VC-25 Photography

[SammyG]

One of my goals this year is to get to finally see AF1 in person and get that money shot for upload.

What I was wondering is, does anyone here have experience spotting when AF1 is around? Am I running the risk of being taken out by a Secret Service sniper if I so much as take my camera out? And is there a way to find out where the plane (with or without the pres on board) is gonna be at anytime?

Thanks!

[Petertenthije]

I am in the very fortunate position of living in the Netherlands, where spotters are well known to roam around. As such, when Dubya came to Maastricht 2 years back, the military police had created a grandstand dedicated for spotters. Spotters had to sign up in advance and agree to a back ground check, and where not allowed in without proper ID.

Those that could not go to the grandstand where allowed/tolerated in the final approach to shoot photos from there. You'll find quite a few nice photos of AF1 taken at Maastricht.

As for security, yeah... there where snipers all over the place. As well as US Secret serive (easily identifiable by driving SUVs that are not available in Europe). There was helicpter surveilance in the form of police Bolkow, RNLAF Apaches and Cougars and RNLN Lynxes. Hightened patrols by policedrawn in from all over the country etc etc etc. Was good fun!

[Tanner_J]

I'm pretty sure snipers know the difference from a cheap camera and a rocket launcher. You'll be fine, you might be approached, but you'll be fine.

[Paul Maier]

I'm pretty sure snipers know the difference from a cheap camera and a rocket launcher. You'll be fine, you might be approached, but you'll be fine.

Id personally never trust anyone with a gun pointed at me.
Trained individual or not.

[Tanner_J]

Sounds like you got some issues. His security is the most highly trained security personnel in the world. Are you kidding me?

[Paul Maier]

i have no issues, as i dont ever intend on taking a photo of his plane.

What i am worried about is that one of these snipers will one day mistake a photo lens for something else.

[PhilGil]

Sammy, this was my experience at PDX when photographing the arrival of AF1 in 2004:

1. The arrival time is not published for security reasons, so you have to be in position and within the security perimeter before the airport access roads are shut down. I had some idea of the arrival time because they also closed navigation on the Columbia River (which adjoins PDX), and those times were announced.
2. You might be able to call the airport public affairs office and find out if there will be any designated areas for photography. I took a chance on the top level of the parking garage (a popular spotting location where I have never had any trouble from security) and found quite a number of folks waiting for the arrival.
3. While security was visible, no one was individually approached, and at arrival time no one was stopped from taking as many photos as they wanted.

Interestingly, I was approached by a badge while waiting at the same location for John Edward’s campaign plane to arrive. I was asked to show my ID and open my trunk, both of which I did. The officer was very polite and told me it was fine to be there to take photos, but they were just doing a security sweep before the arrival.

Good luck getting your photos. It was pretty cool seeing and photographing AF1 – It’s definitely a recognizable and impressive symbol of the US (regardless of your feelings toward the person inside).

[SammyG]

Alrighty. Thanks for all the input!