A Tribute to Frans Dely
I write this introduction with a heavy heart, on August 14th, 2011, we lost a good friend and ISAP member - Frans Dely. Frans, along with 13 others, were returning home from an air show in South Africa when the aircraft, in which they were passengers, crashed. We were saddened to learn that there were no survivors. I shared a strong friendship with Frans, with fond memories of ISAP IX where Frans was a speaker. I remember meeting his daughter Cara Lee, the two of them so enjoyed the Symposium and the Las Vegas area. Earlier this year, Frans shared with me his desire to start a new magazine titled AVPIX. His wish was to promote ISAP and Aviation Photographers in this publication. Due to a busy schedule it was unfortunate that Frans was not able to attend the 2011 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. However, he was sure to reach out to make sure that his friends in the US attending EAA AirVenture knew he was thinking of them. In an effort to commemorate our friend and ISAP member, family, friends and members of ISAP to have submitted stories and images, so that we may share in the life of Frans Dely. In closing, I would like to share with you the following words from his niece Debbie, they are a fitting tribute to our friend Frans Dely. Larry Grace, Chairman of ISAP
How does one pay tribute to a man of such passion, a man of such creativity, of such love, a man of such adventure? An imperfect man, who’s passing has touched hearts the world over. Well, let’s take a journey with this man - with Frans Dely: Father, Brother, Son, Uncle, Partner, Mentor, Hero and Friend. Young Innocent, rolling with laughter in the lucerne fields with his sisters. Budding Entrepreneur, negotiating in earnest for “nog a stukkie brood met tomatie sous” from his very strict Gran. Fearless Tease, gleefully out-maneuvering his sister as she chases him round the dinner table brandishing a carving knife. Inspired Dreamer, taking his first flight with his RAF Pilot Dad, where his pursuit of wings was born. Enthusiastic Director, making full-scale home movies with his school mates and some of the farm workers or blowing up dams they’d built outside his Mom’s kitchen door with his chemistry set, to see if they could BE the Dam Busters. He even took on the unenviable task of directing a 5-generation (ages 2 – 72) family photo shoot Scalectrix Addict, setting up a 24-hour Lamar equivalent in the back room at home, with all the trimmings and rules. As well as being party to buying Charmaine and I our first Scalectrix set for Christmas one year when we were 5 and 7 (we’re still not convinced it was really for us). Dashing Naval Officer, where his passion for photography was nurtured. Amateur Photographer, trying out his skills on corporate brochures, advertising models and fancy Nashua calendars and beginning to make his professional mark on the world. Accomplished Mechanic, who could fix up anything from an entire Mini to my clapped-out varsity car’s exhaust. He spent a good deal of time teaching us girls about cam-belts and gaskets as he toiled away on the boats, putting boyfriends at a significant disadvantage. Patient Teacher, anyone who has ever had a skiing lesson with Frans (with the possible exception of my husband) will tell you. For the thousandth time: “arms bent, knees straight, hips forward, let the boat pull you out the water”, in possibly more questionable language. Gentle Giant, the 6-foot something man asleep on the king-size bed with a 3kg baby girl cradled in his arms. He was the master of the afternoon snooze. Veteran Waterskiing Champion, who won over men and women with his approachability, respect and easy charm. (It took me a long time to remember the word “veteran”, we always used to tease Frans and call it “geriatric”.) He used to drag us out of bed at 5.00am to get the good water, regardless of bedtime, but always with fresh coffee at the ready. Lover of Goofy! Jett-setting Adventurer, who travelled South Africa and the world, initially in search of the perfect water for a slalom run and then in search of the perfect picture (both if possible), leaving a trail of friends in his wake. Creative Genius and Renown Photographer, who lectured around the world, was the subject of university papers and now a number of tributes that have left me awestruck. Humble enough to still find time to capture the moments in our wedding photos – such a tribute to his love and expertise.
