Looking Up

Landing gear down, an F22 Raptor makes its turn for its final approach at Langley AFB in Hampton, VA (click to enlarge)
Fuji X-T1, 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 55mm; 1/4000th sec. @ f/2.8; ISO 200

Over many years I have learned to look up.  Most people look only straight ahead to see where they are going.  That is probably a good thing.  Some should look where they are going more than they now do!  Photographers learn to look all around them—front, sides as well as turn around on occasion to look at where they have been.  Things look very different looking back at them than when approaching.  I also have learned to look up. Looking up can bring additional surprises for your photography or just in general.

More than one time in the recent past I have looked up to see a Bald Eagle circling above me.  I've seen interesting cloud patterns, jet aircraft with contrails intersecting clouds, etc.  Visually interesting things.

(click to enlarge)

I was out photographing the other day when I heard two F22 Raptor fighter jets approaching the area.  I was near their base of operations and knew from previous visits that they would be making their turn at a relatively low altitude to line up with the runway on final approach.  As I walked along, I had the Fuji 16-55mm f/2.8 lens on my X-T1 but didn't have my camera bag with a longer lens with me.  It was in the car.  Lesson learned—again!  Memo to myself—take your bag!  As the jets approached and made their turn, the X-T1 easily locked on focus on the jets and I made several exposures as the jets neared and crossed over clouds in the background.  Here are just three in the sequence, cropped at about 50% of the full frame.

(click to enlarge)

I like how the soft, wispy clouds provide interesting contrast to the hard lines and metal of the aircraft.  Can you tell it was humid day?

Two lessons: look up often and be surprised on occasion and take your bag with you when you get out of your vehicle. 

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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