WELCOME TO THE MARCH 2015 ISSUE OF ISNAP!
IN THIS ISSUE Avalon Down Under John Freedman A Mile High Airshow Take Flight Hayman Tam One Foggy Morning Mike Collins NAS El Centro Photo Call 2/29/15 - The Second Time’s The Charm Steve Zimmermann Mentor Jim Wilson Under Review: Tamron 150mm-600mm Lens Larry Grace and John Freedman Meet Our Members Larry Grace • Kevin Hong Demo Team Schedules FRONT COVER PHOTO: Andy Dunaway Launch of the Orion Spacecraft. Andy and the help of other photographers were given access to setup remote cameras inside the gate of the launch pad. The remote camera was setup on a sound trigger. Camera: Nikon D810 #3001416 Lens: Nikkor 35mm Focal Length: 35mm Shutter Speed: 1/4000 Aperture: f8 ISO: 320 Mode: Manual; AUTO1 Format: RAW Post Processing: Processed with NX-D and Photoshop CENTERFOLD: Glenn Bloore British AH-64 Apache shot outside of NAS El Centro Camera: Nikon D750 Lens: Nikon 200-400mm Focal Length: 360mm Shutter Speed: 1/250 Aperture: 7.1 ISO: 100 Mode: Shutter Priority Format: RAW Post Processing: Capture NX2 BACK COVER: Larry Grace Image taken at LAX International Airport from the lens review on the Tamron 150-600mm lens Camera: Nikon D810 Lens: Tamron 150-600mm Focal Length: 150mm Shutter Speed: 1/1000 Aperture: f/5 ISO: 100 Format: RAW Post Processing: Straight from the camera change to Jpeg for printing
ISAP’s goal is to bring together our members who share a love of aviation, and want to preserve its history through their images. Through our organization, members can seek to enhance their artistic quality, advance technical knowledge, and improve safety for all areas of aviation photography while fostering professionalism, high ethical standards, and camaraderie. ISAP continues to help our members to better their photography skills, workflow, and set up resources to help with business questions that our members have. Updates are being made to the ISAP website and member portfolio section, and we are showcasing ISAP members’ images and accomplishments on our social media pages. Update or add your portfolio to the ISAP website. ISAP has received a lot of comments on our portfolio section and a few of our members have been contacted for job opportunities and image usage because of these portfolios. In this issue we are continuing to highlight ISAP members. I’m sure you will enjoy learning how your fellow ISAP members got started, as well as seeing some of their images and learning some tips. Remember that ISnAP is your publication to share your images, stories and tips with other members and the public. We look forward to each member sharing his or her stories with all of us. Enjoy this issue of ISnAP! Sincerely, Larry Grace, President Kevin Hong, ISnAP Editor International Society for Aviation Photography www.aviationphoto.org • www.facebook.com/ISAPorg isnap@aviationphoto.org
In honor of fellow ISAP member Jan Collmer
w e l c o m e Ismael Abeytua Leigh Atkinson Jay Beckman Brent Blue Eureco Blair Anthony Chong Pete Collins John Driscoll Jorge Escalona Chandler Feagin Jim Froneberger Mike Gagarin Dylan Van Graan Bruce Griffith Kevin Hong Mark Hrutkay Lyle Jansma Roxanne Janson Jim Koepnick Lance Kuhn Eli Lang Herb Lingl Brian Loflin Clifford Martin Ronald Malec DJ Madden
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Greg Meland Ken Mist Dale Moody Mehdi Nazarinia Ramon van Opdorp Rodolfo Paiz Tom Pawlesh Alvin Pike Timothy Pruitt Justin de Reuck Julius Reckord Luis Sales Stephen Schapiro Dalip Singh Terrence Siren Daniel Soulaine Marcin Szpak Hayman Tam Robert Turchick Steve Walter Yasuhiro Yama Barbara Miller Robert Talarczyk Joop Plaisier Brent Clark Brian R Veprek
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Ashleigh Oliver Roy Deters Kristoffer Pfalmer Glenn Stott Matt Booty Rob Edgcumbe John Stemple Eric Hehs Matt McVicker Hick Milner Darin LaCrone Rodney W. Cromer Russell Munson Paul Bowen Denny Lombard Katsuhiko Tokunaga Steven Bigg Jason McLemore Bob Driver Sergio Maraschin Gary Edwards Casey Colton Ozkan Uner David Stubbington Rick Brown Christopher Ranney
m e m b e r s Bater Kari John Miller Arnoud Philippe Schoor Brian Heron Jim Sugar Kenneth Strohm Christopher Ebdon Matt Rainey Michael Manz Bert Forbes Jeffrey Krueger James Goggin Richard Clower Mark Chiolis Nicholas Candrella Philip Johnson Michael Tessler Simon Fitall David LaCombe John Ringquist Claes Axstal Rob Moser Matt Savage Jan-Arie van der Linden Shawn Malone
The ISnAP is a periodic publication of the International Society for Aviation Photography and is used to communicate news, functions, convention information, and other information of interest on the local, regional, and national scenes. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and should not be construed as the views or opinions of the International Society for Aviation Photography.