Respected Mentor, who always had time to share thoughts and tips with the next generation of photographers. In the time since the planes were found, many people unknown to me have described Frans as their “hero”. Master of the Digital Era, as both his photography and his Facebook page will attest to. Heartfelt Friend, whose warm, open, generous, fun loving way, whose love of coffee, cold beers, sharing space and activities, has been acknowledged in every note from every friend around the world. Proud Dad, whose love and admiration for Cara shone in his eyes and warmed his voice. He was like a peacock puffing its tail feathers the day he told us of Cara’s first solo flight and her fire-fighting accolades and you can see the pride in the photos of the two of them, side-by-side, cameras at the ready. Caring Son, who literally hugged his Mom through the tough times. Loving Brother, who wasn’t big on mushy stuff and still remembered to say “I Love You”. No matter how busy, he always made time for a family lunch with his sisters (and rose to the challenge of adding to their grey hairs). Hero Uncle, who drove us around in his sporty convertible, took us booze-cruising under the full moon, introduced us to extreme sports and men, and made us feel like superstars or princesses, more protective big brother than uncle. We are ever so proud of him and now oh so humbled. The ready laugh, the easy smile, the kind word, the gentle correction, the piercing gaze, the unwavering focus, the precision, the
dedication, the professionalism, the time to listen, the love, the fun, the coffee, the beers, the bear hugs… We pay tribute to this man by remembering that life is an adventure, to be lived creatively, with love and with passion, by striving to leave even half the legacy, and passing on the hug. As the sun sets on what we know and rises in the unknown, we need to step carefully, gently with ourselves, into this newness. Farewell Awesome Adventurer, fly free!
ISAP IX, Las Vegas 2009: Speaker, Frans Dely
ISAP IX, Las Vegas 2009: Larry Grace, Jay Miller ,Frans Dely, and Paul Bevilaqua
Pictures from ISAP IX (2009) in Las Vegas and Oshkosh 2009 - Š Larry Grace
Frans proved that the beauty of aviation is truly universal and to
me, he defined the term “World Class”. Thank You for bringing all of us a wider view. God Bless.
-Jay Beckman
Crosswind Images
“We shall never forget them nor the last time we saw them, as
they prepared for their mission and waved good-bye and slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.”
- Ronald Reagan
Frans Dely
by Irene McCullagh My guiding light in aviation photography mentor, collaborator and ultimately my friend Frans - we walked too short a path together I know you will be walking by my side from here on.
Irene McCullagh, Associate Photographer, Avpix Magazine
Both the attached images were taken at the party after the Port Elizabeth Air Show on 30 October 2010. The image of Frans to the right was one he particularly liked of himself. Š Irene McCullagh
Frans Dely, Beau Skarda and Scott Ternent at the party after the Port Elizabeth Air Show, 10/30/10. (Both team members of the Silver Falcons, with Scott being the former leader)
Š Irene McCullagh
Questa volta, tra gli altri, il volo di sola andata è toccato anche a Frans… Sai che può succedere, ma questo non toglie niente a quella sgradevole sensazione che piglia la bocca dello stomaco, come un pugno sferrato a tradimento... © Marco Tricarico
Although I had long been familiar with Frans' superb photography, I had never met him until an informal gathering at the tailgate of my truck in Oshkosh, between the afternoon and evening airshow, Saturday, July 31, 2010. Photographers from the United States, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and South Africa shared photos, tall tales, jokes, laughs, and a cooler full of ice-cold refreshments. Nobody knew everybody, but all of us knew somebody else in the gathering, and we all bonded over our love of photography, aviation, and the good natured fun that hot Saturday evening. Frans stood out. Slim, blond haired, with a neatly trimmed beard, warm eyes, a big smile, and a ready laugh. I don't specifically remember any particular thing he said, but he just fit right in, and was grateful for being included. It was the most friendly fun I ever remember having in my aviation photography experiences, and Frans was a big part of it. We passed around my camera, and got images of everybody enjoying the evening. The biggest, most spontaneous smile captured that evening belonged to Frans. That photo is to the right. I haven't seen Frans since, but we kept in touch via facebook. Many were disappointed that he could not make it to Oshkosh in 2011. Many more are sad that we won't see him again in this life.
