Reading Time: 6 minutes

“Airshows are a dance of speed and precision – capture the rhythm with a steady hand, a sharp eye, and a lens that sees the story in every maneuver.” – MJ Martin

Photographing airshows can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires preparation and the right techniques to capture fast-moving aircraft and dramatic displays. Start by ensuring you have the right gear. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus is ideal, paired with a telephoto lens (like a 70-200mm or 100-400mm) for close-ups of planes, and a wide-angle lens for capturing dramatic skies or static displays. A tripod or monopod can be helpful for stabilizing long lenses, and do not forget extra batteries and memory cards since airshows often last all day.

When setting up your camera, prioritize fast shutter speeds for jets (1/1000s or faster) to freeze motion, while using slower speeds (1/60s to 1/320s) for propeller planes to capture propeller blur, which adds a sense of motion. A medium aperture (f/8-f/11) ensures sharpness and depth of field, while keeping the ISO as low as possible minimizes noise. Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) to track moving aircraft effectively, and switch to high-speed burst mode to capture multiple frames during aerial maneuvers.

Composition is key to dynamic shots. Use the rule of thirds and leave space in the frame for the aircraft to “move into.” Lead the aircraft with space for it to fly in to. Incorporate clouds when available and sky to add depth, and align formation shots symmetrically for dramatic effect. Practice smooth panning techniques to track fast jets or prop planes, keeping the aircraft sharp while creating motion blur in the background. Timing is crucial – arrive early to secure a good spot, ideally with the sun behind you to avoid backlighting. Focus on capturing key moments such as loops, rolls, or tight formations.

After the show, enhance your images through post-processing. Crop strategically to emphasize the aircraft or action, adjust contrast and saturation to make skies pop, and apply noise reduction if you used higher ISO settings. To refine your skills, practice at smaller airshows before major events, and always bring weather protection like lens hoods and rain covers for unpredictable conditions. Most importantly, respect safety guidelines and restricted areas. With preparation and practice, you will be able to capture stunning airshow photographs that showcase the excitement and beauty of aviation.

Here are some suggestions and tips to help you get great airshow shots:

1. Gear Preparation

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus is ideal. Nikon, Sony, Canon, and others, they are all ideal camera brands for airshow work.

  • Lenses:
    • A telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm, 100-400mm) for close-up shots of planes.
    • A wide-angle lens for static displays or dramatic sky scenes.
    • Understand the airshow ‘box’ in advance. For example, for the Canadian National Exhibition Airshow, the performers are further away from the shoreline. But for the Gatineau and Geneseo Airshows it feels like they are right on top of you. So, 200-600mm for distance box airshows like the offshore CNE show and shorter zooms (70-200mm and 100mm to 400mm) for the close up shows.
  • Tripod or Monopod: Useful for stabilizing long lenses. Monopods are better than tripods, especially with fast moving airplanes. It is often too restrictive with tripods even if equipped with a gimbal head. Monopods are more agile.
  • Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Airshows can last all day, so come prepared.

2. Camera Settings

  • Shutter Speed:
    • Fast Jets: Use 1/1000s or faster to freeze action.
    • Propeller Planes: Use slower speeds (1/60s to 1/320s) to capture propeller blur, giving a sense of motion.
  • Aperture: Use a medium aperture (f/8-f/11) for sharpness and depth of field.
  • ISO: Keep it as low as possible for minimal noise. Increase ISO only if needed to maintain fast shutter speeds.
  • Focus Mode: Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C) to track moving aircraft.
  • Drive Mode: Set to high-speed burst to capture multiple frames during maneuvers.

3. Composition Tips

  • Rule of Thirds: Position the aircraft off-center to create dynamic compositions.
  • Lead Space: Leave space in the frame for the aircraft to “move into.”
  • Clouds and Sky: Use clouds as a backdrop to add depth and interest.
  • Formation Shots: Align formations symmetrically for dramatic impact.

4. Tracking and Panning

  • Tracking Fast Jets: Practice smooth panning to follow the plane’s motion. Keep your movements fluid.
  • Panning for Prop Planes: Match the aircraft’s speed with your motion to keep it sharp while blurring the background.

5. Optimal Timing and Positioning

  • Arrive Early: Get a good spot with a clear view of the sky and minimal obstructions. Book the Photo Pit if one is available as they offer the best location at show centre for capturing great shots.
  • Position Relative to the Sun: Keep the sun behind you to avoid backlighting.
  • Key Moments: Look for dramatic maneuvers like loops, rolls, and tight formations.

6. Post-Processing

  • Crop for Impact: Adjust framing to emphasize the aircraft or action.
  • Enhance Colours: Boost contrast and saturation for vivid skies.
  • Noise Reduction: Apply noise reduction for shots taken at higher ISO.

7. Additional Tips

  • Practice: Attend smaller airshows to practice before major events.
  • Weather Protection: Bring lens hoods, rain covers, and a sturdy bag for unpredictable weather.
  • Safety: Respect restricted areas and follow airshow guidelines.

With these techniques, you will be well-prepared to capture stunning airshow photographs! Let me know if you would like specific tips for AirVenture, Sun n’ Fun, or other major aviation events.

About the Author:

Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX). Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V).  He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now OntarioTech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario.  For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section.  He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and seven certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 50 next generation MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) continuous education in a wide variety of topics, including: Economics, Python Programming, Internet of Things, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.