been wanting to have a shot of the underside of a plane. i know how low these planes go when they're about to land. sometimes it feels like they could scratch the top of buildings or the roof of houses. i've seen them pass by overhead and it's a sight to see, especially the big ones.
well, i want to catch one and partner knows it. so he had to do a pick up from the international airport at exactly seven-thirty, would i like to come as he wouldn't need to deliver the thingie until ten o'clock. sure, opportunity knocks.
we picked up what had to be picked up. then we cased the airport and because the clouds were quite heavy, the planes were being directed to just one part of the airport to land. partner has a very good sense of direction. no, make that uncanny. i don't know how such a smart person can't use that smart to make more money and support my whims, but that's diverting from our main story. so he figured where the planes would be coming from to land. so he drove and we parked at the back parking of "hooters" restaurant. cool! (next to it is a 'factory outlet' called "love boutique" and you can guess what that is!)
by golly, the man was absolutely bang on. soon as we parked there was a flicker of light ahead in the distance over the roof of the buildings. "get ready," he said.
i spilled my tim horton's green tea after i burned my lips, dangit! fumbled for the camera(s) - suddenly couldn't decide which one to use - the fuji or the canon? the plane was looming larger. almost dropped the canon (the canon is so prone to near-misses!) and in the process turned itself on. so i jumped out of the car with the canon and started shooting.
it looked so good when the plane passed by over me. but these planes were going so fast when i looked at my final photo - heartbreak! no nose, no head! partner said, you got the underside.
ten planes and they were all either without head (too late with the shutter) or without the tail (too early). we needed to go back so this is the best underside i could manage.
but you leanred stuff, and what a pretty tail it has. it is in good focus, sounds like you had a wonderful evening with - partner - that just cracks me up - patner- sounds like a cowboy - i always picture him in boots, chaps and saying, giddy -up! - i have to go, i get silly when i'm tired. good try. i have been playing with editing.
These are really cool and great shots, summerfield! You were definitely at the right place, right time. These planes do go fast . . they aren't waiting on anybody! You done good, girl!!
Its not easy is it! I tried for years to get the shot I got last year of the plane going for a landing just over the car. ~ I don't think your shots are an epic fail. ~ Just think, next time you get a chance, it will be better! I like the small picture (top right)~ with the planes lights~
@catsmeowb - thank you, camille. yes, i did learn something: never forget what you've learned before! hahaha. i just remembered the technique i used when i was trying to catch the planes at the island airport. now, to get pardner to get me there again. partner only wears snow boots, carries a 'chapstick' in his jacket pocket and only says "get going" to which i would just give him an icy stare. hah!
@karenann - aww, karenann, you're so sweet. thank you.
@cscecil - thank you so much, CS. you're such a sweetheart with your encouragement.
@sanera - thank you, sam. methinks i shall get it next time. i just have to have another opportunity. btw, i was trying to look for your plane shot, but it's not there. what happened to your album?
Well I am sure the opportunity will present itself again sometime and I know that you have the persistence that you sooner or later get the shot you are after
Great idea for the theme! (I tried to take plane shots when I got stuck waiting at the airport recently - until a grumpy airport man came and said I wasn't allowed to, even though there were no signs or anything!). Your pics worked out better than mine!
@alia_801 - thank you, alia. that is strange, isn't it? no one has stopped me so far at airports while i take photos. i captured a lot when i was at the buffalo airport in new york whilei was waiting for my flight to san francisco last year.
what i was afraid of yesterday was the police might come and question me. i was not on airport property but on a parking lot directly on the path of the landing planes. but that is because some people they try to point laser lights at the planes and pilots complain about it, endangering the pilot's visibility and the passengers safety. i made sure that my camera's lights weren't going off as i press my shutter because sometimes it does that but i think only during indoor shots. i was very conscious of that but i am sure i was just a speck to the pilot's eyes and it wouldn't have any impact if my flash was going.
@karenann - aww, karenann, you're so sweet. thank you.
@cscecil - thank you so much, CS. you're such a sweetheart with your encouragement.
@sanera - thank you, sam. methinks i shall get it next time. i just have to have another opportunity. btw, i was trying to look for your plane shot, but it's not there. what happened to your album?
@sanera - thanks, sam. you rock!
@alia_801 - thank you, alia. that is strange, isn't it? no one has stopped me so far at airports while i take photos. i captured a lot when i was at the buffalo airport in new york whilei was waiting for my flight to san francisco last year.
what i was afraid of yesterday was the police might come and question me. i was not on airport property but on a parking lot directly on the path of the landing planes. but that is because some people they try to point laser lights at the planes and pilots complain about it, endangering the pilot's visibility and the passengers safety. i made sure that my camera's lights weren't going off as i press my shutter because sometimes it does that but i think only during indoor shots. i was very conscious of that but i am sure i was just a speck to the pilot's eyes and it wouldn't have any impact if my flash was going.
@eddyj - yeah! the true north strong and free. thank you, eddy.