Airshow photography

[Hacker]

I might get a chance to go to Duxford tomorrow for the Flying Legends meet but I've never taken any shots like this before. I would appreciate a few pointers as to shutter speed etc to get the right amount of prop blur. Hopefully the weather will be decent enough so I might try my polarising filter, good idea? :shrug:

I'll be using the 70-200mm VR, will that be enough or will I need either my 1.5x or 2x coverter? With Duxford are there any good areas for photography or any I should avoid?

All hints and tips would be appreciated!

 

[natjag]

Hi Hacker,
I've never been to duxford, so I can't really comment on areas there. However re shutter speed:- If it's to fast to catch the aircraft great, but the propeller blades will also be static, so you need to slow down to about 1/100-1/150 i've found, and you'll get a nice blur of the prop blade. You've got VR on your lens so camera shack wont be a problem, just following the aircraft will be. There are a few exeptions to the slower speed, but I don't really know how to descibe in words. not easily anyhow.

 

[Biko]

For prop aircraft is a case of how slow you can go to get good prop blur, might be worth starting high to get some keepers and then go slower, 1/250 is a good all round speed that gives reasonable blur and then if happy try slower speed, Its how steady and how good your panning is. Also depends on what aircraft are doing anything fast such as aerobatics I might go up to 1/400 and if taxiing then 1/60 can make a nice circular prop blur.

I set camera on TV, ISO 100,focus centre spot A1 servo and I prefer to adjust exposure on evaluative + 1/2 to 1 f stop depending on light rather than relying on centre spot metering.

Choppers are diificult as rotors are so much slower, I shot pics below at 400mm which gives idea of speed needed to get a half decent blur.

Never been to duxford I can't say but I use a 100 - 400 and is mostly at 400 so would take extenders. Polarising filter I have never used on at an airshow as can't see a need.

 

[katyb]

v_mancuniam is at Duxford as we speak, so I am posting this on his behalf. He suggests well over to the left of the runway is the place to be. He also suggests you arrive early, 8am, to lock your chair to the railings while you do a reckie. That way you have reserved your place for later. He will be at Shacklton hangar at 10.30 if you fancy meeting up.
It was also very sunny today, so take your suncream!!

 

[Hacker]

Thanks everyone. Katy, if I do go I probably won't be leaving the house until about 10.30am so I'll probably miss them although I'll keep an eye out for TP branded merchandise!

 

[katyb]

Hi Hacker,
Unfortunately he doesn't have any!!