Aviation photography combines speed, precision, and artistry. Whether you're capturing the roar of jet engines mid-flight or the elegant silhouette of a propeller aircraft against a sunrise sky, it takes preparation, technique, and the right gear. For those who love both aviation and photography, this genre offers unmatched opportunities to blend technology with creativity. It’s not just about pointing a camera at a plane; it’s about timing, positioning, and understanding the dynamics of flight and lighting.
Scott Dunham, a dedicated aviation photographer, provides an in-depth look at how he captures everything from static aircraft displays to high-speed aerial maneuvers. His experiences at events such as air shows at Miramar Airfield provide valuable lessons that any aspiring aviation photographer can learn from.
Selecting the Right Camera Gear
One of the most critical decisions in aviation photography is the selection of camera equipment. A reliable DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and high burst rates is essential for capturing jets in flight. Scott uses a Canon EOS 7D paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. Since the 7D is a crop-sensor camera, the lens effectively becomes a 160-640mm equivalent, providing the extra reach needed for aircraft that may be miles away during their passes.
A long telephoto lens allows photographers to frame tight shots of jets in flight without sacrificing detail. Image stabilization built into the lens is especially helpful when shooting handheld, as it minimizes blur caused by camera shake. For static shots on the tarmac, Scott switches to a Canon EOS 40D with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. This setup enables wide-to-medium framing of aircraft on the ground without changing lenses and risking dust contamination on the sensor in a dusty airfield environment.
Understanding Shutter Speeds and Motion
Aircraft, particularly jets, move incredibly fast. The key to sharp images lies in using the appropriate shutter speed for the aircraft’s speed and distance. For instance, when Scott is photographing jets traveling at 500-600 mph, he uses shutter speeds of 1/1250th to 1/1600th of a second to freeze the motion.
When photographing propeller aircraft, it's important to keep the shutter speed low enough to blur the propeller, showing motion while still keeping the body of the aircraft sharp. A shutter speed around 1/250th to 1/320th of a second usually works well. This helps convey the realism of the flight and avoids making the propeller appear static, which looks unnatural.
Burst Mode and Frame Rate
A camera’s burst mode, measured in frames per second (FPS), is crucial when photographing fast-action scenes. Ideally, a camera with a burst rate of 10 FPS or more is recommended for capturing aerial maneuvers like crossovers, hammerhead turns, or precision formation flying. Scott’s Canon 7D captures at 7 FPS, which is functional but occasionally limiting when tracking high-speed aircraft. He advises that a faster camera would increase the number of usable frames in a burst, especially when aircraft are nearby or executing a complex maneuver.
Lens Filters and Their Limitations
Lens filters are commonly used in various forms of photography, but they need to be used cautiously in aviation scenarios. Scott uses ND0 and ND10 filters to manage glare during bright conditions. Neutral density filters function like sunglasses for the lens, reducing the amount of light without affecting color. ND0, in particular, acts more as a lens protector, providing minimal filtration while shielding the glass from dust or debris.
However, Scott warns against using circular polarizers (CPL) when photographing aircraft in motion. In his experience, CPL filters often introduce motion blur, particularly when photographing propeller aircraft, even at relatively low speeds. Although these filters can enhance saturation and reduce glare on static objects, they often do more harm than good when planes are in motion.
Importance of High-Speed Memory Cards
Photographing air shows involves taking hundreds or even thousands of photos within a short window. A camera’s buffer can quickly fill up if the memory card isn’t fast enough to write the data. That’s why Scott recommends using high-speed memory cards that support at least 160MB/sec write speeds. A fast card ensures that you can keep shooting in burst mode without missing critical moments.
He prefers using a 128GB Lexar Professional card for both speed and capacity. Larger cards reduce the frequency of changes during the event, which is especially important during high-intensity moments. Keeping a backup card in a readily accessible pocket also saves time and prevents missed shots.
Carrying Extra Batteries Without the Bulk
Battery life is always a concern during a long day of shooting, but Scott advises against carrying bulky battery grips unless necessary. A fully charged battery typically lasts through most air shows, especially if you avoid constant image review (chimping) or extended use of live view.
For convenience, a spare battery can be carried in your pocket or camera bag without adding much weight. This is especially important for photographers with mobility or health issues, as holding a camera with extra battery packs and heavy lenses for extended periods can lead to fatigue.
