camera ship should fly a steady course and the target a/c come to camera.

Have fun

 

[davecurley]

I forgot to say that the foam collar should reduce reflections.
A couple of other points, do not take lots of gear up with you, one camera 1 or 2 lens max a nd a few cards.
Also before the flight use Google Earth flythro to get and idea of the scenery that you will be flying over and check out where the sun should be.

Try to fly at about 3000 to 35000 ft any lower and it can get bumpy, also ask the pilot to fly a straight course before the target a/c arrives so you can get used to the position and the wind if you are shooting through open window, do not forget to wear gloves and something warm.

Enjoy and dont forget to post your shots.

Private Pilot and phototaker !

 

[WilliamC]

Thank you Dave, all good advice. I've found a rubber hood for my 17-70 which should do the job of the foam although having whacked lenses against aircraft windows before (taking A/G shots) anything additional can only help!

I have already asked my mate if he could get checked out on his club's C150 but I'm waiting for the target a/c pilot to come back to me as to what angles he'd prefer since the PA-28 might be OK. Your suggestion re altitude shouldn't be a problem since the area we're aiming for (which I've flown over before) has CAS no lower than about FL60.

I'll post whatever rubbish I get but it won't be just yet, we're going to wait for some stable cold clear days later in the winter so it'll be a while yet.

Thx again!