Air-to-air photo session
For any aeronautics enthusiast photographer like me, being able to shoot air to air is often considered the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of what one could wish for in terms of opportunity.
Pat Nightingale at the controls of a beautiful North American SNJ-4 Texan. © Gérald WILLIG
Many factors contribute to the success of such a project in obtaining exceptional images.
The quality of the pilots and their ability to fly in formation in complete safety is obviously one of the key points.
No problem here. With brothers Matt and Pat Nightingale we have two flying experts, accustomed to flying all kinds of rare and historic aircraft.
Matt Nightingale on board his North American T6-G . © Gérald WILLIG
For this flight over Chino California, during the sunset, the photo ship pilot will be Matt Nightingale at the controls of his North American T-6G. I will photograph Pat Nightingale, who will be at the controls of a SNJ-4 (AT-6) owned by Brandon D. Kunicki.
The North American Aviation SNJ-4 is the United States Navy version of the venerable AT-6 “Texan.” The single-engine, tandem cockpit monoplane was developed as a design modification from the BT-9 basic training aircraft first adopted by the United States Army Air Forces in 1935. In 1936 the Navy purchased 40 AT-6 trainers. The aircraft were given the Navy designation SNJ, “S” for scout, ‘N” for trainer and “J” indicating the manufacturer: North American Aviation. Incomplete records show the production of a minimum of 15,000 AT-6/ SNJ variants from 1935 until the 1950’s with 2,400 being SNJ-4s.
Pat Nightingale ready for take off in formation on board the North American SNJ-4 . © Gérald WILLIG
The photographer must also show himself and his equipment up to the task. I will have to take great care to select shutter speeds slow enough to visualize the propeller movement in my photos. This parameter is decisive for photographing propeller planes and their rotating movements.
I am focused on my settings and I know that I will have to be quick in choosing my framing and compositions depending on the backgrounds and lighting conditions.
Brandon D. Kunicki’s North American SNJ-4 Texan with Pat Nightingale at the controls. © Gérald WILLIG
Photographing Matt from where I am in the back seat during my flight is also on my list, the perspective is excellent aboard the North American T-6 with its large canopy and Matt's leather helmet looks great. It would be a shame not to take the opportunity to take a few more photos.
To do this, you will need to pay attention to the exposure measurement because here the risk of backlighting is significant depending on the positioning of the camera and its pilot in relation to the sun.
Matt Nightingale at the controls of his North American T6-G . © Gérald WILLIG
The landscapes pass pretty quickly under the wings of the SNJ-4 and the T-6. Fortunately Pat Nightingale will remain in perfect formation position throughout the flight, making my shots easier.
It's not always easy to reconcile the pleasure of flying and enjoying all the sensations aboard the T-6 while remaining at the same time focused on the shots I want to take with the appropriate settings. This represents quite a challenge!
Pat Nightingale flying a beautiful North American SNJ-4 Texan. © Gérald WILLIG
In the end I think I was able to take photographs that were quite varied in their compositions, framing and backgrounds.
It is interesting to have quite varied landscapes during our flight. The hills and urban landscapes offer pleasant contrasts to our eyes and ultimately allow less conventional shots than what we are used to seeing in certain magazines for example.
This intense experience was a wonderful moment of sharing in the air, and it was possible for me to take beautiful images which will remain unforgettable memories.
Many thanks to Matt and Pat Nightingale, to Cal-Aerofab Flight Academy, as well as Brandon D. Kunicki who were able to make this flight and air to air photography session possible with these two gorgeous warbirds!