Text and photo by Dan Beauvais
Frans Dely by John Miller
It was a few years ago that Frans came to our magazine wanting to take air to air photographs. Mike de Villiers, my business partner, is responsible for giving Frans his break into professional aviation photography and he ended up under my care and direction during many of the magazine's shoots. It's not always easy to help a photographer used to covering a particular pursuit and helping him embrace another - in Frans' case motor racing. We fought a little over my insistence he slow his shutter speed to capture full propeller discs and level the background horizon but in due course Frans learned the ropes. He also embraced the less mundane aspects of aviation magazine photography including instrument panel photos and various walk-around shots needed for flight reports. I was also the de facto company pilot and would often do the formation flying if it entailed general aviation aircraft - sometimes I would fly the camera ship if we managed to persuade one of the local air show formation pilots to take part. Occasionally, I would coach him over the radio on the chat frequency - reminding him to look beyond the subject at the background. We worked together as a team with me flying and Frans taking the pictures. But Frans was after bigger fish - shooting general aviation aircraft was not nearly as beguiling as the air show scene. Two things emerged from those early years - Frans moved towards air show imagery and photographing the more glamorous airplanes that crossed our path - specifically jets, warbirds and anything related to air force operations. Very soon, Frans became accepted by the display pilots and at every air show was moving amongst them and flying with them. His quiet yet friendly manner was liked by the air show community and before long it became his turf. There was always a seat for him when a gaggle of aircraft left their home base for their weekend displays.
As in so many cases in the magazine industry, those who provide peripheral services and skills overtake the publication itself. The 'artist's' talents are very often much greater than the publisher's ability to pursue a similar rising standard. A magazine very often reaches a skill plateau well before its staff. And so Frans eventually left to join our competition but even that change of scenery wasn't enough to satisfy his growing skills nor add to his earning potential. Frans found that whilst international companies were prepared to retain his skills and reward him appropriately, making a living solely as an aviation photographer in Africa is almost impossible. This led to the launch of his own publication; Avpix in July 2011. Unwilling to compete on direct terms with other local aviation magazines, he went to the market with a different business model that entailed a predominantly photographic theme and advertising from companies related to the air show industry. Frans, with the help of colleagues in Cape Town, also cut out the news agents who traditionally take around 50-per cent of the cover price and he sold the magazine at the air show gates with an event program inserted. I counseled Frans on the use of fonts and text colours and attempted to sway him on other choices before reminding myself that magazine design is very much a personal comfort zone for the CEO. I wrote some stories for Avpix and sat up till midnight the day before the publication was due at the printers to sub edit the entire text and then watched, satisfied as the publication was launched at the 2011 Durban Air Show. It was a brave effort for a pure photographer and it may just have succeeded. My relationship with Frans was always professional. We rarely crossed social paths but worked together regularly. I would usually do the writing and Frans would do the photography and it was a successful mix in providing editorial for various European and local magazines. Most photographers have a focus in their work. When I see an image, I see it in the context of a magazine layout and how it should eventually lead to circulation growth. Frans explained to me shortly before his life was taken away that it was the kaleidoscope of colours in an image that excited him rather than the flying machine per se. We looked through some images he had taken a couple of weeks before the tragic Tzaneen accident and he had pointed out the rich winter colours of the African bush that lay behind the subject aircraft - that, he urged, was his thing. It is the background that is so often unique to this type of imagery - an almost landscape quality to aviation photography and it is this plateau many really skilled guys reach for. Mixing an airplane into the scene is the fascinating extra dimension that drove Frans. I miss Frans' tall striding figure that was always a feature of country-wide air displays. He never put his camera down and was for ever seeking out alternative shooting locations - rarely satisfied with 'official' flightline spots. I admired Frans for many things and one of them was sharing his profession and life with his daughter Cara who was perhaps highest on his list of priorities.
