Nellis Air show 2010

[Jay Beckman]

Info from other sources tells me that this was a huge Goof with unintended consequences.  Some photographers have (I'm told) already received apologies...

Somebody mininterpreted the directive and it got to the bus screeners at the LVMS parking lot and they didn't get it right.  Apparently it was recinded after a couple hours.

What I'm told it boiled down to:  Too many people running around with too much gear trying to get to too many places they shouldn't have been.

The way I'm hearing it, the lens "ban" was directed at people trying to BS their way onto the flightline with large lenses as "quasi media" so the directive was meant to discourage this from happening.

Sounds like another incident for the potential ISAP <--> ICAS "Approved Photographer" discussion...

[BillOz]

I heard about this happening, but do not know anyone who it happened to personally.   There were a lot of 100-400 lenses hanging around people's necks, so I expect it was only a misunderstanding for a short while.  Most of the people I saw with lenses bigger than 300mm were not registered Media, but just average airshow enthusiasts.

Unless you hear it from someone who was directly told he/she could not go in with their lens, I would take what anyone says with a grain of BS.   Not saying it didn't happen, but that it likely was not a big issue, unless you were one of the few they sent packing.  Then you have good reason to be upset.

[Joe Copalman]

"quasi media"

"B-b-but - you don't understand!  I was here for a Red Flag MEDIA DAY!"

[cpasley]

I was really shocked to read this since just prior I was reading the specifics of "Luke Day" and it says this year they are allowing lawn chairs as well as wagons ,great for those of us who might bring kids but from what you guys said it sounds like the Nellis thing was isolated and I hope its true

[Jay Beckman]

Apparently this was only done to people in one lot for a short while on Sunday morning.  Through a Facebook friend of mine, I learned that several people simply called their buddies in the other lot, found out they weren't being subjected to this and simply drove over there and got on the bus with no issues.

Guess we may never know exactly what started this but I'm glad they got it sorted out before half their crowd went home in disgust.

[Joe Copalman]

Think it still might be worth sending an "officialish" email to the PAO asking what misperception/miscommunication led to the "ban?"  I read the reply on your facebook, and it explained the "what," but my brain still aches for the "why?"

[Aceebee]

Hi

I am a UK member and visitor to Southern States. I have to say that this is my first time to Nellis and I found the security rules a little unclear. The AN2010 website did not give clear instructions and when we got to the search facility at the speedway track the service people manning security Saturday morning didn't know what size of camera or bag was acceptable. Lawn chairs were okay at one stall, then being turned away at the one next. We were with a couple guys from SoCal that we hooked up with and almost caused heart failure when told we couldn't bring in large lenses. I don't believe there was any consensus, just confusion. After some head scratching I think most got in after a bag search.

I don't know if this is typical of USAF show scene in the US so it's hard to compare with anything other than non-US. I've been to plenty of US AFB shows in Europe and the Far East and it's expected that aviation photographers are going to bring big lenses and a bag full of camera gear, and in some places bring your car on to base. You never know, but I expect there has been some h

As for taking pictures, it's a bit strange to have any camera restrictions as there is nothing on base that has not been seen before. The F-22 has been seen plenty of times in Europe and other new hardware have been visible at tradeshows for sometime. I expect this is isolated to Nellis and some administrator who really needs to get out more. These shows are great PR exercises and most of the service personnel on base love to show off to the public. Sure they have a job to do. Security is one thing, alienation is something else. Military Air Shows are much about winning hearts and minds. Winning support on where your Tax dollar gets spent. The aviation enthusiast community is by nature the biggest proponent. I guess someone forgot why they were there. Besides some frustration, no harm done.

Apart from that, loved the show. Mind blowing show from the F-22 and loved those F-4's. Can't wait to see them again.

[BillOz]

A few pix from the Aviation Nation.

[Hankmann]

Some pics from the show.

Tried shooting in pure jpg, Not sure I like the results.

Ended up with 2k +, still have the big acts to edit, will post them shortly.








Full gallery can be seen at http://www.blog.hankplumley.com/photo-gallery/air-show-photos/2010-aviation-nation/?album=27&cover=0&occur=1

[BillOz]

A few jet fighters doing what they do best.  Turning kerosene into the sound of Freedom.

[Hankmann]

Nice captures Bill.

What day were you there? You were probably right in front of me shooting, lol.

[BillOz]

Thanks Hank,  I'd say you did fine with the JPEG shooting.

I was there Sat. and Sun.  These are from Sat.  I was in the Warbird Staging area, right near the B-52.  Seems the light was never quite right from my location, until almost too late in the day.

[Hankmann]

Thanks, still 50/50 on the results.

I was there Sat. only, in the pit all day. Sunday was watching the Browns @ Red Rock. End of regulation I was holding a slip worth $2800, end of OT the slip was worthless . . .grrrr

[Hankmann]

Finally finished all the demo photos. Didn't think I had so many worth saving, guess I got lucky !

The F-22 Raptor - -

[BillOz]

Nice Raptor shots.
One of my better T-Bird crossing captures.