May 22 - May 23, 2015 PARTICIPATION IN THIS UNIQUE EVENT IS lIMITED! How often do you go shoot an airshow, only to find yourself in the wrong location, with backlit subjects—or both? That’s not going to happen May 22 and May 23, 2015, in Dallas. Join members of the International Society for International Photography for ISAP’s first-ever Ultimate Access Dream Shoot—an exclusive, private event just for aviation photographers. This is not a traditional ISAP symposium. This shorter, two-day event, being offered in cooperation with the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, emphasizes hands-on techniques. The ISAP Ultimate Access Dream Shoot includes a day of exclusive access to the museum’s aircraft—exterior, interior, ramp and sunset shots. A 35-foot lift will be available for high-angle shots. Scott Slocum and one of his Bombshell models will be on hand for an instructional session with a World War II fighter. The other day provides turning props and the sweet smell of smoke oil as we photograph full-on aerobatics and thundering warbirds—not in the city, but at a very photogenic private airstrip in rural North Texas. Here you will be able to shoot a variety of fighters, other vintage military aircraft, and aerobatic airplanes as they make high-speed passes and perform low-level aerobatics. Expect old-style barnstorming, as well as short-field landing and takeoff demonstrations.
This includes aircraft availability both days, bus transportation to the private airstrip, and two meals—including a catered barbecue dinner at the private airstrip. Registered participants in ISAP’s Ultimate Access Dream Shoot have the opportunity to participate in three different options for air-to-air photo missions. These are offered by, and payment will be made to, the Cavanaugh Air Museum. OPTIONS: • Air to air of a P-51, P-40 and FG1D (or comparable aircraft), shooting from a de Havilland DHC-4 Caribou ($1,200 per person, minimum 6 participants) • Air to air of a Stearman, Travel Air and Sukhoi (or comparable aircraft), shooting from a de Havilland DHC-4 Caribou ($700 per person, minimum 6 participants) In addition, there is an option for a private air to air session with aviation photographer Scott Slocum, shooting from a Beech Bonanza A36 ($1,400 per person, two participants maximum)
$395 - Registration Fee for ISAP Members (the fee increases $50 after April 6) $495 - Registration Fee for Non ISAP Members (the fee increases $50 after April 6) PAYMENT IS DUE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION © Lyle Jansma
Hotel Accommodations The host hotel for the event will be the Spring Hill Suites Dallas Addison/ Quorum Drive, a Marriott property, located just south of Addison Airport at 15255 Quorum Dr., Addison, Texas 75001—less than five minutes from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. The room rate of $69 per night (approximately $78, including taxes), for a single or double suite, includes Internet access and a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. This room rate is available from May 21 through May 24. To reserve at this exclusive rate, go to http://tinyurl.com/m7dtdx2 or call Marriott Reservations toll-free at 888-287-9400 and identify yourself as part of the International Society for Aviation Photography group staying at the Spring Hill Suites Dallas Addison/Quorum Drive. To guarantee this rate, reserve by Thursday, May 7, 2015. Any additional questions email ISAP at: info@aviationphoto.org Attn: 2015 Ultimate Access Dream Shoot
TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT GO TO THE LINK aviationphoto.org/2015-isap-ultimate-access-dream-shoot Non ISAP members who join ISAP to take advantage of the discounted price for members should not expect instant access. Please wait 3 - 4 business days for an email with the access code for ISAP members. Registered participants will receive additional information via email as the event gets closer. To learn more about International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) or to become a member visit their website or Facebook page at: www.aviationphoto.org • https://www.facebook.com/ISAPorg
AVALON D O W N
U N D E R by John Freedman
Every two years the sleepy airport at Avalon Victoria comes alive with the Australian International Airshow. This year it was from the 24th February through to March 1st. It features a trade show from Tuesday through Friday, and then a public night show Friday, before the main airshow over the weekend. It is the largest airshow in the region, and always has a large Royal Australian Air Force involvement. We got to see some rare and exciting visitors, including the USN Boeing Poseidon, USAF Global Hawk, A-400M Transport, Japanese Boeing KC-767 Tanker, and two Singaporean Black Knight F-16s performing. This year featured a Great War section thanks to The Vintage Aviator from New Zealand, that brought over 10 aircraft including the Sopwith Camel, Bristol Fighter, Fokker Dr.1, D.VII, D.VIII, RE.8, Pfalz, DH-5, SE.5A and Nieuport 11. There were World War II fighters; a Mustang, Kittyhawk, and Boomerang. A trainer formation as well as transports including the Catalina, DC-3 and Hudson. There was a Heritage display with a Sabre leading a Meteor, and Hornet. There was civilian aerobatic acts, and other aircraft displays. The USAF always supports the show, with an F-16 display as well as a flyover of a B-52H from Guam on the Friday. The RAAF had solo displays from the F/A-18A Hornet, BAE-127 Hawk trainer, C-17 and a formation of Beech King Airs.