Memorial Ceremony Held For Frans Dely The following five pages were shot by Frans Dely.
A memorial ceremony was held Sunday 21 August at Rand airport in Johannesburg for friends and families of the 13 persons that perished in the Piaggio P166 Albatross accident last week. Frans Dely, leading South African aerial photographer was among the 13 persons onboard. Frans Dely was an inspiration to all photographers with a passion for aviation. Frans has worked together with Saab/Gripen over the last 10 years producing the most amazing Gripen aviation photographs. Copyright Š Saab AB 2010 & Frans Dely.
Copyright Š Saab AB 2010.
A Tribute To Frans Dely by Justin de Reuck
On Sunday the 14th of August 2011, two P166 Albatross aircraft took off from Tzaneen Airfield after an airshow, routing for Rand Airport. Sadly they never arrived. On Tuesday morning at 08h05, the two wrecks of the Albatrosses were found to have impacted a mountain peak leaving no survivors. We in the aviation community lost alot of friends and loved ones that day. It’s a day that will go down as one of the darkest in South African aviation history. One of the souls on board was my dear friend, associate and mentor, Frans Dely. I met Frans some years ago and always looked up to this world renowned aviation photographer that was clearly in a class of his own. Then one day, out of the blue, he approaches me at an airshow and asks me if I would like to start working alongside him. Well, it was every budding aviation photographers dream. I was already a fairly accomplished photographer but having the opportunity to work with Frans was just going to open a world to me that I could only have imagined. We agreed that we would go and do the UK airshow circuit together in 2010. It was there that our business relationship became a friendship. We did everything together for 3 weeks as we shared hotel rooms, dinners, breakfasts and lunches. Frans introduced me to the who’s who of the industry from organizers to pilots, from the Red Arrows to The Breitling Wing Walkers. He taught me everyday about shutterspeeds, composition, emotion, his editing techniques and just how to get that magic shot at an airshow where everybody else is capturing the same thing.
Frans was born on the 26th of July 1956 to Erica and Frank. Frank was a pilot during the war and continued to serve in the SAAF for many years afterwards. This was clearly the source of Frans’ love for aircraft and something that would turn into a deep passion later in life. Frans had a zest for life, but was also a patient and caring man. Enthusiastic about all he tackled however apparently unimportant. Characteristics that he never lost. Even in very tough times, these would shine through. Far more important to him was when he woke up he could look forward to another day, a blessing that was there to enjoy whatever the challenge. Deeply loving and a family person at the core, Frans was an immense support to his late Mom, Erica, after the tragically early death of his dad, Frank. Equally a source of strength for sisters Erica, Rene and their daughters, respectively, Debbie and Charmaine, and Cammy. Of course, a wonderful Dad to Cara-Lee, who shows many signs of having inherited Frans’ passions – photography and aircraft. At an early age there was clear evidence that here was someone with an above average skill in photography, something that became a passion and then the platform for a career. His military training was mostly spent in the Navy, where his photographic career had its roots, as a Naval photographer, a distance and more from where life would take him. Most of his early career was spent at the interface of industrial photography and marketing collaterals and handouts. He was a significant contributor to that wonderful publication “A day in the Life of South Africa”, both in respect of images as well as in its production. But flying, aircraft and all that goes with these was clearly in his blood. He started attending local airshows and recording what he saw there. What he saw and captured photographically created some of the very best imagery of his generation, the best many said since the work of Herman Potgieter, ironically also killed some years before. It was from these events that he was soon accepted as part the SAAF family and a close friend of those who traveled the airshow circuit, locally and abroad. His stature as one of the best international aircraft photographers around – international recognition and awards, and commissions started flowing from SA (SAAF’s “Soaring with Eagles” to the Middle East). *Our friendship was cemented and the talk of a new magazine was born. When we got back to Cape Town, we went to work on what would become AVPIX Magazine. Frans’ dream was to have a magazine that would inspire young photographers, amateurs and even some of the pros. Sadly only one issue was ever published as this great mans life was cut short way to soon. Frans, my dear friend, may you rest in peace and I only hope and pray that what you taught me will live on in my images. Till we meet again. Justin de Reuck *Source: Mike Groch
My Year On The Wing! by Frans Dely
It’s when you get to the end of a year and look back over the previous 12 months, that you get the full picture and significance of what went down and when. What better way to reflect on what was achieved than to view images taken over that period. From all the times my finger was busy causing my trusty Nikon shutter to drop, there has emerged a collection which not only has variety, but also produces a visual celebration of what is now evident as an awesome year of pictures.