Monopods, Tripods, and When Not to Use Them
While stabilizing gear like monopods and tripods can be beneficial for long-exposure photography or static shots, they may be more of a hindrance than a help during an air show. Aircraft move rapidly in three-dimensional space, often requiring swift panning and quick repositioning. Scott owns a monopod with a Manfrotto pistol grip but rarely uses it unless he’s shooting night displays or fireworks, where camera movement needs to be minimized.
Bulky tripods can also be problematic. They occupy space, limit your mobility, and may even be restricted at certain venues unless you have media credentials. For most air shows, handheld shooting is preferable for tracking aircraft movements fluidly from various angles.
Planning for the Environment
Preparation before the air show is just as important as camera settings. Scott recommends scanning the field before the show starts to identify any potential obstructions like light towers, speaker systems, or static aircraft. These elements can inadvertently block your shot or confuse your camera’s autofocus system.
Additionally, some fields may contain unsightly elements such as derelict training aircraft, fire rescue props, or cluttered display areas. While these can sometimes be edited out in post-processing, it’s much easier to avoid them in-camera by positioning yourself strategically and choosing your background carefully.
Mastering the Art of Panning
Panning is one of the fundamental skills in aviation photography. It involves moving your camera horizontally in sync with the aircraft’s movement to keep it in the frame and focus. This is particularly important when photographing fast-moving jets or aerobatic teams like the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds.
Panning effectively requires practice and muscle memory. It’s not uncommon for beginners to clip the tail or wings out of the frame or lose the aircraft altogether. Scott suggests practicing with slower-moving planes first and gradually working up to high-speed targets. Even with experience, expect that not every frame in a burst will be sharp; it’s normal to have some out-of-focus images when tracking fast action.
Adjusting to Changing Light Conditions
Lighting at air shows can vary dramatically based on time of day, weather, and flight paths. Airfields often have runways oriented east-west, meaning the position of the sun can significantly impact exposure and contrast. As aircraft move along their flight paths, they may pass through areas with drastically different lighting. One moment you’re photographing against a bright sky, the next you’re shooting into deep shadows.
Scott emphasizes that photographers must adapt in real-time, often adjusting ISO, shutter speed, or exposure compensation mid-burst. While modern cameras can handle some exposure inconsistency, manual control often yields better results.
Composing for Impact
Composition in aviation photography is more than just centering the plane in the frame. A well-composed photo considers background elements such as mountains, clouds, towers, or flags. Including a control tower or a rising moon in the background can provide scale and storytelling to your shot.
Photographers may also frame aircraft at dynamic angles to enhance motion. For example, capturing a banked turn from below or a head-on shot as the aircraft climbs vertically adds intensity and emotion. Wide-angle lenses can be used creatively for dramatic effects on static aircraft by exaggerating perspective.
Working with Air Show Schedules and Timelines
Air shows are meticulously timed events with multiple performers scheduled back-to-back, and each flight demonstration often lasts only a few minutes. Knowing the schedule in advance is key to being in the right place at the right time. Scott Dunham advises downloading the official program or reviewing the flight order if published ahead of time. If the show includes major military demonstration teams like the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, or F-22 Raptor Demo Team, they are typically scheduled toward the end of the day as headliners.
Familiarity with the schedule also allows photographers to plan when to eat, rest, or swap out batteries and memory cards. Missing even a five-minute demo could mean missing the most dynamic performance of the day. Arriving early is equally important. The best photography positions are often claimed hours before the first plane takes off, especially in general admission zones without media access.
Knowing the Performers and Aircraft
One of the most helpful things an aviation photographer can do is study the aircraft and performers ahead of time. Recognizing the type of plane and understanding its flying style will help you anticipate its movements in the air. For example, an F-22 Raptor performs high-alpha passes, tight vertical climbs, and rapid roll maneuvers—very different from the wide, graceful loops of a vintage P-51 Mustang or the formation flying of the Snowbirds.
Scott keeps a mental checklist of what each aircraft is likely to do. When photographing the AV-8B Harrier, he knows to expect vertical takeoff or hovering. For the B-1B Lancer, he prepares for a fast, low, and loud pass. Understanding these nuances allows photographers to pre-position and plan their shots rather than reacting last second.
Capturing Ground Crews and Pre-flight Moments
Some of the most storytelling-rich photos happen before the aircraft even leaves the ground. Pilots suiting up, ground crews performing last-minute checks, and team briefings all offer powerful, human-centered images that highlight the teamwork behind the flight.