The Australian Defence Force put on an Air Power display showcasing how their assets would be deployed. It had Army ARH Tiger Attack helicopters, and MRH-90 transport helicopters. Then the KC-30A Tanker appeared with three F/A-18F Super Hornets, and a FAC-9 Forward Air Controller came on station. Three C-130J Hercules came over low and a C-17 transport landed and off loaded two Bushmasters. An Orion came over sub hunting, before a mock air battle with Super Hornets. It was very hectic to photograph, with aircraft all around, at one stage you just did not know where to look! It is one of the few opportunities that the public gets to see the Australian Defence Force in action, especially our aerial assets. Avalon is a great airshow, especially in a country that has so few shows. So if you are in the area in two years come along, it will be well worth the visit!
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F L I G H T by Hayman Tam
Colorado is the home of several airshows and mile-high airshow fans turned out in force to welcome the birth of a new airshow in the state. The inaugural Pikes Peak Regional Air Show took place last August at Colorado Springs Airport. The show benefits two museums located in Colorado Springs: the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Peterson Air and Space Museum. While the airshow theme certainly favored warbirds, many vintage GA aircraft were flown in for the show. Beechcraft, Cessna, Waco & Fleet were all represented on the display ramp. The Fleet owner even brought a matching classic MG TC sports car to accent the plane, or vice versa. Festivities started off with the U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team followed by an aerial parade of trainer aircraft. The Trojan Phlyers, two combat veteran pilots who perform aerobatic routines in 1950’s era T-28B Trojan trainers. Next were flybys with a B-25 Mitchell and TBM Avenger as part of a bomber display. A Mitsubishi A6M Zero took to the sky with an impressive exhibition of the aircraft’s maneuverability. This performance was then combined with a P-40 Warhawk for a mock dogfight, ending with the Zero spewing smoke after being caught in the P-40’s gunsights. The Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron had a large display for the Tuskegee Airmen, complete with a semitrailer housing a 40 foot panoramic movie screen showing their documentary “Rise Above”. They also brought their restored P-51C Mustang. The distinctive red-tailed fighter took to the air for a demonstration flight. Warren Pietsch returned with the P-40 for a display of its aerobatic ability. Thunderbolt
fans were rewarded with two airborne P-47’s, one from the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the other, Hun Hunter IV, from the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Other aircraft flying in the show included two rare North American NA-50’s, a single-seat fighter version of the T-6, a stunning F7F Tigercat, and a pair of Corsairs. The Tigercat cut short its Saturday performance due to a problem with a landing gear door, and the final performances were abbreviated when a thunderstorm advanced towards the airport. Sunday’s thunderstorms were not very conducive to an airshow and rained out the last half of the performances. The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow featured more than 40 historic aircraft, many from World War II. Proceeds from the event go to the Colorado Springs-based National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Peterson Air and Space Museum. The National Museum of World War II Aviation opened in October, 2012. The museum campus occupies 20 acres with three hangars at the Colorado Springs Airport, and is co-located with WestPac Restorations’ restoration facility, one of the nation’s premier restorers of WWII-era aircraft. I’ve toured WestPac previously and they are building several Lockheed P-38 Lightning’s from scratch for some well-heeled folks that really want one in their hangar. The Peterson Air and Space Museum is one of 12 field museums that make up the US Air Force History and Heritage Program. It is located at Peterson AFB, and the main museum building was once the original terminal building for Colorado Springs Airport. The airport is co-located with Peterson Air Force Base.
