With every plane comes it’s own unique challenge. Once you’re past the composition and frustration of having or not having clouds, subtle details start popping out. For instance the jets require a faster shutter speed so aperture priority is a must, even then they scream by. The unlimiteds and sports require a more controlled shutter speed in order to get that prop blur so you must be in shutter priority. I’ve forgotten how many images i have had to throw away because i couldn’t pan fast enough at those low speeds. Then there are the biplanes, which have a prop and require the same technique but with one distinct difference. They have two wings!!!
Why is this so important? Well if you look closely at both images you’ll see the pilots head cut off partly by that second wing. Last time i checked it takes more than just a forehead to fly a plane, i could be wrong but lets pretend I’m not and am actually using more than just my forehead right now. Working with this type of plane requires to look for those angles that show off the head. The plane has to have a pilot, otherwise it’s a model. Are there cases where it doesn’t matter of course, are some cockpits tinted yes, even so these small details really can make a difference in the photographs making them that much stronger.
Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 VR, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film