Shutter speed to somewhat blur a planes Prop ?

[PJ]

I'm going to the Dayton Air Show July 18th and was wondering for those of you who have shot an air show before; at what shutter speed on a sunny day will the prop on a plane be frozen. I only ask because I want my shots to have the prop blurred somewhat to convey motion.

thanks

PJ

[Canuck]

I'm going to the Dayton Air Show July 18th and was wondering for those of you who have shot an air show before; at what shutter speed on a sunny day will the prop on a plane be frozen. I only ask because I want my shots to have the prop blurred somewhat to convey motion.

thanks

PJ

Just a wag, 1/250-1/500 sec ought to do it. Are we talking old planes like Convairs/Constellations, or C-130 and newer stuff? This is for the speed. you need to be fast enough to freeze the plane, but catch the props moving. Again, I should think 1/250-1/500 sec ought to get you in the ballpark.

[robertwgross]

This is a bit related. I shot a helicopter flying overhead. When I shot slow (1/400), the main rotor was distinctly blurred. When I shot fast (1/4000), the main rotor appeared frozen.

---Bob Gross---

[Steveo31]

I agree with Canuck.

[PJ]

thanks guys
I appreciate the help.

I ventured to our local RC airplane field to practice a bit before the actual air show. I know RC and the Real thing is totally different but it gives me a good idea.

thanks again

PJ

[Digital Prophet]

If you really want to get a feel before it is all said and done open your phone book and find a local airport. But not a giant airport. What you what is called a "General Aviation" airport. And alot of cities have them. In fact any large city should have several. Check AirNav (http://www.airnav.com/airports/) and you can search by City or State. Then call the FBO (that will be the airport management office). Just explain your situation and ask if it is ok to come by and maybe take a couple of practice pictures. Explain that you won't wonder around the ramp, you just want to stand on the side and take a few pics of any prop plane as it prepares to leave the ramp for the runway.

Use words like "ramp" "FBO" "prop" and "taxi out". They like that and it makes you look like you know what you are doing. Most FBO's are pretty open and won't have a problem. If you sense hesitation just offer to show the pictures to them or even delete them before leaving since these are just to practice settings. You could even be so bold as to just show up. Since almost all FBO's carry some amount of passenger (private) traffic there are usually public areas where people can stand and watch the planes come and go.

Hope that you get a chance to visit. Airports are cool and the people there are usually freindly as long as you are polite and freindly to them. My office used to be on an General Aviation and it was a blast.

- Digital Prophet -

[Digital Prophet]

Ah ha! I know that I had a picture that might show what you are wanting. Check this (www.boardexpression.com/prophet/images/IMG_0343.JPG) (it is a 207k pic so be patient if you are 56k).

Here is the image info:

File Name: IMG_0343.JPG
Camera Model Name: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL
Shooting Date/Time: 3/22/2004 12:58:53 PM
Shooting Mode: Program AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ): 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ): 9.0
Metering Mode: Evaluative
Exposure Compensation: 0
ISO Speed: 100
Lens: 18.0 - 55.0 mm
Focal Length: 18.0 mm
Image Size: 3072x2048
Image Quality: Fine
Flash: Off
White Balance: Daylight
AF Mode: AI Focus AF
Parameters:
Contrast +1
Sharpness +1
Color saturation +1
Color tone Normal
Color Space: sRGB
File Size: 2014KB
Drive Mode: Continuous shooting

It's a little dark because I was experimenting with a polarizer. Maybe this info will help. But remember. A place in flight is going to have a much faster moving prop. So you should think of any setting you get on a taxi-ing plane as a half way mark to where you need to be for plane in flight.

- Digital Prophet -

[PJ]

thanks Digital Prophet for that info. It' helps alot
I actually know of 3 General Aviation airports nearby.
I'll probably contact the FBO like you said to see if he'll allow it.
If the shoot goes well this weekend i'll put some pics up in the shared photo section and put a link to it in this thread.

thanks again everyone


pj

[Bruce Hamilton]

I know that I had a picture that might show...

Shutter is slow enough, but the aperature at f/9 froze the prop to just a slight blur.