ONE FOGGY M O R N I N G Story and Photos by Mike Collins
It’s a rare treat when nine inches of snow shuts down the office—and most of the region—on a weekday. I was in no hurry to do battle with the snow blower, however, so I sat down at the computer instead. Contemplating the upcoming ISAP Ultimate Access Dream Shoot and while fulfilling a request for some images from last spring’s Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, I took a pass through the photos I had shot during the field trip day of the 2014 ISAP Symposium—I had not found the time to edit these images previously. Those of you who were there will remember that we had exclusive access to the Sun ’n Fun flight line well before dawn, shooting the Blue Angels, a pair of F-22s, and other items of interest. As the sun’s disk broke the horizon and began its ascent into the mostly clear Florida sky, moisture from the night’s dew also began to rise from the grass, forming a shallow layer of ground fog. While this is a frequent occurrence in Florida and other climates, it’s not something I get to shoot very often. Inspired by the magical light—and, perhaps, that third cup of coffee—I joined a few of the other participating photographers to shoot this unexpected “golden hour”…although the life cycle of the ground fog really was more like 15 or 20 minutes. Although the time was short, the experience was an excellent reminder of the timeless photographic adage, “f/2.8 and be there.” It always helps to keep your eyes open, too.
Photo by Glenn Bloore
NAS EL CENTRO PHOTO CALL 2/19/2015
THE SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM
by Steve Zimmermann
Let me tell it to you straight: standing at the departure end of NAF El Centro’s Rwy 12 as the Blue Angels diamond passes directly overhead at 150’ AGL is one of the great experiences in aviation*. Just make sure your hearing protection is well adjusted as they go screaming overhead, the wall of sound they leave in their wake shaking your bones, the downwash of four F/A-18 Hornets in afterburner bringing the warm scent of Jet-A to your nostrils. It’s all over in an instant. I promise myself that next time I’ll put down the camera and really be there, in the moment; but today there is only this one chance and I’ve driven 1100 miles for the opportunity, so the images newly stored on my memory cards will have to serve as a stand-in for the real experience. Other photographers will understand the feeling. Last year, when ISAP put out the word that a handful of lucky members would be selected by lottery to attend the February 2014 photo call, I put my name in the hat and was thrilled to be selected. But I made the long drive only to come away without seeing the Blue Angels fly: their practice sessions were cancelled due to blowing dust and strong crosswinds on the show runway. This year, when the second week of February arrived and I hadn’t heard anything about a repeat of last year’s event, I put out feelers and learned that there was indeed a photo call coming up the very next week. I reached out to Kris Haugh, Public Affairs Officer at NAF El Centro and our host on base for last year’s event, and asked him if it were possible to wangle an invitation as an unaffiliated photographer. Kris remembered the ISAP crew favorably (we must not have broken any rules that day!) and graciously extended an invitation, with one proviso, that I help him out by providing the ISAP president’s contact info that he’d misplaced. Done! So it is that on a warm, sunny, windless morning in mid-February I find myself taking a position along the irrigation canals outside the base
perimeter fence of NAF El Centro, the winter home of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, along with fifty or so other aviation photographers and assorted locals. We’re all here to have a grandstand seat for the Blues’ morning practice, scheduled to launch at 0830. This particular spot has been known for years as ‘The Haybales’, but there are no bales of hay in sight, the farmer apparently having no regard for their status as a landmark and photographers’ perch. The weather has been dry and the infamous Imperial Valley dust kicks up with the arrival of every vehicle: it’s no time to be changing lenses, that’s for sure. Ladders have been set up, on the ground or in truck beds, and those without a ladder are looking for a vantage point that minimizes the visual impact of the security fence between us and the runway threshold. Soon, it’s showtime... Those who’ve seen the Blues perform over the years know that the thrill of watching the four-ship diamond or six-ship delta make a banked photo pass in tight formation never gets old. It’s still winter practice and their first public show won’t take place for almost a month, but it seems to me that this year’s team has already got it dialed in: the diamond looks like a single entity as it roars by. The practice session is soon over, beautifully flown and uneventful but for the Boss calling to repeat a couple of maneuvers that didn’t meet his standards. Now it’s time for the photographers to regroup by the base entrance gate for the official start of the photo call. Small groups form: introductions are made and the old friendships renewed, while a lone C-2 Greyhound makes stately circuits overhead. There are shuttle buses to take us on base for a safety briefing and a pit stop before heading out to the ramp for the afternoon; there are no facilities out on the field. On the agenda is a chance to photograph the Blue Angels’ afternoon practice from show center, followed by a trip out to the active runway to shoot routine flight training and transit operations.
