Taking pictures at an Airshow

[Longwatcher]

I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
I will use manual and pay attention to the histogram
etc.....
Still I got a few really good shots, not ready for posting yet though as I need to clean my 10D sensor once again apparently. Lets see Airshow, plane and lots and lots of sky, of course the spots show up better.

Other then the above, the lessons learned.
- I love my 100-400 and the push-pull zoom system for airshows, much faster then 70-200 ring focus.
- I once again hate clouds (okay it is a love-hate relationship) I love them when they are helping make the picture, I hate them when they change the light levels between shots.

- I need to slow the shutter down just a tad, so the planes look like they are actually moving. 1/1000 and 1/2000 is a bit too fast to show motion.

- The 10D's buffer is not big enough for RAW by about 2-3 shots

- When the planes are going by really fast, a polorizer, just makes the image darker.

- I can't find the planes at 400mm with the 1.4x and 2x extenders on at the same time (not to mention the lack of light when the sun is behind a cloud. (did I mention I hate clouds)

- Suncreen, must put sunscreen in camera bag. I don't know where it will fit, but if not for the clouds I would be burnt instead of just toasty (okay I like clouds now)

Lastly, I was about to post a link to a few of the better shots, but unfortunately my FTP server is down so it will have to wait awhile.

[IndyJeff]

One thing you forgot, be sure to get the local number for the AP photo desk and carry it with your cell phone.

If, God forbid, an accident should happen being able to call AP while the scene is still active and telling them you have a shot of the crash will put you high on their priority list. If you have a laptop carry it along and leave the airfield after the rescue is pretty well under way and find a phone line. Time is of the essence in news matters and the quicker you get the files to AP the quicker it gets over the wire.

[Canuck]

Yes sunscreen is a must...I have a decent burn from yesterday at London Heathrow. I call it free practise for when the real airshow it. It allows me to work on panning and just taking pics and timing. It also give me more fodder to work on workflow. I have almost given up on using the CPL for shooting aircraft pics. I just stick w/ a UV filter.

I have to agree, the buffer needs some more frames, and a few other bits. That is what made shooting Concorde so difficult, and the fact that it comes in about twice the speed of the rest of the commercial airliners!