How to photograph aircraft AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY

In this video, I teach you how to photograph aircraft. Basic to Advanced techniques. Jets and Propeller aeroplanes!

Photographing fast-moving subjects can be quite an intimidating and often scary process, but it needn't be. If you have a basic understanding of how your camera works then photographing fast-moving jets and propeller aircraft can be a straightforward process. It's probably much easier than you think!

New to aviation photography? fear not, I've got you covered!

This tutorial is geared for all standards of photographers. I cover the basics. All you'll need to know to get you up and running as a novice. The later part of my tutorial is geared around the more experienced camera user.

Even if you think you've got all the bases covered, I'm sure if you watch my video, you might be surprised!

I offer tips at the end of the video too. My tips are there to help your strike rate improve when in the field.

Enjoy the video and feel free to leave a comment

Gary

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[messedupfmj]

That Osprey shot at 11:35 is worth the price of admission. Wow!

[nathanwright]

After visiting RAF Lakenheath multiple times as a total photography novice and only using my phone, I’ve bitten the bullet and bought my first DSLR and THIS one video will be my bible until I can master great shots of fast jets! Thank you Gary!

[TheInvisibleOrange]

I’m going to photograph an air show In September and this is absolutely gold information

[charanice]

This is the best video I could find in 2023 on photographing aircraft.

[johnbeavin]

Living in New Zealand I have no show of visiting the mach loop, however, you have convinced me that I have no need to wish for a high shutter speed camera, my G2 with 4fps is adequate, even for birds. Another great video, thanks.

[FoxbatSqnth]

The last one about story telling...
You are so damn right. *it hit close to home. I always zoom max in to get every detail of the plane (like i will use them for models or something) But i find my pictures rather boring because yes i got a stunning picture close up of the F-16's and such but the landscape are gone. So in other words my pictures dont tell a story which is a shame now i think of it even more. So thank you!

[gary.kenyon]

As always a great watch with stunning photos. Very informative too. Thanks Gary.

[dustyboat]

Great videos Gary.. thanks for some awesome tips... love your passion. And love your photos. The four Hercules flying through are quite fantastic!

[tahtawi]

The amount of useful information in this video is countless. Thank you very much for your wonderful effort

[shaungoddard]

Gary, thank you so much for producing & sharing this video. The advice provided is greatly appreciated. I have not yet had the confidence, knowledge to photograph moving objects & always had doubts about the camera settings. The way you explain & show is great so thanks again. I will certainly be trying out your recommendations albeit with my 18-200 lens

[AMc-]

Got a new lens for DSLR, I'm a novice and this is by far the best guide I've seen, thanks!

[MarkosVicioso]

My pictures of aviation photography improved a lot after watching this video, thank you.

[davidsewell]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial. Very well presented with excellent and accurate explanations of appropriate camera settings. If I may be so bold, I'd just like to offer an additional snippet of advice regarding panning. Panning, in conjunction with a slow(ish)shutter speed, is the best way to photograph fast moving subjects for reasons that Gary has adequately explained. However, it takes practice - a LOT of practice - to get it right. Most newcomers to the art have a tendency to push hard and fast onto the shutter button and then slow down on panning which usually results in photos that look like they were taken with the camera mounted on a pogo stick. Utterly useless and disappointing.
Shutter buttons have two functions. The first light press on the button activates the camera's systems such as autofocus etc. Continue to press and the shutter will release. It's a two-stage affair and must be carried out smoothly and gently.
That's one issue taken care of. Another, (and equally important requirement) is to keep panning at a continuous speed whilst shooting and you should start panning with your subject in the frame with first pressure on the shutter button before taking up the final pressure and releasing the shutter whilst continuing to pan at a smooth and constant rate. And don't stop panning on your final shot - keep panning for a second or two afterwards to ensure a smooth transition out of your shooting sequence.
It's a bit like golf. You don't stop your swing the moment you hit the ball - you follow through, and panning is no different.
Another tip I have found to be really useful is to keep both eyes open whilst panning. One eye focuses on the subject in the frame, whilst the other views your peripheral surroundings. This can avoid your best shot being one of the back of the head of someone who might be standing in front of you as you can see where you're going with your panning.
If you're brand new to panning, I would suggest attending a motorcycle or fast car track day. You can get plenty of practice in similar circumstances before heading to the Mach Loop and possibly being disappointed with your results.
Sorry for hijacking your post Gary. Your photography is awesome!

[EdwardForty]

I am planning to go up there very soon and have passed through a couple of weeks ago but I was touring on my motorcycle. I like to go up to RAF Valley first, stop a night or two then come down and stop off at the Mach Loop. On this trip, I pulled into the layby at the bottom and suddenly somebody shouts " there are two F15's coming! " It was just an incredible experience and the noise :). The jets came round and did another pass.
I think that you are just great to watch and your tips are just exactly what I want; no all the way round the "Wrekin" and back again.
Many thanks for all the advice about actually going there and how to do it; brilliant!

[carlhildred]

Hi, I tried your recommendation’s, best photos at an air show yet, thanks Gary

[davidlg]

I just recently retired and I have been an "AUTO" photographer just about all my life. A friend told me if I want to be a real photographer that need move the dial from "A" to "M". It has been fun yet frustrating at the same time. But I have been pleased with my progress! Your video has simplified so much when it comes to photos! Thank you so much explaining thinks in a understandable way. On the east side of town we have a military base and the west side of town has an airport. I am so ready for the 2024 airshow season!!!

[Thecrazyenginechannel-ntuc]

Thank you for these valuable tips. I would have forgotten about the longer exposure for propeller machines. What do you think to use the automatic program "Sport" of the camera to make this kind of plane shots (at least for beginners)?

[alexelley]

A good easy to follow instructional video, shows you do not need to purchase expensive equipment. thank you for sharing.

[timrosenburgh]

Great video as usual Gary.
You explained all the very helpful tips so that even the beginner could understand.
Awesome image's of the aircraft.

[davidpatterson]

Hey Gary, I live near the Blue Angels' home base in Pensacola, FL. Your tip about having the filter on the lens to remove the cockpit glare is something I've heard but need to remember to put it on prior to the show starting. Thanks for all of the tips!