The afternoon practice begins with a Mayday: Blue Angels #1 has an engine failure shortly after takeoff, spitting flames as the diamond knocks it off; the Boss makes a quick circuit, landing on the longer runway and taxiing in quickly so he can swap into the spare #4 jet. The rest of the diamond orbits the field and the solos idle at the end of the runway until their lead is back in the air. The practice session resumes without further incident: just another day at the office. Next, we head out to the arrivals end of Rwy 08 for the rest of the afternoon. Along the way we stop to watch a gaggle of USMC AH-1Z Super Cobras depart for their home base, bristling with wicked-looking armament. Out at the runway we get another briefing to define the safety box, fifty feet back from the runway’s edge, and everyone settles in for a lazy couple of hours in the warm sun, interspersed with low passes by departing choppers and a steady stream of T-45C Goshawks with candidate aviators and their instructors flying instructional hops. The guy in the tower is doing his best to make sure everyone flying gives us a good show. An EA-18G Growler of the VAQ-129 Vikings fleet
replenishment squadron taxis out and launches right in front of us, in afterburner. The Blues depart from the other runway and head out to a remote practice box to get in a little more work. Slowly, the sun drops toward the horizon and the light takes on warmth; a last pair of Goshawks return to base, golden sunlight glinting off the sides of the bright white airframes. We load up the buses in the failing light and head back to our waiting cars, dusty and tired, as the day’s shooting comes to a satisfying conclusion. My sincere thanks go out to NAF El Centro, and especially to PAO Kris Haugh and his staff, for accommodating the needs---and ensuring the safety of---our ragtag band of aviation photographers. *It’s an experience you won’t get at any air show in the country, due to FAA regulations governing crowd safety, and the Blue Angels’ strict requirement that the show box be sanitized during their public performances.
Mentor (Men • tor)
Noun: An experienced and trusted advisor Verb: Advise or train (someone especially a younger colleague)
by Jim Wilson
I would like you to pause for just a moment and think about what your love of the photographic process has brought to your life. Recall the excitement that overtook you when you realized it was within your grasp to freeze a split second on a strip of celluloid? Now think about the journey your passion for photography has had you on since those early days. Most who will read this article rapidly progressed from “taking pictures” to imagining images and embarking on the course that was most likely to produce those images. Photography has a way of developing a myriad of qualities in the photographer. Those who develop a true passion for the craft hardly notice the cultivation of strengths such as discipline, a creative vision, personal style, and deep appreciation for a world of diverse subjects. The reason for this lack of awareness is an ever deepening immersion in the pure quest for that next great image. Thankfully, for the true devotee, that journey never really has an end as we sharpen our skills, refine our vision, and acquire more sophisticated tools. We relentlessly return to the same location just to see if conditions will smile upon us and
allow the illusive next best image. Sometimes we are frustrated by factors out of our control, but when it all comes together and a personal best photograph is envisioned and executed, well, is there a more satisfying feeling? There comes a point in most photographer’s lives where the ability to capture and share beautiful imagery leads us to the next best stage in our field. The point where we realize how wonderful it would be to use what we have learned to help someone else up on the path that has given us so much joy and satisfaction. Photographic mentoring requires a bit of a perspective shift because we get used to focusing on capturing the image we have in our imaginations. True mentorship requires us to exercise a different type of discipline than we’re used to. A discipline that brings us to a point where we are willing to let the image we see escape occasionally, in order to help someone else achieve their dream shot. This isn’t an easy transition to make, but it ends up being a very satisfying one with long term benefits for all involved.
