How do they all do it?

[mhillman]

It always seems like everyone is right up close and personal with all the aircraft in these pictures. I know that most are simply done with a tele-photo lens, but there are many that are taken on the airports property. How they arrange for that? Is it because they work there? Or is there some way that we can get access for photos?

[saupatel]

Yup most super-closeups are from people who work at the airport and i envy each and every one of them .

[Diezel]

There are many ways to get closer to aircrafts. You do not always have to work there. Just be creative :

- Join a flying or glider club or just ask them if you can have a flight in one of their aircrafts. Besides the fun of flying, there will be people who work in the aviation industry which might get you closer to aircrafts
- There are some airports which offer unrestricted ramp access if you pass some exam (for example Samedan)
- There are airports which organize yearly spotting events with ramp access (for example: Milan Malpensa)
- Many airshows usually offer cockpit access or fun flights. The Oshkosh or Farnborough events will show you more aircrafts up-close-and-personal then you could ever photograph
- Try getting a press pass which sometimes give you better access to airplanes and ramps during air events
- Offer to be a volunteer at air events
- and last, you can always become a ramper

The bigger airports are off course much more difficult to get in. But if you do not try you will end up with nothing.

In my opinion there are just a couple of rules:

- No matter how you do it, it costs money and time. Be prepared for that.
- Be nice and bring something from home to show your appreciation.
- Always obey all rules
- Ask for permission if you don't know if taking pictures is allowed

Roel.

[Shanwick]

In my opinion there are just a couple of rules:

- No matter how you do it, it costs money and time. Be prepared for that.
- Be nice and bring something from home to show your appreciation.
- Always obey all rules
- Ask for permission if you don't know if taking pictures is allowed

Roel.

All very true specially the first line.Take Sint Maarten(SXM)for example you can get up close and personal with aircraft there with a 10mm lens.At first glance for the price of a pair of swimming shorts and a beach towel.....but then you have to factor in for us in Europe the price of crossing the pond and quite expensive accomadation rates also I almost forgot buying a girl in a bikini a couple of drinks to act as foreground clutter in one of your shots

A good point made about airshows and static displays they can be good but a lot of patience as you wait for spectors to move out of view only to be replaced by more that take even longer to move on...but you usually get the shot eventually.

Small general aviation fields are usually very good but unless your big into Super Cubs and Cessna`s pick ones that may have Biz jets or even a Dakota or two around.