Pictures Of The Week
Week 44, October 2012
Clockwise from top left:
Axalp: The Mach Loop on steroids. With ice. And live firing...! Here Steve shows us some of the superb photographic opportunities available which - when twinned with a keen eye and some technical finesse - means we can enjoy incredibly powerful images such as this!
Image © Steve Vonlanthen
Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 300mm ƒ2.8 L lens & Canon 1.4x TCSomething of a rarity in UK skies, our old friend Jonesy travelled to Lithuania back in 2010 to photograph their Mi-8 'Hips'. Whist it wasn't the most exciting photographic trip he has been on due to minimal flying activity, it's great to see these old stalwarts of the USSR still earning their keep.
Image © Neil Jones
Philippe took a day off and headed to the helipad at Zermatt in order to take a flight in one of the few Alouettes still in commercial service. Seeing as Alouette operations are winding down for good next year, head over there ASAP to have a ride in a wonderful helicopter through some incredible scenery!
Image © Philippe Rey
Nikon D800 + Nikkor 70-200mm ƒ2.8 VR lensWith the nights getting longer and that crisp winter air rolling in, we're now in 'sunset season', which is great news for all of us who have an irrational passion for orange skies and bold cloudscapes! This shot from Craig was taken at RAF Wattisham, home of the AAC Apache fleet, and we thought it was rather excellent. He made use of local knowledge to get to where the aircraft are low and slow in the hover (to the left of Crash Gate 1, if you want to know!) in order to have the best luck with slower shutter speeds.
Image © Craig Hollis
Canon EOS 50D = Canon EF 400mm ƒ5.6 L lensAs the only flying example of it's type, FIFI has the kind of awe and respect in the States that the BBMF's Lancaster enjoys here in the UK. Jan took this wonderful shot at the CAF Airshow in Midland, Texas earlier this year, making the most of the low evening sun which provided the wash of warm light over the aircraft.
Image © Jan Jørgensen (NordicAirPower)
Nikon D800 + Nikkor 80-400mm lensBritish Airways operate the largest fleet of 747s in the word, and as such they are hardly a rare sight around the UK. This example is a touch more elusive though - it's a 747-800F of British Airways World Cargo, lifting off in a cloud of spray with some rather menacing-looking rainclouds as a backdrop. Nigel can confirm that yes, he did get rather wet!
Image © Nigel Blake
Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII + Canon 600mm ƒ4 L IS lensRounding off this week's selection is another powerful shot from UKAR regular 'hesja'. These two French Mirages, looking awesomely powerful, were displaying at Ostrava's NATO Days event in the Czech Republic. Slawek remarks that this is an "awesome show for aviation photographers because of a very good orientation of airshow line situated just over our heads". Sounds like the Naughty Field to me!
Image © Slawek Krajniewski
Nikon D800 + Nikkor AF-S 500mm ƒ4 VR lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 43, October 2012
Clockwise from top left:
First up this week we have a photo from the most recent event in the series of ever popular Northolt night shoots. This photo of a Bell 212 from the Army Air Corps by Neil is enhanced by one of 32 Squadron's HS 125s being towed in the background during the 15 second exposure.
Image © Neil Darby
Also seen under the floodlights at Northolt was a Belgian Air Force Augusta A-109. The plan was for the specially marked display aircraft to attend, but this was not possible due to technical issues, the Belgians instead sending this Medivac version.
Image © Adam Duffield
Canon EOS 7D Canon EF 28-135mm IS lensThe UKAR love of a good topside is well known, as is our love of F-15s and lovely soft light. This photo of an F-15C departing RAF Lakenheath ticks all of the boxes!
Image © Mark Ranger
Canon EOS 550D + Canon EF 300mm ƒ4 L IS lensThe Royal Norwegian Air Force display F-16 was one of the most photogenic aircraft on the European display circuit this year. Seen at the Sola Air Show, the colour scheme stands out against the deep blue sky.
Image © 'Dan K.R.'
RAF Lossiemouth recently hosted an CQWI Enthusiasts Day. Steve Barnett bagged a fine set from the day and this low down shot of a pair of Typhoons was our pick of the bunch.
Image © Steve Barnett
Canon 450D + Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens"Voyager" is the RAF's latest tanker and the second example destined for service is seen here arriving at Manchester Airport on 19th October for a coat of paint courtesy of Air Livery.
Image © Mike Hopwood
Nikon D90 + Nikkor 70-300mm VR lensFinally this week we have this golden oldie. Seen on the ramp at NAS Pensacloa in 1983 is this A-4F from the world famous US Navy Blue Angels display team.
Image © 'Dollar99'
Pictures Of The Week
Week 42, October 2012
Clockwise from top left:
The annual Swiss Air force demonstrations are legendary amongst aviation photographers for the opportunities of capturing spectacular images. Andrzej has achieved photographic nirvana here with this shot of an F-5E Tiger strafing a ground target. Not only can you see the blast wave from the muzzle but you can also see the 20mm shells and their supersonic shockwaves.
Image © Andrzej Rogucki
Canon EOS 1D MkIV + Canon EF 500mm ƒ4 lens & Canon 2x TCMore alpine action from Axalphorn Mountain, where Jöerg made the long trek towards the summit and was rewarded with this beautiful image of two F-18s firing flares against a picturesque background.