Sheila and I have been blessed with six grandchildren, all of whom are enchanted with aviation and as you might imagine, very familiar with the photographic process. Chandler, our middle grandson showed a genuine interest in photography this past summer and assisted me, extremely ably, on a number of assignments. Like any teenage boy, subjects like aviation, cool cars, etc., really peak his interest, but he diligently learned the ropes on much less exciting assignments, thereby earning the privilege of being in the thick of it for the really fun stuff. I believe in sporadic tests in fire just to see what someone is capable of with little preparation. Several years ago I had an air to air assignment and Chandler asked if he could accompany me, proudly I said sure and gave him a primer on one of my Canon cameras. While I shot away from the open side of the photo platform, Chandler composed and captured what he saw from a position behind me. When we returned from our assignment, the images he showed me clearly indicated that he had something that can be refined if you possess it, but in my opinion cannot be learned, compositional ability. Chandler has been with me on B25 missions, and last year spent the day shooting The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show from a position between the runways. If his previous experiences had not launched his passion for the still image AFW 2014 sealed the deal. Throughout these opportunities we discussed many different facets of photography, but one never really knows what is being absorbed until you begin to see a real grasp for the craft in the work of the person you are attempting to help. Each time we are together, I see more and more application of techniques in his imagery. Earlier this month I was asked to do an assignment for a new air show routine. There were a lot of moving parts to this shoot, and the team had not had an opportunity to put all the components of the new routine together due to the need for a closed runway and
appropriately waivered airspace. I asked Chandler if he would like to shoot the assignment with me, mentioning that it would require a 4:30 wake up call and an hour drive so we could be ready to shoot at the first hint of light. Once again, kind of an acid test, beginning with a pre-dawn wake up for a teenager. He was all over the opportunity and sprung out of bed, ready for the day. We arrived in the dark, I had briefed him on the ride up, expecting this to be a fairly fast paced shoot, once dawn began. I armed him with a 1DX and a 70-200 series II, we went over safety procedures and what I anticipated would take place, then I turned him loose and focused on what I was there to do. We talked back and forth, and he would come over to me occasionally to show me an image that he was particularly proud of, but he was all about the challenge before us, and I watched as grew from my grandson with a camera to a photographer on assignment. The exceptional light and still air produce exceptional conditions for this assignment. I was able to capture several images that had elements that I couldn’t have anticipated, resulting in some of the most dramatic images I have created in 35 years as a pro shooter. I could tell that Chandler was pleased with his images, but it wasn’t until that evening when we were downloading and backing up the work of the day, that I realized Chandler had captured many of the same images from a perspective of his choosing. The opportunity to mentor anyone with a fresh love of photography is a privilege that should be treasured, but to have that person be a child, or grandchild is, well, kind of beyond description. We all have an opportunity to have our talent infused in those we choose to take under our wing, I urge you not to let that personal satisfaction elude you.
UNDER REVIEW Review of the Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC Lens Review by Larry Grace and John Freedman
Last year while on a photo shoot, I noticed a fellow photographer shooting images with the new Tamron 150-600 mm. I had heard good comments about this lens and after seeing a few of his images on the back of his camera; I wondered how this lens would perform in an aviation setting. Later that week, I stopped at my local camera store and tried the lens out for myself. I was impressed with the sharpness and color of the images. I had requested feedback from a few other photographers, and based on their reaction and my own personal experience I wanted to try this lens out in an aviation setting. B&H was gracious enough to let me try out the Tamron 150-600 mm lens while I was on assignment in LA. For those of you familiar with LAX, you know the favorite hangouts for photography. The skies around LAX varied from great sky, to slightly overcast to thick smog. I used the Nikon D800, D610 and D700 bodies during my LA test. The lens has a good feel and not too heavy. The zoom and focus rings are perfectly damped. The zoom lock at 150 & 400 mm is nice to have to prevent lens creep, but the lens is damped that you really don’t need it on. I did not have any problems with pointing the lens skyward at aircraft. I was happy with the images at different ranges and at 600mm found the images very sharp and usable for print and web.
I didn’t experience any issues tracking aircraft on takeoff or landings. If the tracking was off it was more “operator error” than the camera or the lens. I would recommend reviewing your camera focus setting on how best to track subjects. Obviously technical specifications and reviews are available online as well. I wanted to provide you with my feedback via the images I shot. These images where shot in RAW format and changed to JPEG for printing with this report and any other post processing will be noted. If you are on a budget and looking for a good lens to give you reach with your aviation or wildlife photography, you would be hard pressed to find a better lens. I feel Tamron has nailed it with this lens, you’ll be happy you made the purchase and I recommend the Tamron 150-600 mm. Thanks to B&H Photo for providing the lens to test for review. For more information go to www.bhphotovideo.com **No retouching or sharpening unless noted, all images straight from the camera and shot in the RAW format change to jpeg and re-size to 1800x1200 for printing with this article.
