Mosquitos at 100 Feet

[Loose Canon]

Inspired by DavidGee from here …

Unfortunately, I don’t have his eye.

But darned if it wasn’t a fun time!

These are model airplanes shot at their super-nice model airfield and yes, these guys are serious!

I could barely get a shot or two because these guys are extremely happy to tell anyone who will listen (or just shows up) what they are up to!

I met a Master Pilot/Wedding Photographer who, in the Olde Days (his words) shot a “Nikon F1 for 35mm and a pair of ‘Blads for medium format stuff”. Had a full dark room and by his account could crank out 80x8x10’s per hour as needed custom cropped. Has since given it up! Another All-Time Competition Winner, a Competition Judge, a Plane
Builder, and a military type or two, one of which was flying a USN T34 Replica!

They do some seriously amazing stuff aloft! I had no idea!

As David advised me, I’m going to have to get them convinced to do a “pattern shoot”.

Go out to where they are, be polite (above all), take interest in what they are doing (not hard because these guys are good), and ask if you can shoot for them. A better bunch of guys I have yet to meet!

So here is what I got for them. They are happy for now! Not as good as Master David, but I’ll be back for more!

I’m just getting warmed up good!

[gregj1763]

Sounds like you had a good day, nice photo's Terry,
4 & 6 stand out for me.
What were your setting for the in flight shots.
Cheers Greg

[Shadowman]

First I was going to ask what you were doing at 100 feet, then why were you shooting bugs at that elevation. Nice colors, exposures, and angle of view.

[Bobobird]

Seeing what you and David have done I sure would like to take such shots too. I am sure there are such clubs around here as well so will try to find out. Would be a nice change from the bugs and birds.

All spot on and sharp - nicely done.

[Loose Canon]

Thanks guys!

I shot these wide open, Greg, f/2.8 and 1/2500 shutter. ISO 100. Bright day!

[Loose Canon]

US Navy T-34...

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Terry,

Great series.

With models, personally, I prefer the 'real life' based ones to the freestyle.

That first T34 shot is an absolute stunner!
(must be viewed in Lytebox and full size to fully appreciate)

I originally thought the thread should be titled "Mystic Addiction" until you posted the T34

Cheers,

[Loose Canon]

Hi Dave!

Thank you for commenting, sir.

You know, I think I agree with you. The competition planes are all pretty close to the same designs. They have extended "moments" (a measurement between wings basically that I learned talking to these guys) and all set up for what they do. They all have to weigh in at the same weight and are all pretty close together. While they are gorgeous, the "real life" models are very fascinating.

The gentleman who was at the sticks of this Flying Machine could really put her through her paces!

They are as into their "Mystic Addiction" as we are with ours!

[gregj1763]

Terry those T-34 shots are stunning. I was admiring the first one and thinking that would look good if it was banking left, then you posted it. Thanks for that
I'm with Bobo. Got to find where they fly them here and have a look.
Greg

[Dave Humphries]

Yes, great choice of shutter speed; we see prop blur, but everything else is tack sharp.