What now seems to be an eternity away, and with the 2009 event about to take place, January 2008 began with me strapped to the wall of a SAAF C130 at 14,000 feet, in position to capture some pretty unusual views of 200 skydivers exiting the ramp.
It was then off to the land of sand, Al Ain Aerobatic Airshow in the United Arab Emirates, where the beauty of the desert floor provided an awesome canvas to a variety of aircraft and performances from around the world.
These included performers like Skip Stewart from the USA, Zoltan Veres from Hungary, the UK Guinot Wing Walking Team, although only two aircraft, wing walker Peggy Krainz and her Stearman from Germany, the Saudi Hawks, Jordanian Falcons, a colourful European skydive team, FAI aerobatic contestants managed by Jurgis Karys, and lastly but by no means least, a South African team consisting of skydivers for an inverted para drop from two Pitts Specials and joined by the Extra 300s for an impressive aerobatic sequence.
Shortly after that I again found myself in the UAE, this time with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi. It was Glen Dells first Air-race and together with the Carte Blanche video team, we witnessed and photographed the first round of this spectacular world series.
Media use around the world was also extensive and it once again proved the point that there is no substitute for great photography to get a message across. I was fortunate to be commissioned a second time by Gripen to photograph SA 01 and 02 in preparation for media material for Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) later in the year. Support from the SAAF for this exercise was, needless to say, excellent. Blokkies, Magnus, Jannie and all at TFDC - thank you.
With the official hand over of the first South African Gripen to the SAAF new media material was needed, and on a bumpy mid-February morning with Pierre Gouws in the L39, I captured SA01 over Union Buildings in Pretoria, and in a series of aerobatic manoeuvres over Loskop dam, some dramatic images were produced which I saw proudly displayed by SAAB in their brochures and on their impressive chalet at Farnborough in the UK.
The South African airshow scene unfortunately got off to a slow start with the first major of the season, Rand airshow in Johannesburg, being cancelled due to adverse weather. House of Paint airshow at Virginia however did not disappoint and produced visual material great for spectator and photographer alike.
So to was the helicopter work by 22 Squadron with the SA Navy new Lynx helicopters. This gave me the opportunity to look around the new Corvettes and witness the first loading of the helicopter into the on board hanger.
Race of Champions saw a great number of entries and as usual, the helicopter chase work by Chris Briers was out of the top draw.
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) at Ysterplaat in Cape Town was also spectacular with the arrival of now four Gripens. I was again fortunate enough to find myself almost more in the air at AAD than on the ground. Although on an extremely tight schedule, exactly five days, with all stops pulled, we managed to not only photograph the new look SAAF Silver Falcons Team, but also produce a 28 page brochure, poster and signature card. From the SAAF CAF, the OC Langebaan, to Maj Scott Ternent and my pilot Capt Roy Sproul and the whole Falcon team, their professionalism made it a cinch.
