Air to Air Photography

Have you ever wondered how the aviation magazines get to fill their covers with a flying jet so close you can even see the pilots eyes? Well, the answer is simple but the process is very intricate and critical. One of the most admired professionals I have fol owed is Paul Bowen whose career signature niche has been the bar set by himself many years ago. He took air to air photography to anew level by asking himself the right question: What does it takes to do amazing air to air pictures? And he responded with a long answer. We are going to need exceptional gear, blue skies, lots of photography experience, a scenario and yes, an aircraft capable of seating you in first raw backwards just like a tail gunner and fast enough to catch up with jet without being fast enough to miss propeller driven airplanes. The answer was developed without thinking about the cost of the solution and that was an unbiased in the search of the right formula. He was right from the star, only he had to go ahead with the proof of concept. Let me travel in time many years later after he became an aerial superstar and leading role player and lets see exhibit A.

On the left we have one of the most beautiful aircraft of all times -the Learjet- in one of its latest Bombardier versions. Fabulous picture, great color I astonishing production. Think for a moment what it takes to climb up ahead of a jet and get close enough to see the pilots faces yet you can see the wingspan at an altitude you can still discern the details of the water body, harboring and engulfing across a dessert.
See the atmosphere very dense in the horizon but an unlimited rating visibility that allowed for a successful photo shoot.

I would include the uncomfortable factor created by the ground contours, as that might be choppy enough for creating a wind burst, something not appreciated by a sharp
photographer.

My first impression when reading this picture is about the versatility of flight achieved by the aircraft, banking into its left side while the photographer does it into the opposite side. It was like a bird to bird close encounter. Beautiful scenery, beautiful subject and fine orchestration is what we have here. On our second picture will see one of the most descriptive pictures I have ever seen from the technical point of view as this angle is usually a military privilege or a flight simulator one. The stability on display is something Bombardier and their pilots should be proud for. The aircraft is already landed. Wouldn't you agree?

New accessories as a result of the evolving pen of the Canadian manufacturer are reflected on the winglets (not wingtips) and the ventral fins (not dorsal).
Once again, the ground contours factor would play a major role in terms of stability for the photographer if you spot the terrain palisade lying ahead of the aircraft just before the runway.
Color-wise, the picture cannot get any better, fascinating earthy hues. Now lets see how the cookies are made at least from the logistic standpoint since I already explained the amount of work this production demands. One important thing to notice is the controlled proximity to the subject aircraft (the Learjet) which is the sole responsibility of the chase aircraft, in this case a classic and legendary B-25 Mitchell. This is the kind of "Do not try this at home" type of flying, and I mean it as a word of wisdom for those with a license and a camera.

This stunt requires lots of preparation and experience so leave that to professionals; still it conveys a great deal of danger.
As usual, my congratulations and admiration to Paul Bowen and his crew, a great example of professionalism and achievement.

Thanks for reading and sending personal emails, I am glad you like my Blog.

Until the next issue, all the best.

Miguel Perez
Orlando, FL
www.miguelperezphoto.com


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