Michelle, thanks for everything!
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14276142647_7173c02487_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nKwXQt)
Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators, departing Naval Air Facility El Centro
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14460167971_778d264f22_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o2N99T)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14440424516_2053fca950_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o13X7u)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14440829086_b4f5631b82_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o162nQ)
ROMAN CANDLE
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14441621826_c27320612a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o1a62L)
Looks like you guys had a pretty good day out there: shooting from the end of runway 26 along with classic and Super Hornet activity.
Any pics from the dinner?
Nice shots everyone! It looks like you had some good ops and great light.
Quote from: azspyder on June 20, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
Nice shots everyone! It looks like you had some good ops and great light.
Good ops, but the light was a bit dodgy. Never had sunlight on the outward-canted side of the tails that were facing us, and really strong shadows on the undersides of the aircraft. Wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't as good as it is during the spring and the fall.
And yes Dave, I got some shots from the dinner. Scott did as well.
I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.
Quote from: Jeff Welker on June 20, 2014, 10:53:37 AM
I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.
Agreed. Definitely a solid opening salvo from a first-timer.
Thank you very much gentleman..... ;D
The whole experience was sensory overload.
The incredible sound of the jets on launch
The rumble in your bones as they go thundering by
The heat from the afterburners washing across the runway towards us
The wonderful smell of Jet-A
The big launch of 6 to 8 F/A-18's just before we left
Experiencing the shear power and beauty of the aircraft
What a fantastic experience. Thanks for the opportunity to join you guys in the fun.
Quote from: Joe Copalman on June 20, 2014, 10:51:53 AM
Good ops, but the light was a bit dodgy. Never had sunlight on the outward-canted side of the tails that were facing us, and really strong shadows on the undersides of the aircraft. Wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't as good as it is during the spring and the fall.
And yes Dave, I got some shots from the dinner. Scott did as well.
Mid-summer sun, directly overhead - a new experience at El Centro.
Looking forward to seeing the shots from the dinner as well.
Quote from: Jeff Welker on June 20, 2014, 10:53:37 AM
I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.
Thanks Jeff! It sure wasn't the same without you there.
Like many have already said, Anna, really awesome work for your first time, and your description is spot on!
Ashlie's first time at The Shack.
- Ashlie with her eye on the prize (ME)!
- Ashlie and the KC-130.
- Ashlie and the F/A-18.
Michelle being presented with the Navy Region Southwest Meritorious Civilian Service Award. The CO presented the award while the XO read the accompanying citation. We all know Michelle has been busy these past nine years, but the length of that citation really drove home everything that she has done as the public face of NAF El Centro.
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-nCHZjZp/0/XL/3D7B1583-XL.jpg)
First arrival of the day, and just a wee bit close. ;D
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-f4ZjJ2F/0/XL/3D7B1279-XL.jpg)
102 degrees not hot enough? Let me turn up the heat.
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-TPktbsD/0/XL/3D7B1548-XL.jpg)
Touchdown!
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-RRBSjdw/0/XL/3D7B1347-XL.jpg)
Tight shot with a long lens.
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-ZwJdpPf/0/XL/IMG_1330-XL.jpg)
It's always great to get out there.
(http://www.yarnellpics.com/Airplanes/NAF-El-Centro-June-2014/i-4kc89Zt/0/XL/IMG_1262-XL.jpg)
I spent time on this visit trying my 400mm prime for some tight shots, and also used a polarizer much of the time. Not sure if I'm happy with the results or not, but it's always fun to experiment.
S.C.
Bill Osmun
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14490820523_3e30f0abf7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o5vf6a)
Scott Colbath and Joe Copalman
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14469350702_092e84dc82_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o3BcRQ)
Ashlie Ottosen
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14447570776_b377efe742_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o1FzrS)
Anna, another thumbs up from the peanut gallery. I was going to ask what you thought about El Centro and you summed it up quite nicely in your comments.
Thank you Matt and Scott....
It was really quite the experience.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14459343555_af73d2b908_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o2HV5P)C-130J (https://flic.kr/p/o2HV5P) by zbubakaz (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14461496824_bd8b5d8321_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o2UXb9)Gladiators-1 (https://flic.kr/p/o2UXb9) by zbubakaz (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14282544987_023cc79410_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nL6M2D)F-18 (https://flic.kr/p/nL6M2D) by zbubakaz (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Very cool shot Kaspar, that is about as much smoke as I have seen from a landing F-18.