Scott takes advantage of early access times to capture these moments. Using a medium zoom lens like the 24-105mm lets him get tight compositions without intruding on the activity. Capturing the emotion on a pilot’s face, the synchronized gestures of the crew, or the unique hand signals used during engine start-up create a strong narrative that complements flight shots.
These moments also provide an opportunity to play with lighting—shadows cast by hangars, golden hour sun hitting a pilot’s visor, or the glow of instruments as they power up. Unlike fast jet passes that require split-second timing, ground shots give the photographer a bit more control and room for creativity.
Using Backlighting and Silhouettes
Most air show photographers prefer shooting with the sun behind them for maximum clarity and detail. However, there are times when shooting into the light can produce dramatic, artistic results. Backlit aircraft, especially with afterburners lit or vapor trails forming, create high-contrast silhouettes that stand out powerfully.
Scott recommends experimenting with backlighting in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. Shooting into the sun can create lens flares and dramatic outlines, particularly effective when a fighter jet is banking and its form is sharply defined against the sky. Shooting in RAW format becomes crucial here, as it allows for greater flexibility in post-processing shadows and highlights.
Of course, exposure compensation needs to be adjusted when shooting silhouettes. Underexposing slightly can help preserve the highlight details while deepening the shadows. This artistic choice won’t always produce the clearest image of the aircraft’s paint or markings, but it can yield stunning visual impact.
Shooting in RAW for Maximum Flexibility
One of the key technical decisions for aviation photographers is whether to shoot in RAW or JPEG. Scott strongly recommends shooting in RAW format, particularly during air shows where lighting conditions change rapidly. RAW files retain more image data than compressed JPEGs, allowing for far more control over exposure, color balance, shadows, and highlight recovery in post-processing.
In harsh lighting or when capturing aircraft that are partially shadowed or reflecting strong sunlight, RAW gives you the latitude to correct these issues later without degrading image quality. It also helps when editing out distractions such as glare, haze, or background clutter.
RAW files are larger, of course, so sufficient storage is essential. Scott ensures he has at least two 128GB cards on hand for a full day of shooting in RAW, and a third in case of overflow or card failure.
Positioning Yourself Along the Flight Line
Finding the right place to shoot from can make or break your day. Most air shows offer a main crowd line that runs parallel to the runway. While this provides a great general vantage point, more experienced photographers look for slight advantages. Scott often positions himself near the center of the showline for symmetrical flybys and head-on approaches.
However, for banking shots or crossover maneuvers, being slightly off-center can provide better angles. Teams like the Thunderbirds often cross at the show center, but their banks look more dynamic when viewed 50 to 100 yards away from that point.
Pay attention to wind direction as well. Aircraft usually take off and land into the wind, and this affects the direction of smoke trails, takeoff angles, and lighting. Being on the upwind side may reduce heat haze and place the aircraft against a cleaner sky.
Managing Heat Haze and Atmospheric Distortion
Heat haze can be a major problem, especially during summer air shows held on concrete runways. The shimmering distortion caused by rising heat waves makes it difficult to get crisp shots of aircraft flying low or taxiing at a distance. There’s no magic fix, but you can minimize its impact by changing your angle of view.
Shooting from a slightly elevated position, such as bleachers or a low platform, can reduce the effect. Using a faster shutter speed and focusing manually on the aircraft instead of relying on autofocus can also help. In extreme cases, photographers simply wait for the aircraft to climb higher, where the distortion is less severe.
Scott also advises shooting in the morning if possible. Cooler air and less turbulent atmosphere yield sharper images, especially when aircraft are flying low-level passes.
Making Use of Smoke Trails and Vapor
One of the most visually striking aspects of air shows is the use of smoke trails, afterburners, and vapor cones. These elements add drama, emphasize movement, and allow photographers to capture the invisible force of air in motion.
Vapor trails usually form on high-G maneuvers when humidity is high, and pressure changes cause water to condense around wing surfaces. To catch these moments, Scott watches closely for high-speed turns or sudden pull-ups. Burst shooting is essential, as the vapor appears and vanishes in a fraction of a second.
Smoke trails from aerobatic teams or solo pilots can also create beautiful patterns in the sky. Composing with these elements in mind—like leading lines or spirals—adds structure and creativity to the frame. For shots with smoke, it’s worth adjusting white balance and contrast in post to make the trail pop against the sky.