UNDER REVIEW Review of the Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC Lens Review by John Freedman
Fellow ISAP members, Larry asked me to review how the Tamron operated under airshow conditions. I bought the lens on Sunday before the show, and had very little time before heading off to the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Victoria. The weather was challenging, with overcast conditions for most of the show, but it did let me see how the lens went under less that ideal conditions. First off, if you think that this will be as good as the 500 or 600mm prime from Nikon or Canon, sadly you are mistaken. But, it is about 10% of the cost, about Âź of the weight, and a lot easier to travel with. So how did the lens go? Overall I like this lens, I was surprised at how sharp it was at 600mm. Compared to a Sigma lens I used to use, I am willing to take this to full zoom. I found that it seemed to lose a bit of contrast or blacks when zoomed in, but you can fix that during processing. As the lens is quite compact, it was easy to track aircraft with, and comfortable to hand hold. I had it on my D300S, so not the fastest camera I own, but a good and reliable body. I was happy that the lens tracked well on fast jets like
the F-16 and F/A-18 during the airshow routine. Even coming right at the camera, it seemed to focus well. I was shooting at about 1/400 and 1/500 for these, and the only issue was that due to low light I had to have ISO 400, so it was grainy, but that was the camera. When looking at the images at 100% they do not look as sharp as I was used to off either a prime, or off my 80-400, but with the reach comes a trade off. When you look at the photo at normal viewing it is very acceptable, and I am willing to submit them to any editor with slight sharpening. Shooting props at 1/200 or helicopters at 1/160 it is easy to hold steady. I did not use the image stabilization, so I cannot comment on that. But zoomed in I got good images at 1/200. I normally operate the D300S with a +0.3 exposure compensation; but with this lens in full daylight I found that it over exposed about ½ to 1 stop, so I had to fix it in processing, as demonstrated in the Super Hornet photo. So should you buy it or not? That is up to you, but if you need a long lens, and lets be honest, at any major airshow, you are so far away from the action, you need the Hubble to get good images. As NASA will not let you use it, I would certainly recommend this Tamron 150-600 to you.
HARS DHC-4 Caribou: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600: 600mm, 1/200, f.13, ISO 200
RAAF F/A-18A Hornet: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600: 400mm, 1/400, f.9, ISO 200
TVAL Nieuport 11 Replica: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600: 420mm, 1/200, f.11, ISO 200
RAAF F/A-18A Hornet: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600: 250mm, 1/500, f.6.3, ISO 200
TVAL Sopwith Camel Replica: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600mm: 550mm, 1/400, f.7.1, ISO 200
RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet Lands: Nikon D300S + Tamron 150-600: 600mm, 1/400, f.10, ISO 400
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MEET OUR MEMBERS
MEET THE MEMBERS
My photographic vision is to be able to create an image that allows me to share a viewpoint that I had or one that someone else many not have had at the same time. The composition of the image comes from light and shape along with how you bring it to print or present it for on-line viewing. Over the years, I have learned by asking, viewing and researching photography and other photographers. I often network with other photographers as well as watching others work. I am always seeking feedback on my images in an effort to improve my craft. Creating your own “style” is dependent upon your vision and how you process the images.
Larry Grace - President of ISAP My first memories of photography experience date back to when I was about nine or ten, when I was the family “photographer” – snapping photos of my family during special occasions. My passion for aviation dates back to that same time frame, I enjoyed building and collecting model airplanes. I was immersed in aviation as well as the space program. Upon graduation from High School, I enlisted in the US Air Force and it was during that time that I combined my love of photography and aviation – what a great opportunity to capture detailed photos of the aircraft I modeled as a child. After my time in the USAF, I attended The School of Communication Arts with an emphasis in photography. My career has encompassed working with commercial studios and commercial printers where I worked as staff photographer. My photographic work has appeared in numerous brochures, books, catalogs, websites, and magazines for industries such as high tech, energy, healthcare, travel, real estate, architecture, sports, aviation and children’s playground equipment. I currently shoot using Nikon equipment. My camera bag includes the D800, D610 and D700 bodies. When film was in vogue, I shot using Minolta, Pentax and Olympus cameras. Along with Medium and Large format bodies (21/4 to 8x10). The combination I use is dependent upon the situation. If I am shooting at an air show ground to air – I may utilize a Nikon 500mm along with tele-converters (1.7x and 2x). I recently tested the new Tamron 150-600 lens and found it to be a good starter lens for those on a budget and looking for a little more reach. When shooting air-to-air, I like using the 24-70mm, 24-120mm, and 18-200mm. If limited to taking only one lens in the cockpit, the lens of choice would be the 24-120mm. For static and people I typically use the 24-120mm and 70-200mm. In the end, I use the best lens that I have to assist me in capturing the best image. When I first began shooting digital I used JPG. Once I understood the benefits of shooting RAW – I switched to RAW. I feel that shooting RAW files allows me full control of the file when working in Photoshop or Lightroom.
