Miramar October 2-4 2015

[Ross Dinsdale]

So I just so happen to have this particular weekend off and am thinking of driving out for the Saturday and Sunday shows. For those that have attended and shot this show in the past any advice/tips/ places to be to shoot?  Any information would be appreciated.  They are selling box seats and what not. Are they worth it?  Would they be worth it for the twilight/evening portion?  So many questions I know. 

[Chris V]

In my opinion the box seats are not worth it. Best to be able to roam around so you can get different angles etc of the action. Show is somewhat backlit also so being able to get to the west side of the show later in the day can help somewhat. The box seats would be better for the night show though as you can get a clear view depending on how high up you are. Just my two cents.

[Ross Dinsdale]

Appreciate the input Chris

[Mike Margolis]

I've been to Miramar countless times since the early 70's but had not been for a few years. I went last year and took my dad who kinda got cooked at Chino '14. To avoid another cooking, we opted for the center chalet for the shade, lunch (they ran out!!) and unlimited water and ice. The best part of the package was the premium parking, the shade and "free" drinks and ice. But seeing and shooting the show really sucked. The people were rude. They stood on the very flimsy plastic folding rental chairs lining the front row - even after being asked not to by management, and a huge number of people near the front had open umbrellas or held up iPads to video and take worthless pictures. To say the least, I was very disappointed and frustrated. Unfortunately they completely obliterate the flightline with pay-for seating so it's hard to get anything low unless you get to the front and stay there all day defending your spot. In addition, most of the people attempted to save seats both in the shade and outside which tied up nearly twice as many seats/areas that should have been occupied. I've been to well over 100 airshows all over the country and Miramar '14 was by far the worst ever experience. This was due to way too many rude people (pushy, selfish, openly throwing trash on the ground...) and lack of visual access to the show. All that said, top row of the bleachers, as mentioned here by Eric, would likely be the way to go. I did see some people raising umbrellas up there - but I bet a little peer-pressure took care of that. The southern lighting is a challenge (exposure compensation helps) but the chance of vapes is good. The best shot I got was the diamond coming in from behind the crowd. I would go again, avoid the people around the statics, shoot from the top row of the bleachers, but would not chalet there again. The night show from the chalet was good - far fewer people, but they would not let people in until quite late - about an hour of standing in line being told repeatedly "just 5 more minutes". I will miss this year though - out of town. Hope my psydo-rant helps... Have fun!!

Blues Miramar 2014 diamond from stands-34217 by Mike Margolis, on Flickr

[Ross Dinsdale]

The input everyone has been invaluable.  I'll probably just be doing Saturday's show without the twilight portion. Last question. 

[John Driscoll]

USN Blue Angels C-130 "Fat Albert" finishing off the 2015 MCAS Miramar Air Show on a rainy Sunday.
pic host

[Tower Guy]

Very nice shot John!

[John Driscoll]

FA-18 from VMFA-225 MCAS Miramar and 3rd MAW.
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[Chris C.]

I was there on Saturday and stayed for the twilight show. The lighting wasn't that great but the vapes were awesome. Great shots John and Ross!

Mcdonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II


Bell AH-1Z Viper

[Jonathan Navarro]

ON THE DOWN LOW by Jonathan Navarro, on Flickr

[Tower Guy]

Very cool shots from Miramar Jonathan, the NASA F15 with the fire works is outstanding!

[Jonathan Navarro]

Very cool shots from Miramar Jonathan, the NASA F15 with the fire works is outstanding!

Thanks Harvey! When I heard they were going to start the fireworks show, I ran over to this jet to set up my camera as quickly as I could.

[Jonathan Navarro]

[Ross Dinsdale]

Grumman A-6 Intruder by Ross Dinsdale, on Flickr