Dawn Patrol Rendezvous one of many opportunities for aviation photography in Dayton

World War One-era aircraft will fill the skies over the US Air Force Museum

Photography enthusiasts who also have an interest in aviation and historical aircraft can find a virtual treasure trove of subject matter in Dayton, Ohio. The home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, Dayton has earned an international reputation for honoring both the history changing achievement of the Wrights as well the many advances in both military and commercial aviation development.

Aviation and flight-related subjects have always generated interest amongst photographers, both amateur and professional. Both still and moving airplanes present visual elements of beautifully engineered lines, color, movement and the inherent fascination that all people share in the man-made machine achieving the miracle of flight.

Achievements in aviation are also closely inter-related to technological advances in our United States military, most particularly with the United States Air Force. This is the primary reason why Dayton is home to both the sprawling Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the adjacent National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, perhaps the world's largest display of military historical aircraft and artifacts.

In addition to the huge hanger facilities for display of static aircraft, the Air Force Museum also includes outdoor grounds with both a Memorial Park and an area of older runways for exhibitions, shows and fly-ins.

Although the indoor facilities and displays of the Air Force Museum can fill a photographer's schedule for an entire day of shooting, and possibly more, the outdoor events held on the grounds of the Museum have the added elements of action, flight and crowds enjoying the heritage of their shared community.

From late spring to early fall there is almost an outdoor event each month that local and traveling photographers will want to visit for exceptional image-making opportunities.

In late June is the Air Force Material Command Freedom's Call Tattoo. The event is free and open to the public and features a feast for eye and camera. Colorful musical performances by the Air Force Band of Flight and performers, low and slow fly-overs of some of the most impressive aircraft of today's Air Force as well as those from World War Two, all culminating in an incredible display of fireworks. Photographers will want to travel light and without large backpacks due to security issues. However, equipped with one of the more advanced consumer brand digital SLR's and two lenses any photographer will be able to take images that truly capture the spirit and excitement of military aviation. A light tripod is recommended for longer time exposures when the fireworks fill the sky.

For photographers who don't want to wait until next June for the Tattoo event there is the World War One Dawn Patrol Rendezvous, also held on the outdoor grounds of the Air Force Museum and scheduled for the weekend of September 25 - 27, 2009. Here again the event is free and open to the public. Though the crowds are a bit smaller as compared to the Tattoo event, the photographic subjects presented are even more varied and interesting, particularly for photographers with a strong interest in military history.

There is also the added benefit of pleasing, early autumn light and comfortable temperatures - ideal conditions for any type of outdoor photography in Ohio. On display will be an extensive collection of World War One fighter aircraft representing the three major combatant countries of the "Great War" - the United States, ally Great Britain and Germany. Also part of the event are static displays of period automobiles and encampments. Amongst the grounds are World War One re-enactors who pay particular attention to detail and authenticity. Almost all are happy to be photographed, however, it is always good manners to ask.

It's when the World War One period aircraft take to the skies that photographers will want to look for the best image-making opportunities. Quite unlike the speeding-through-sky displays of modern jet aircraft seen at most of today's air shows, these bi-planes fly very slow. Perhaps not as exciting and loud as the Navy's Blue Angels or the Air Force Thunderbirds, photographers will find it far more easy to capture tack-sharp photographs of aircraft in flight, many of which are completely outfitted in their original flying colors and insignia. There is also the added benefit of including the actual pilot within the photos of these classic fighter aircraft, something that most amateur photographers can't do with the faster, enclosed jets when shooting from the ground with limited access.

World War One era aircraft in flight, re-enactors in period dress and fascinating displays of the equipment, uniforms and ground transportation make the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous a fun event for all amateur photographers who love fascinating subjects combined with an action-filled outdoor event.

The Dayton area offers many other image-making opportunities for photographers who enjoy aviation-related subjects. The very popular Dayton Air Show, held each July at the Dayton International Airport, is one of the largest displays and demonstration of all types of aircraft in flight. Though offering a variety of subjects to photograph, the Air Show does attract very large crowds and photographers often must photograph over heads and tents from a great distance. There is also the negatives of harsh, mid-summer light and humidity. Bright sunlight reflecting off large areas of pavement, such as runways, also tend to play havoc with the auto white balance function of most consumer brand digital cameras.

More easily accessible destinations for aviation photography in Dayton include the Dayton Aviation National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service, which encompasses several locations including the Wright Cycle Company Complex, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center. Also a visit of Orville Wright's home on Hawthorn Hill, which was just recently open for public tours, is worth a few images as is the flying replica of the Wright-B Flyer housed in publicly-accessible hanger on the grounds of the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport, just south of Dayton off of State Route 741.

Some tips when photographing aviation subjects, both static displays and in flight are:

1) Carry both a wide angle lens, such as a 17-35mm, as well as a telephoto or telephoto zoom lens.

2) Use a circular polarizing filter to cut glare and eliminate distracting reflections on shiny fuselages and propellers.

3) With low and slow flying aircraft try "panning" with a slower shutter speed, such as 1/15th of second.

4) Eliminate distracting backgrounds when photographing aircraft on the ground by using a wider aperture setting, thus narrowing the depth of field.

5) Early morning or early evening are the best times to photograph aircraft in flight, when the sun is off to the side and indirect.

6) The faster jets will require a high ISO and shutter speed setting, if the camera allows for an auto focus servo setting, that would be the time to use it.

7) Use fill-flash light for aircraft displayed outdoors but in a mix of bright sun and hard shadows, especially if people are within the photograph.

8) The U.S. Air Force Museum does allow visitors who are amateur photographers to bring in tripods (but no studio lights and light stands). The lighting amongst the displays is fairly low, so longer exposures will be required.

9) When shooting a longer exposure of an aircraft display indoors, and people are part of the setting, still go with the slower shutter speed but combine it with a flash. That way the people will be in focus by way of the flash while still properly exposing for the aircraft.

10) Always look for interesting angles. Try getting low and shooting up with a wide angle or even laying down on the ground and follow a flying aircraft as it passes directly overhead.

11) ALWAYS respect the boundaries that have been established for public safety, by both event officials and some of the owners of the restored aircraft.

For more information about upcoming events at the U.S. Air Force Museum, please see http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news&events/index.asp