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Aviation - Post Your Photos

U.S. Navy F/A 18

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scans of prints, shot in August 1986.

I was newly assigned to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (Beale AFB, California) home of the U-2 in the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, and the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron that flew the SR-71. i was a Graphic Artist that had tried really really REALLY HARD to get a photographer slot (which didnt come about for about 3 more years).

So right off the bat i had to do some some special project for the Wing Vice Commander and he liked it so he asked if i want to go see a 'night' launch. i replied only if my co-worker could go so he said sure.

he picked us up at our dorms, in his 73 Trans Am and drove us out to the flight line. at the time, shots of the airplane INSIDE the hangars was VERBOTEN without (ironically) HIS signature on an official request, usually through either one of the training organizations, or public affairs or some official unit.

the first picture is of the plane on the hammerhead going through pre-flight checks, then it taking off. probably Kodacolor 400, f2.8 @ 1/250 through my 200mm f2.8 and AE-1. had the 'blazingly fast' power winder that gave me 2fps lol... i didnt have anything but the thumb wind on my F-1new

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the first picture is of the plane on the hammerhead going through pre-flight checks, then it taking off. probably Kodacolor 400, f2.8 @ 1/250 through my 200mm f2.8 and AE-1. had the 'blazingly fast' power winder that gave me 2fps lol... i didnt have anything but the thumb wind on my F-1new
Images are great but it must have been pretty hard to get these in those conditions with the gear you had. Kudos!
 
Images are great but it must have been pretty hard to get these in those conditions with the gear you had. Kudos!
yeah you can see the limitations of the light the dispersion ( was pretty freaking far away from the active) and the gear. it was the best i could do, for sure...
 
yeah you can see the limitations of the light the dispersion ( was pretty freaking far away from the active) and the gear. it was the best i could do, for sure...
Pics look great. Love that second one especially.
 
from 2011.

didnt know really how to edit then went back once i upgraded lightroom to something remotely up to date. used the 'sky' selection tool and played around. theyre better than they were but im still not overly pleased with them.

they look much better in 'vintage' black and white. i think i edited them into 4x5 format (8x10 lol) as well?


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from 2011.

didnt know really how to edit then went back once i upgraded lightroom to something remotely up to date. used the 'sky' selection tool and played around. theyre better than they were but im still not overly pleased with them.

they look much better in 'vintage' black and white. i think i edited them into 4x5 format (8x10 lol) as well?


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I love these! Gritty and with a bite. And the crates are great as well.
 
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