Telling a Story Through Your Shots
Aviation photography is more than just technical precision—it’s about storytelling. A single photo of a roaring F-16 afterburning across the sky is exciting, but a well-rounded series of images that shows the build-up, action, and emotion gives depth to your coverage.
Scott likes to approach each air show like a narrative project. He captures the empty runway in the morning, the first takeoff, the intense dogfights or formation passes, and the flag salute at the end. Including the crowd’s reaction, children waving, or veterans saluting adds human context to the aviation spectacle.
He also captures behind-the-scenes moments like pilots debriefing, maintenance crews inspecting jets, and the sun setting behind grounded aircraft. These quieter frames help balance the energy of in-flight images and bring a full-circle perspective to the event.
Knowing Your Limitations
Finally, a vital part of improving as an aviation photographer is knowing your own physical and technical limits. Holding a camera with a large telephoto lens for hours can strain your arms and shoulders. Taking breaks, staying hydrated, and wearing sun protection are all critical during long days at outdoor shows.
From a technical standpoint, understanding your camera’s capabilities—such as buffer size, ISO limits, and focus tracking behavior—allows you to work within its boundaries instead of fighting against them. Scott acknowledges that his Canon 7D is not the latest model but has learned how to maximize its strengths and compensate for its weaknesses.
He encourages photographers not to obsess over gear or settings but to focus on observation, timing, and creativity. Capturing the essence of flight—its power, beauty, and engineering—is a reward that transcends technical perfection.
Post-Processing for Impact
Once the show is over and the memory cards are full, the work of refining images begins. Post-processing is a crucial part of aviation photography, turning good captures into great ones. Scott Dunham emphasizes that editing is not about creating something artificial—it’s about bringing out what was already there but may not have been visible straight out of the camera.
The first step is culling. After a long day at an airshow, Scott may have taken thousands of images. He begins by eliminating obvious duds—out-of-focus shots, half-aircraft frames, or poorly timed exposures. Then he narrows it down to the sharpest and most dynamic frames that tell a story or showcase a unique moment.
In Lightroom or another editing software, Scott adjusts exposure, contrast, and clarity. He often increases texture slightly to emphasize aircraft surfaces, adds vibrance to bring out team colors or afterburner glows, and carefully adjusts shadows and highlights to recover detail. Cropping is used sparingly, usually to tighten composition or straighten the horizon.
Dust spots, especially on long telephoto lenses, can be common. Removing these in post ensures clean skies and professional-looking results. He recommends editing at full resolution so that images are print-ready or suitable for publication if needed.
Sharing and Publishing Your Work
After editing comes the joy of sharing your work. For many aviation photographers, platforms like Instagram, Flickr, and dedicated aviation forums are vital spaces to share images, receive feedback, and connect with a wider community.
Scott posts regularly to both social media and aviation-specific groups. He uses hashtags related to the aircraft type, airshow name, and demo team to increase discoverability. Clear captions that mention location, aircraft, pilot name (if known), and lens settings can also help other photographers learn from your work.
For those looking to publish more formally, aviation magazines, websites, and team PR accounts are all possible outlets. Always seek permission before submitting images of pilots or identifiable team members for publication. Clear communication, professional file handling, and properly crediting the event and performers can open doors to future media access.
Some photographers even produce photo books or portfolios from a season’s worth of airshows. These curated collections help refine one’s visual voice and leave a lasting record of a year’s work.
Building Relationships with Teams and Staff
One of the less visible but highly impactful elements of airshow photography is the value of relationships. Knowing the public affairs officers (PAOs), demo team liaisons, and ground crew can make a world of difference. These connections may lead to early access, prime viewing spots, or invitations to special media events.
Scott recommends always approaching with professionalism and courtesy. Be respectful of safety zones and time constraints—crews are working, not posing. A genuine thank-you goes a long way, and sharing your best shots with the team afterward often leads to lasting goodwill.
Over time, these relationships can evolve into trusted contacts who give you behind-the-scenes access or allow you to document team preparations not open to the general public. Trust and consistency matter—reliability as a photographer and as a person helps solidify your reputation.
Learning from Every Show
Every airshow presents new lessons. Weather, light, aircraft types, and logistics all change from one event to another. A successful aviation photographer constantly adapts, reflects, and improves.
Scott keeps a notebook after each show where he records what went well and what he’d do differently. Did he miss a key maneuver because he was changing batteries? Did he shoot too many images at too high a shutter speed, creating overly sharp but visually flat images? Each detail is a lesson for the next time.