Nice work Kaspar!
Thank you Scott!
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14288389227_23d32b00cf_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nLBJjp)F-18-Gladiators (https://flic.kr/p/nLBJjp) by zbubakaz (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
I want to especially thank Joe and Kris for this opportunity. This was such a surreal experience, and I had such a good time with everyone!
- There's a Hornet buzzing your sun hat!
- Scott and Joe jockeying for position.
- Ghosts in the Shack
- Call the Ball
- ¡Three Amigos!
- Shack Stories
Everyone looks like they had a great day with the shots they are posting. Fantastic work everyone.
Kasper is really knocking it out of the park.
Ashlie's behind the scenes shots are great as well.
Here is my take on the C-130
Lockheed KC-130J Tanker, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron VMGR-352 'Raiders', from MCAS Miramar, CA
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14288543280_a688ece359_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nLCw7u)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14473847822_057b4aeccb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o41fGo)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14288542600_c715881bcb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nLCvUL)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14473847022_a122569d00_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o41fsA)
Very nice work, Ashlie, your photo skills keep amazing me! Those are many of the sights we all see, but never pause to take the picture. I'm glad you enjoyed it and had so much fun!
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14475019422_e34a2f0b6f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o47fYo)
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14477218942_3bb67a1dab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o4iwP9)
I'M GONNA LET IT SHINE
Quote from: Joe Copalman on June 22, 2014, 12:50:31 AM
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
I'M GONNA LET IT SHINE
So awesome!
Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) "Raiders"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14298825087_e6068d781e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nMxdx2)
Break Now Jester
Wow Bill.... Fantastic shot!
Quote from: Joe Copalman on June 22, 2014, 12:50:31 AM
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14477218942_3bb67a1dab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o4iwP9)
I'M GONNA LET IT SHINE
Very cool.
What's the story behind this shot?
S.C.
Thanks, Scott. This was from one of the few overhead breaks we got that day. Nothing more to it than simply tracking the lead Hornet and staying with him as he banked away from his wingman directly overhead from us. Fairly aggressive crop at 70mm, but figured I'd still have a go at it. My favorite shot of the day.
Bell UH-1Y Venom
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 (HMLA-469) "Vengeance"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14470347346_3cd2274e0f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o3Gj8m)
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/14314624068_cd2315036a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nNWc2f)
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14507679302_3eec859c47_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o6ZDBL)
FLOAT ON
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14317235629_531251605b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nPazma)
Very nice shot Joe. When aircraft are over the white hash marks it makes a great underside reflector to light up the bottom of the aircraft. Well done.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14272553517_73580a75b0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nKdyUV)
VFA-106 Gladiators Legacy Color Bird F/A-18C Hornet NAF El Centro Det (https://flic.kr/p/nKdyUV) by PhantomPhan1974 Photography (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Quote from: Joe Copalman on June 22, 2014, 12:50:31 AM
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14477218942_3bb67a1dab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o4iwP9)
I'M GONNA LET IT SHINE
Mine at a slightly different position. Nice one Joe. Good times.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14277755177_a262125fcf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nKFebH)NAF El Centro (https://flic.kr/p/nKFebH) by PhantomPhan1974 Photography (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Once again, this was such a surreal experience and I had such a good time with everyone!
Here are some of my photos.
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s7/v152/p695601524-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e29760974)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s12/v186/p702306861-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e29dc5a2d)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s12/v182/p729878362-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e2b810f5a)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s6/v150/p719773556-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e2ae6df74)
Really nice work, Ashlie, it's hard to believe that this was your first time out there and also your first time photographing fast moving jets! :o
Very nice Ashlie.... :)
Quote from: Matt Ottosen on June 26, 2014, 05:04:26 PM
Really nice work, Ashlie, it's hard to believe that this was your first time out there and also your first time photographing fast moving jets! :o
No kidding. Excellent work.