SAA 737 aircraft and the Bombardier Global Express were fantastic to chase with Larry Beamish. Pierre Gouws with the L39 ZUTEE was in his element chasing the A340 and Silver Falcon formation Another highlight for the year was working with the North West Province Aerobatic Team of two Extra 300s, and the North West Province to promote the Mafikeng airshow. Use of great images again illustrated the importance to create meaningful impact in the media.
In conclusion to my year, I would like thank everyone that had any hand in helping to create some of my most memorable flights and what has turned out to be some of the best images my Nikon has captured. The list is long and you all know what part you’ve played in the achievement and I hope, when you go through the images, that you will recall your involvement with deep satisfaction and a smile. To you all, a very big thank you and wherever you are in the world, I hope you have an awesome festive time with family and friends and may 2009 be even more memorable. Touted as one of the leading international aviationphotographers, Frans Dely’s infatuation with aviation in general and photography in particular can be traced back to a grandfather’s passion for the art. Frans Dely is a third generation photographer, albeit the first in his family to take it to a professional level. Frank Dely, Frans’ father in turn ‘inherited’ the passion, He went on to capture war time subjects during his service as a pilot with the South African Air Force. Dely worked in the commercial photographic realm since 1978 after training as a photographer in the SA National Defence Force. In 1995, he became the first South African commercial photographer to work exclusively digital utilising a Kodak/Nikon DCS460, the first ‘one shot’, six million mega pixel camera ever produced. Dely mastered the challenges presented by the digital revolution and applied his new skills to the aviation industry with great success in the late 90’s, quickly earning himself a reputation as one of the most Finally I get to December, and find myself in the company of a talented photographers in the field. superb group of flyers at the final aerobatic competition in Brits, west of Pretoria. With a typical superb summer’s day, hot and humid http://www.avpix.co.za cloudy conditions that produce a quality of light that always help the already superb Nikon glass to create startling “3D” feel in images.
“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” - Unknown © Kevin Hong/ Sector K Media
ISAP Chairman -
Larry Grace
lgrace@mm.com
ISAP Secretary -
Joe Olivia
joe@jetpix.com
ISAP Treasurer -
Bonnie Kratz
bonnie@bonniekratzphotography.com
ISAP Lawyer-
Albert Ross
alross@sbcglobal.net
ISAP Board Member -
Jessica Ambats
jessicaambats@gmail.com
ISAP Board Member -
Mike Collins
mike.collins@aopa.org
ISAP Board Member -
George Kouins
george@pilotgetaways.com
ISAP Board Member -
Katsuhiko Tokunaga
tokunaga@dact.co.jp
ISAP Board Member -
Richard VanderMuelen richardvm@aol.com
ISAP Board Member -
Jim Wilson
jw@jimwilsonphotography.com
ISAP Chairman Emeritus
Jay Miller
aerofax@sbcglobal.net
ISnAP Editor -
Frank Landrus
viggenja37@sbcglobal.net
ISnAP Staff -
Kevin Hong
kevin@sectorkmedia.com
The ISnAP is a periodic publication of the International Society for Aviation Photography and is used to communicate news, functions, convention information, and other events or items of interest on the local, regional, and national scenes. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and should not be construed as the views or opinions of International Society for Aviation Photography. Deadline for submissions to The ISnAP is the 25th of the month prior to month of issue. Please submit photos at a jpg file (240 dpi minimum) and text as a WORD file as an attachment via email to your editor.
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Impressions of a Pilot Gary Claude Stoker
Flight is freedom in its purest form, To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin, To feel the joy that swells within. To leave the earth with its troubles and fly, And know the warmth of a clear spring sky; Then back to earth at the end of the day, Released from the tensions which melted away. Should my end come while I am in flight, Whether brightest day or darkest night; Spare me no pity and shrug off the pain, Secure in the knowledge that I’d do it again. For each of us is created to die, And within me I know, I was born to fly.
Image Š 2011 Cheryl Smit Photography