Image © Jörg Stange
Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 300mm ƒ2.8 L IS lensNigel's spectacular shot of an F-15E leaving a trail of titanium sparks on Lakenheath's runway was one of those rare times of being in the right place at the right time. Nigel explains: "Sniper 12" called an IFE due to a hydraulics failure somewhere over Lincolnshire, not having a scanner with me I only noticed there was a problem when the fire trucks rolled out with blue lights flashing, it wasn't until 0364 and the wingman's F-15E started the approach that I noticed the arrester hook was down. To get the drama and sparks I needed to be as close as possible to the fence so as to shoot through it, so I dived across the road dodging between the traffic."
Image © Nigel Blake
Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII + 600mm ƒ4 L IS lensThe onset of autumn provides the creative photographer with opportunities to capture the unusual. This shot from 'Hatstand' of Miss Demeanour dew-drenched and sparkling in the early morning Duxford sunshine demonstrates this.
Image © 'Hatstand'
Panasonic Lumix FZ150Back to Duxford for more early morning photography, this time Darrell uses skilful judgement to capture the sun just rising above Sally B.
Image © Darrell Thompson
It is always a pleasure to see new members post quality photographs. This shot from Marcin's image of this An-2 Przylep Airport at caught the eye of our staff members with its stunning contrasting colours.
Image © Marcin Boski
Nikon D80 + Sigma 70-300mm APO lensAs well as seeing new members debuting, it is just as good to welcome back those who haven't posted photographs for a while. Mark caught a great angle of a Tornado GR4 turning finals on its return to RAF Marham in the clear blue Norfolk skies.
Image © Mark Ranger
Canon EOS 550D + Canon EF 300mm ƒ4 L IS lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 41, October 2012
Clockwise from top left:
First stop on our Scottish journey this week is RAF Lossiemouth in Morayshire. Seen taking off laden with three fuel tanks is this specially marked Tornado GR4 from XV(R) Squadron. You can literally feel the heat of the afterburners in this photo by Lloyd which was taken on-base during the recent spotters day organised by the personnel at Lossiemouth. Enthusiasts were allowed an up close and personal view of participants involved in the Combined Qualified Weapons Instructor (CQWI) course being run at this busy Tornado base.
Image © Lloyd Horgan
Nikon D300s + Nikkor 300mm ƒ4 lensWe visit Lossie again but this time for some pirate action. The skull and crossbones markings on these Hawk T1s indicate they are from 100 Squadron normally based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. Mike has snapped these two 95th Anniversary painted jets departing RAF Lossiemouth during the recently held CQWI course. Expertly captured from near the 202 Squadron apron from outside the base, this pair of aggressors are obviously out to cause trouble judging by the AIM-9 acquisition rounds and AIS data pods being carried under the wings.
Image © Michael Hall
Canon EOS 1D MkIV + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lensFor the next photo we venture a little further south to RAF Leuchars near Fife. The base was recently host to many aircraft operating in support of the recent NATO Joint Warrior 2012-2 exercise which involved 10 countries, 40 aircraft and over 24 ships. Taken head-on down the runway at Leuchars is this dramatic moody shot of a 6(F) Squadron Typhoon caught in a rare patch of sunshine with a contrasting gloomy background
Image © Barry Farquharson
Nikon D300s + Sigma 50-500mm lensTaking a break from all that heavy metal we head for the peace of Bedfordshire. Sitting in the early morning fog is the Shuttleworth Collection's Polikarpov Po2 waiting to take to the air as part of the Autumn Air Display at Old Warden. The sepia effect works really well on this image, it could almost be 1944 again when this aircraft rolled off the production line in the Soviet Union. This 'Kukuruznik' (corn-cutter) was purchased by The Shuttleworth Collection in 2004 and following restoration the aircraft flew for the first time on January 10th 2011, piloted by 'Dodge' Bailey.
Image © Darrell Thompson
A very different angle on things in our next photo. Whilst waiting for the 787 to visit Stockholm-Arlanda airport, photographer Corné decided to lay back and take things easy. Using a wide angle lens, this amazingly well timed shot was taken literally right under the approach lights. A unique capture but I could think of safer places to enjoy the sunshine!
Image © Corné Uittenbogaard
Sony Alpha 900 + Sigma 24-70mm ƒ2.8 lensInvited by Kev Rumens to spend the day with the Vulcan To the Sky Team, Clare has done a fine job capturing the unique character of XH558 as the V-Bomber prepares to embark on its 60th Anniversary tour - the final flight of the Vulcan for the 2012 season. As the photographer points out, the 'Spirit of Great Britain' is now tucked up in her hangar at Robin Hood Airport for the winter but if you wish to see XH558 up close, the Trust organise hangar tours for the public to see her in all her glory.
Image © Clare Scott
Canon EOS 5D + Canon EF 17-40mm ƒ4 L lensEurocopter marked a major development for Brazil's aeronautical industry recently with the inauguration of its Helibras subsidiary's new rotary-wing center of excellence in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, where Brazilian Armed Forces EC725 helicopters will be assembled. Top rotary photographer Tony Osborne was visiting Brazil to capture this milestone and came away with this quality image of a Brazilian Navy EC725 Caracal hovering in the sunshine.
Image © Tony Osborne
Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 70-200mm ƒ4 L IS lens