S.C.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14531598631_3100b9c624_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o97eZZ)
HIGH NOON
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/14537765255_7ff1a043d2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o9DR86)
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14367929447_8c2d4cbbe6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nTDoRv)
Quote from: Matt Ottosen on June 26, 2014, 05:04:26 PM
Really nice work, Ashlie, it's hard to believe that this was your first time out there and also your first time photographing fast moving jets! :o
Quote from: Anna Wood on June 26, 2014, 06:47:04 PM
Very nice Ashlie.... :)
Quote from: scottcolbath on June 26, 2014, 09:37:49 PM
No kidding. Excellent work.
S.C.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my photos, and thank you for your wonderful comments!
A few more from that wonderful day.
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s5/v125/p1068959403-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e3fb706ab)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s12/v178/p747425711-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e2c8ccfaf)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s5/v133/p715351662-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e2aa3666e)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/14623783315_606ec9a109_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ohfHi6)
Very cool Matt, I alway like a smokey landing, it is a visible action that really adds to an aircraft landing, nice work.
Quote from: Tower Guy on July 10, 2014, 11:35:06 PM
Very cool Matt, I alway like a smokey landing, it is a visible action that really adds to an aircraft landing, nice work.
Thank you, Harvey!
Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14453383019_b6b5e0a1b4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o2cndX)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/14617447086_3c4d2900ac_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ogGeKL)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3895/14640433335_2d3ef94e1d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oiJ3Lp)
Very nice series of shots Anna, they are all winners!
Thank you Harvey ;D
-----------------------------------------------------
Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators
The after burner shot made the Flickr Explore feed for 07-12-2014. ;D
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14660987283_74cf2c897d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/okxoJP)
Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14638050091_688b7be808_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oivQiZ)
...very nice job, Anna!
Gorgeous shots, Anna, stay peachy!
Here are my last three photos from this Photocall.
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s5/v117/p890219850-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e350fad4a)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s12/v175/p1038269406-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e3de2bbde)
(http://www.ottosenphotography.com/img/s12/v171/p897160541-4.jpg) (http://www.ottosenphotography.com/p1050305096/e3579955d)
Thank you Ashlie and Kasper... :)
Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) "Raiders"
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14493762529_a16c9a25a6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o5LjDp)
Very nice C130 shot Matt, you and Ashlie really cover this event very well, the Dynamic Duo!
Quote from: Tower Guy on July 17, 2014, 07:26:59 PM
Very nice C130 shot Matt, you and Ashlie really cover this event very well, the Dynamic Duo!
Thanks Harvey! It's always an amazing time out at NAF El Centro, and Ashlie just loved her first time out at the LSO Shack!
Boeing F/A-18, Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators departing Naval Air Facility El Centro.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14514435860_ba6dbc6797_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o7Ah79)
Very nice Anna! We don't see that angle often. What were you shooting with on this one?
Thank you Scott ;D
I had my Tamron for this photo call. EXIF shows 182mm, f8, iso 200, at 1/1000. Small amount of crop for centering and aspect ratio (16:9). He was still pretty close in when I took this.
Stunning shot, Anna!
You and the Tamron did a great job. I haven't shot with mine lately but I was getting good results at Sky Harbor a month or so ago. Those sound like good settings. As you did in this case I normally shoot at f/8 with that lens and the 100-400. Maybe when we get more T-storm activity again I'll venture out of the air conditioning!
Thank you Matt.... :)
Scott, I hear you on getting out to shoot. I have been a wimp with this hot weather and the mugginess of monsoon season. To easy to stay in where it is cool. ;)
Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators arriving Naval Air Facility El Centro.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14722969573_8ae5d7221b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/or24UZ)
Anna that departing shot of the F-18 is exquisite! I love how you can see all the smudges on the wing. As Scott pointed out it is not an angle that we often see!
Thank you Andy.... The F-18 could sure use a bath.
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14551361329_8178950a62_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oaRwLa)
One final image from the photo call. What a great experience. Still puts a smile on my face thinking about that day. ;D
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators departing Naval Air Facility El Centro.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/14759706374_47a4fb60bc_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ougmu7)
Another great shot Anna!
Thank you Steve....
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14837912794_b9ae0afccf_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oBbbwE)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14788534879_4673df1e0b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/owP7ci)