Even seasoned photographers have off days, and that’s part of the journey. As Scott puts it, “You can’t control the sky, but you can control your readiness.” Building a library of experiences helps shape a flexible, thoughtful approach that pays off over time.
Staying Inspired Between Shows
Airshows are seasonal and spaced out geographically, so there can be long gaps between events. To stay sharp and inspired, many aviation photographers seek out other opportunities to shoot aircraft—visiting local airports, aircraft museums, or even military base fly-ins and static displays.
Scott also uses downtime to work on photo organization and backup. He maintains multiple external drives with dated folders for each show and uses cloud storage for his best edited images. He backs up raw files immediately after each shoot, minimizing the risk of data loss.
He also uses off-season months to research new gear, study editing techniques, and review other photographers’ work. Inspiration can come from unexpected places—a vintage postcard, a warbird painting, or even cinematic scenes involving aircraft.
Balancing Gear Lust with Practical Needs
Photography gear is a rabbit hole. There’s always a longer lens, a faster camera, or a better stabilization system. While gear does matter, Scott reminds photographers not to get trapped in the cycle of constantly upgrading at the expense of actually shooting.
He’s used the same Canon 7D and 100-400mm lens combo for nearly a decade and continues to produce compelling images. What matters more, he argues, is learning how to push your current gear to its limits—understanding when to use burst mode, when to rely on manual settings, and how to post-process effectively.
That said, when it is time to upgrade, it’s important to invest thoughtfully. A body with better autofocus tracking or dynamic range can help capture fast-moving jets more effectively. Image stabilization is crucial for handheld shooting, especially with long lenses. But no gear will replace practice, patience, and passion.
Photographing Vintage and Historic Aircraft
While fast jets grab attention, vintage aircraft—from WWII warbirds to Cold War-era fighters—offer a different kind of photographic reward. These planes often fly slower and lower, giving more opportunity for detail-rich shots.
Scott particularly enjoys photographing aircraft like the B-25 Mitchell, P-38 Lightning, and F4U Corsair. These planes often have more visible cockpit features, weathered paint, and distinctive propeller blur that require different techniques.
For prop planes, using a slower shutter speed (around 1/160 to 1/250) helps capture the spinning propeller instead of freezing it mid-frame, which can look unnatural. Panning with the plane’s movement and using burst mode increases the chance of a sharp shot with motion blur in the right places.
These historic aircraft also come with emotional and historical resonance. Capturing them during a flyby with a flag waving or in formation with modern jets can create images that connect generations of aviation history.
Capturing Night Shows and After-Dark Action
Some airshows feature night performances with pyrotechnics, LED-equipped planes, or even nighttime parachute displays. Photographing these events requires a very different approach.
Scott uses a tripod or monopod when allowed, along with a fast lens like an f/2.8 to gather more light. Higher ISO settings (3200–6400) are necessary, and slower shutter speeds (1/60 to 1/200) allow for light trails and ambient glow.
Manual focus may become necessary in low light, especially if autofocus starts hunting. Exposing for the brightest part of the scene—such as fireworks or afterburners—prevents blowout, though this might mean sacrificing some shadow detail.
The result is often a surreal, dreamlike image that stands out from daytime airshow photography. Glowing smoke, sparkling sky effects, and reflections on aircraft surfaces offer new creative possibilities.
Exploring Aviation Beyond the Airshow Circuit
Airshows aren’t the only venues for aviation photography. Scott encourages photographers to think beyond public events. Local airports, pilot training sessions, and maintenance hangars all offer potential.
Plane spotting at major airports is a thriving subculture. With the right lens and timing, you can capture commercial jets in dramatic weather, during golden hour, or with runway lights glowing beneath them. Getting familiar with flight tracking apps like Flightradar24 helps anticipate arrivals.
Volunteer opportunities with aviation museums or restoration groups can also offer privileged access to unique aircraft and stories. Documenting the restoration of a WWII bomber or the preparation of a biplane for its first flight in decades is deeply rewarding and historically significant.
Telling a Story Through a Single Frame
Great aviation photography is about more than just sharpness or color—it’s about storytelling. A well-composed photo should convey a sense of motion, power, grace, or even nostalgia. Scott Dunham emphasizes that every image should ideally say something: about the aircraft, the team, the moment, or the emotion of flight itself.
