I should probably stay in Florida and shoot some fun stuff, but the next assignment calls. The forecast is a lot nicer here, but I have a client that needs very specific drone footage right after a rain, which happened this morning, to show how a neighboring project his affecting his construction site. This is a new client with the potential for a tremendous amount of work, drone and otherwise, so great service and great imagery is imperative, of course it always is. He has (had) a photographer/drone guy but they haven't performed for him sooooo. Proves my adage, "you don't lose clients, you give them away......"
Yesterday was interesting, but not that unusual. I landed in Jacksonville and was on my way to our project when the architect called and said that the end client wasn't quite ready for us to capture that particular property. Fortunately the architectural firm has three virtually identical projects going on in Florida, so they directed me to one that was in slightly more shootable condition. There was still a a good deal of "styling" and moving all manner of clutter in order to maximize the images, but I consider it all part of the job.
One ever present challenge is that, until the facility is open and seeing patients, the emergency signage has to be covered for liability reasons, and it's often close to impossible to retouch those areas and have them look natural. I worked on this shot for two hours last evening and never arrived at any result that was acceptable. The Palm trees are all supported by 2x4 studs and they Photoshopped out fairly easily, but that signage is a different story unfortunately. Every facility I shoot, unless it's operating, presents that challenge. Problem is, if they are operational you have clutter beyond repair and patients, so I guess the signage is the lesser of the evils.
Dewey has been on the airshow circuit with his Dream Big Entertainment cockpits for several years now. He stared with a A-7 front end, after a while he had a F-101 and the A-7. Some shows he was able to bring both.
With the Top Gun reboot he really wanted to display a real F-18 instead of the F-101 painted like an F-14.
He was able to do some horse-trading with some museums and the surplus market to make it happen.
He worked with the Pentagon to make it happen as well.
As for the actors...there is a Maverick and a Iceman guy that have cashed in on the fact that they happen to look like those actors. They are either paid by the shows or by Dewey to join in the fun. They are a great draw for the cockpit airshow business.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
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Jim,
It is outstanding work! Many people don't realize what entails photographing a "session". Very likely it is "we need you be here now" but your going in the opposite direction? Say what...This is capitalism and a way it works.
All of the MA2A members, I believe, consider it "part of the business!!
Nice chat. glad all worked out Jim.
Hate hearing the "bad" stories all the time.
Dan
Kingfishphoto wrote:
More images from Buckeye air fair. Thanks to all whom liked these images.
Harry Palmer
Here is the weaponry of the Vietnam War..Chicom and Russian..Looks crusty and rusty...it was BUT it worked I am sorry to say!
Had the opportunity photograph the second "retro" Air Wisconsin last week. They are re-painting five of these in this scheme. The third one is currently being repainted.
I was there last night to photograph the first one coming out from converting from United Express colors to American Eagle colors.
Thanks Dan, this was a great trip, smooth as glass, even flew First on the return trip. Winds were gusting 30+ on the let down, but our crew did a super job. Glad to be home!
Hello All,
I will be viewing next Monday 2:00AM of the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch from the Banana Creek viewing area of the Kennedy Space Center Monday at 2:00AM. This viewing area is located 3 miles from Pad 39A. I will be shooting with Canon DSLR's (1DX and 5DS R), a 400mm 5.6 and a 70mm 2.8. As it is a nite launch, the exposure will be very tricky. Would appreciate any exposure setting advice as there will be little time to adjust.
chas wrote:
Hello All,
I will be viewing next Monday 2:00AM of the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch from the Banana Creek viewing area of the Kennedy Space Center Monday at 2:00AM. This viewing area is located 3 miles from Pad 39A. I will be shooting with Canon DSLR's (1DX and 5DS R), a 400mm 5.6 and a 70mm 2.8. As it is a nite launch, the exposure will be very tricky. Would appreciate any exposure setting advice as there will be little time to adjust.
I have never captured. launch so I can't give you much help. My guess is that there will be a lot of regulars at the viewing site, I'd strike up a conversation with them and see if they might give you some guidance. Were I to guess at a strategy, I'd go with setting the cameras to "TV" and maybe auto ISO, or if you want to control noise ISO 400. Good luck, have fun!
When I was there to watch a Shuttle launch the vehicle was well lit. You should be able to get some really good high resolution static shots and initial engine start with your 5DS R at relatively low ISO settings with a nice dark background. After launch, (some idiot USAF lieutenant loaded the wrong down range tracking software and the mission was scrubbed after the APUs had been fired, so this is a guess) I suspect the rocket engines will be the major source of light; this is where I think the 1DX would be the best DSLR. During launch I believe Jim's 'Tv' advice is the best.
Funny, as I type this SpacEx is testing a rocket engine and vibrating the house. They are about 30 miles north of me. Been a noisy 24 hours between SpacEx testing this morning and Fort Hood firing artillery shells all night. This house has been shaking all night like that girl Jerry Lee Lewis was singing to..."Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On"!🎶😀
Jim and Ray, thanks for the quick responses. The Tv advice is a really great suggestion. I also plan on using spot metering on the engines and backing the exposure compensation down a bit so that the engines don't blow out the rest of the image. Would love your thoughts on that. I don't have much experience in shooting where there are such differences in the light levels.
...This is capitalism and a way it works.
