El Centro Photocall - October 24th, 2012

[Scott Youmans]

GOLDENEYE

Beautiful image Joe.  Missed that one coming in.

[Joe Copalman]

GOLDENEYE

Beautiful image Joe.  Missed that one coming in.

Thanks, Scott.  I believe this one was shot on the walk back to the bus, as those final two -533 bird recovered before we left. 

[Jeff D. Welker]

RIDING INTO THE SUNSET

[Scott Youmans]

He could deny having been on the line but he wouldn't have a leg to stand on....

[Scott Youmans]

"Toeing the line"...

[Dave S.]

Can we christen him a 'Toed'?

[Scott Youmans]

Ned - Oh, and there's a Super Hornet in the background.

[Joe Copalman]

OMG this whole thread has been cracking me up.  I ♥ you guys.

[Chris V]

[Jeff D. Welker]

EAGLE SCREECHING

[Joe Copalman]

^^^^ Really like this image Chris. The discolored exhaust adds a very nice touch IMO.

One final word on my photoshop. For good reason, Michelle is very particular about making sure all shooters know that crossing the white line (even by a frog's hair) is verboten! Since it is a exceptional privilege to enjoy this type of access, I'm sensitive to her directives. While there is nothing to be gained photographically, some folks just can't seem to comply. Every time I try to get a good shot of the group working the line, I inevitably get at least one nerd in violation. Gratefully, I did not find any violators from our crew - another display of AzAP discipline and professionalism.

Because I've refused to publicize images of shooters that can't seem to comply with the simplest of Michelle's rules, I rarely get to post this type of image. In frustration I've decided to take another approach. Every time I find an image with an offender, he/she is going to loose a limb. It is my way of dishing out visual punishment. It is also a fun opportunity to fine-tune my cloning skills  

For what it's worth, I'm normally an eagle-eyed white-line nazi, and the only line incursion I saw on this trip was a woman from a local photography club who was half-sitting/half-laying down on the line, but she was told to move pretty quickly, and she was a good sport about it.  In terms of line discipline, I think this was one of the best trips we (us, APSoCal, and Fencecheck) have had out there.  This was PHXSpotters' first trip out there, and while I don't think the "Dude, I just got excited" excuse makes it okay, I remember my first time out there and can certainly relate to that frame of mind.  It's a lot to process, and for a first-timer, can be a bit of a sensory overload, which is why it's good to have so many experienced shooters out there to help out the new guys.  

Since being caught in the act of having a toe over the line by Ned a few trips back, I've made it a point to incorporate a toe-check every time I get ready to shoot out there.  Camera on?  Check.  Ear protection?  Check.  Proper settings?  Check.  Toes behind the line?  Check.  Simple as that.  2-3 seconds to account for all of those.  Start doing it every time and you're good to go, and you'll be able to self-correct before anyone taps you on the shoulder suggesting you step back an inch or two, or decides to saw your leg off via Photoshop.  

[Matt Ottosen]

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A++ Hornet
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) "Silver Eagles"

[Joe Copalman]

SCREAMIN' EAGLE

[Jeff D. Welker]

Joe - the late afternoon launch of that pair of Silver Eagles (which included this one) were my favorite photo ops of the trip. They had a world of pain under each wing and rolled into the best golden light of the day. Catching the full AB and jello air so well is the cherry on top. Great image 

[Joe Copalman]

SUPER-DUTY CREW-CAB