As an Aerospace Optometrist in the Navy, my primary mission is the support of the F/A-18 squadrons in Lemoore. I need to ensure that my aviators and support staff are vision ready so they can preform duties like this…
This shot was taken while I was on detachment to the USS Stennis a few months back. There is an area on the O-10 level, which is 10 stories (or decks for us Navy folk…) above the flight deck. It is known as ‘Vulture’s Row’ and is a great vantage point to watch the organized chaos that is launch and recovery of aircraft… There is a railing up there that is perfect to mount a camera to utilizing a GorillaPod. My main ‘bucket list’ shot was a night trap of a F-18 (which this photo is of – you can barely see the vertical stabilizer on the right side of the image…). My goal was the light trails coming though the shot, but the sparks from the tailhook catching the wire was just an added bonus!
This was really my first go at long exposure shooting but I think I did OK. If I return to a ship and try again, I will probably use a lower ISO and a slightly longer exposure. The issue is that after the aircraft traps, there is so much movement on the flight deck, that it adds a bunch of erroneous light sources from the worker’s flashlights…
(Click to view large in the light box!)
Canon XSi, Tamron 17-50 2.8VC, 17mm, f/2.8, ISO 800, 13 sec.
This is awesome! What a great and unique capture.
Tobias George recently posted..Summer Friday
WOW, Chris, this is amazing! I just can’t get enough of those crazy sparks from the tailhook there. I love airplanes and this shot really captures a glimpse of life on an aircraft carrier quite nicely!
Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..Genoa Bay
Man I bet that is something to see. Love the sparks!
Chris Frailey recently posted..Meet Nicole
Sweet. There can’t be too many light trail images of carrier landings.
Scott Wood recently posted..Lake Roosevelt Dam
Very cool! Dig seeing the movement without seeing the plane! I like it!
Jim Denham recently posted..Luxurious
This has to be a one of a kind shot Chris – great catch!
Curt Fleenor recently posted..Friday Phone Pic: Crimson Cascade
Wow Chris this is just amazing! I love all the lights and sparks!
As an aviation junkie…that is so friggin cool! Thanks for sharing it Mav!
Justin recently posted..Sculptures In The Sky – Part III
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This is an extremely cool shot. Wow.
Jan Winther recently posted..The SuperScooper
I’ll say it again – Nice photo – not many people get to see something like this that close!
Fantastic shots, thanks for sharing. Keep posting.
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