Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA, KIWA, IWA) "Willie"

[Joe Copalman]

RETURNING TO THE STABLE

[Tower Guy]

Joe, you and Jeff and Scott did these Broncos proud, great shots and the sun coming out at the last minute, what a gift.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Joe, you and Jeff did these Broncos proud, great shots and the sun coming out at the last minute, what a gift.

Thanks Harvey. While I don't pretend to speak for Scott or Joe, I think I'm safe in saying we had a great time 

[Scott Youmans]

Great work guys!  Hopefully I'll have some time to post another one or two later.

[Scott Youmans]

The unmistakable OV-10 front view

[Tower Guy]

Scott, monochrome shot of the Bronco is outstanding, it really compliments the shape more then color can.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Scott, monochrome shot of the Bronco is outstanding, it really compliments the shape more then color can.

+1 - Terrific conversion Scott!

[Scott Youmans]

Thanks guys.  Can't go wrong with an OV-10 front view.  On the OV-10 page I just posted a shot of the same aircraft (155502) at Sky Harbor in the spring of 1973.  What's almost as interesting are the aircraft in the background!

[Joe Copalman]

ARCTIC COMMANDER

Alaska Division of Forestry bird a long way from home.

[Scott Youmans]

Cool! No pun intended. Another Garrett powered classic.

[Tower Guy]

That is one clean commander, photographed very well. The sky condition really enhances the aircraft, beauty Joe.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Joe - nice job getting low angle on that squatty Commander. Super image sir.

Here is a Bronco image that was inspired by Messrs. Copalman. Aggressive in-camera framing (no post cropping or rotation) and some nice light. It was tough for me to angle my camera on the tripod with a bubble level sitting in the hot-shoe. In the end, I think it was worth the angst to step out of my comfort zone.

[Scott Youmans]

Jeff,  Really like the way you've enhanced the light and created that classic Welker glow.  Just beautiful.  My internal jury is still deliberating on the tilted horizontal.  Not that anybody asked!  Regardless, it's a great piece of art.  The added warmth is very appealing.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Jeff,  Really like the way you've enhanced the light and created that classic Welker glow.  Just beautiful.  My internal jury is still deliberating on the tilted horizontal.  Not that anybody asked!  Regardless, it's a great piece of art.  The added warmth is very appealing.

Thanks Scott. Since the titled horizon was done "in-camera" there is no going back on this image. Not something I'd do often. IMO, aggressive framing is a unique art form - regardless of the subject. After Joe posted his "UNBEATABLE" image (http://azaerophoto.com/forum/index.php?topic=1525.msg47362#msg47362), I was inspired to give it a try. Following Joe's reference to photographer Adrian Lang, I've been studying tight crops and aggressive framing. I believe photographers blessed with the right artistic vision see these opportunities and zoom/tilt away. Since I am mercifully free of that artistic gene, I just have to go with trial and error. Like you, I'm not sure if this image "works" or even if this style is for me. I will say that when it is done "right" (determined by the viewer) I think it takes an image to another level of artistic expression.

[Scott Youmans]

Jeff, I love the image and I definitely think there is a place for tight crops and tilted framing.  I've seen it employed with exceptional results.  Like I said I'm still deliberating.  In this case part of me likes it and part of me finds it disorienting.  It adds some dynamics in this image for sure.  Diagonals are well recognized for adding strength to a composition. Sometimes I get the sense that it is employed when the artist/photographer has run out of other ideas. Not saying that this is the case here.  Your image is outstanding for many reasons.  And by the way, you are not free of that artistic gene.  Quite the contrary.  Your willingness to break some "rules" and experiment with new techniques is an example for us all.  Your methods have certainly influenced me in a positive way.