I have had the opportunity to work with many photo labs not only in Minnesota, but also across the country. Open communication is key – making certain that both the lab and myself understand what my desired outcome is – and taking and making suggestions to achieve that outcome. I also utilize workshops, on-line forums and videos for valuable suggestions in ways to improve printing of my images. I have printed portfolios as well as galleries on my iPad and iPhone. I also have a personal website, as well as images posted on Google Plus, Flickr, Facebook, KelbyOne and several online forums. I’m a member of the following groups: National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), Minneapolis photo group “Lens Prose”, Photographer for AirSpace Minnesota, Living Legends of Aviation and Kiddie Hawk Air Academy and team photographer for the Twin Cities River Rats Water Show Ski Team for the past six years. I am also a current member of Nikon Professional Services (NPS). In 2005, I attended my first ISAP symposium in Washington DC after seeing an article about the group in Air and Space magazine. I certainly was a bit apprehensive, wondering and worrying that my photographic skills would not measure up to the many talented members. I have forged many wonderful friendships through ISAP and have also had the chance to meet many of you as well as aviation legends. I am forever grateful to be a part of such a great organization and working with the current ISAP board members (Jim Wilson, Bonnie Kratz, Mike Collins, George Kounis and Kevin Hong) I look forward to continued participation in ISAP events / symposium, and look forward to the time I have the pleasure of meeting up with ISAP members.
MEET THE MEMBERS
MEET THE MEMBERS
Kevin Hong - ISAP/ISnAP Editor After years of shooting photos I took some photography classes in college and learned how to appreciate the hard work that goes into developing a great black and white photo. Having a graphic design degree from the University of Houston allows me to look at photos differently than a normal photographer. I take into account the usage of space in an image and think of blank space for text in future advertisements and marketing when I shoot for clients. In the past I always thought about my photography and the passion for aviation just as a hobby but have turned it into a profession starting my own photography/graphic design company. I never thought I would turn my love of aviation into a career and do things I never imagined such as flying with a door off of an aircraft to shoot photos of airplanes. When people ask what I do, I tell them and they can’t believe that someone does this for a living. Rightfully so I have to agree but why I do it is very therapeutic. There is nothing like watching a plane fly next to you to get the perfect shot. Is it hard work? Of course it is but when the shoot is done I love looking out in the distance and enjoying the view at sunset. I’ve always shot with Canon cameras and still shoot with them today. Shooting RAW format gives me the flexibility to manipulate photographs as well as work with them when I design books using most of the programs in the Adobe arsenal. Shooting photos of veterans and being in the warbird community holds a special place in my heart. I love talking with veterans and sharing their stories. Even the warbirds I shoot have a story to tell. For me I don’t just take photos of airplanes. It’s about preserving the history and I try to do it with the photography and design skills I have learned. Just recently I completed a book covering the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. It’s a photographic journey showing everyone the untold story of ceremonies in the small towns that celebrate the liberations of their community every year. To meet the surviving veterans of World War II was an honor and something I will never forget. Throughout my journey I always try to gather information no longer found in history books by talking directly with people who were there in the field of combat. Since my first ISAP in Las Vegas I have made many friends and shared adventures that I never dreamed possible. Throughout my professional career as a photographer I always continue to help people interested in photography to become better photographers. Behind every photograph there is a story. I agree a picture is worth a thousand words but meeting the veterans and the planes who made history is priceless. All I can say is if these planes could talk.
Rolling Camera Bags FREE 15” LAPTOP CASE WITH PURCHASE OF THINK TANK ROLLER Our friends at Think Tank Photo have announced a special offer that runs through March 31, 2015. Purchase any new rolling camera bag directly from Think Tank Photo, mail in the rebate form downloadable from their website, and they will send you a 15” laptop case for free! Think Tank’s rolling camera bags are renowned for being designed for airline travel, enhanced security and durability, while being backed by the best customer service in the industry. As my friend, in addition to receiving the free laptop, when you check out of their shopping cart you will be asked what other Think Tank item you would like to receive for free with your order. Enjoy! http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/rolling-camera-bags. aspx?code=CC-326 The Think Tank Roller Camera Bag can easily roll down the aisle and fit in the overhead bin on board a Southwest 737-800 aircraft.
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