Capturing a pilot’s wave mid-pass, a dramatic vapor cone forming around a jet, or the split-second symmetry of a formation turn adds a human or emotional layer to what could otherwise be just a technical subject. Even small gestures—a ground crew member giving a thumbs-up, a tearful reunion at a homecoming flight—can elevate a photo from good to unforgettable.
Scott often waits patiently for these moments, camera at the ready even during lulls between performances. Some of his most memorable images were not from a show’s main act but from quiet, unscripted scenes that unfolded away from the spotlight.
Getting Involved in the Aviation Community
Becoming a respected aviation photographer isn’t just about technical skill—it’s also about being a part of the broader aviation world. Volunteering at airshows, attending aviation photography meetups, and joining aviation history groups can expand your opportunities and deepen your appreciation for the subject.
Scott recommends joining groups like the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) or connecting with local aviation clubs. Many museums, such as the Planes of Fame Air Museum or the Commemorative Air Force, welcome photographers who want to help document events or assist with media coverage.
These connections can lead to invitations for private shoots, flightline tours, or early-morning access when the light is perfect and the aircraft are quiet. Just as importantly, they build friendships with like-minded people who share your passion for flight.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Aviation photography, especially at military events, comes with its share of responsibilities. Respecting boundaries—both physical and professional—is crucial. Never cross-roped off areas or ignored crew instructions to get a shot. Not only is it unsafe, but it can also jeopardize access for yourself and others.
Also, be mindful of what you publish. Some aircraft or flight routines may contain sensitive details. When in doubt, Scott suggests erring on the side of caution and avoiding posting images that might show tactical markings, aircraft interiors, or crew behavior that wasn’t part of a public display.
Always give proper credit when sharing others’ images, and expect the same in return. If you're photographing performers or military teams, tagging their official pages and thanking them publicly is a professional courtesy that’s appreciated.
Finding Your Signature Style
Over time, every aviation photographer develops a unique visual signature. Some focus on ultra-sharp portraits, others favor dramatic lighting or slow shutter blur. Scott’s signature is a blend of bold color, tight framing, and careful attention to composition—he likes to show planes as dynamic forces rather than just mechanical subjects.
Finding your voice takes experimentation. Try new angles, switch lenses, shoot in black and white, or isolate specific details like cockpit reflections or exhaust trails. Not every experiment will succeed, but over time, your instincts sharpen.
Eventually, your work will start to feel cohesive—viewers will recognize a “you” in the images, even if they haven’t seen your name yet. That’s when photography evolves from craft to art.
Mentoring and Giving Back
For photographers who’ve built experience over years of shooting, there’s great value in mentoring newer enthusiasts. Scott regularly answers questions online and shares tips in aviation photography groups, especially with beginners who are attending their first airshows.
Giving back doesn’t just help others—it also sharpens your thinking. Explaining why you chose a certain lens or technique forces you to examine your process more clearly. It also keeps you humble and open to learning from others, regardless of experience level.
Workshops, online tutorials, or even informal hangouts at airshows can become mentorship opportunities. Passing on knowledge ensures the craft of aviation photography stays strong across generations.
Aviation Photography as a Legacy
At its best, aviation photography does more than document—it preserves. Images captured today become part of tomorrow’s historical record. With aircraft fleets constantly evolving and some models being retired every year, photographs often outlive the planes themselves.
Scott reflects on images he took of F-14 Tomcats before their retirement, or vintage aircraft that have since been grounded. These images become a form of visual preservation, reminding future generations of what flight once looked and felt like.
This sense of legacy gives depth and meaning to the craft. Every shutter click isn’t just for Instagram—it’s for history. It’s a way to honor aviation’s past, celebrate its present, and inspire its future.
Final Thoughts
Aviation photography is both exhilarating and humbling. It combines fast reflexes, deep technical knowledge, and creative vision—all while standing for hours under sun, wind, or rain, waiting for just the right moment.
But for photographers like Scott Dunham, the reward is always worth it. Every takeoff is a chance to tell a story. Every maneuver is a dance to capture. And every image is a tribute to the pilots, engineers, and dreamers who make flight possible.
For those who feel that pull to the sound of afterburners, the shimmer of heat haze, the thrill of flight captured in a still image—aviation photography is more than a hobby. It’s a calling.
So whether you're standing at the end of a runway with a 400mm lens or crouching beside a vintage warbird at sunset, remember: you're not just photographing airplanes. You're capturing human ambition, engineering wonder, and the eternal romance of the skies.