Photographing airplanes in the sky can be an exhilarating yet technically demanding pursuit for photographers. The challenges faced in this endeavor often test a photographer’s skills to the limit. One common issue is capturing aircraft with missing tails or just noses or wings. This can occur when the photographer can’t keep the plane centered in the frame due to the speed it is flying. For every really good shot – you probably throw 10+ away.

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Aircraft move rapidly across the sky, and if you are slow to react, the airplane can disappear from view entirely. Shutter speed plays a crucial role in aviation photography, especially when dealing with propeller-driven aircraft. If the shutter speed is too fast, it can freeze the motion of the propeller blades, making them appear stationary or even missing. On the other hand, using a slower shutter speed allows the propeller to blur slightly – getting a shutter speed that shows movement put keeps the plane sharp while panning is a real challenge. too slow can also lead to soft images of the airplane due to camera movement during exposure.

Focus and movement issues are inherent challenges when photographing fast-moving aircraft. Achieving the right focus can be difficult, as the plane’s distance from the camera constantly changes.

This has been made easier with the new cameras and dead on tracking that comes with some of them. If you want to see it its you or the camera that giving you soft images – shoot some jets – you can use a fast shutter speed 1/2000 and you will quickly know if it’s your panning technique. 

In conclusion, photographing airplanes in the sky requires a keen eye, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of camera settings. Overcoming the challenges of missing tails, capturing the entire aircraft, managing shutter speed for propeller airplanes, and addressing focus and movement issues are all essential for achieving photographs that truly capture the beauty and excitement of aviation. It’s a pursuit that demands both technical proficiency and a passion for the subject matter.

Here at Reno are some of the best aviation photographers is the world.  I admire them and marvel at their skills. I’m an amateur compared to a lot of them.