A lot of work went into arranging this shot, and of this particular aircraft. It all has to do with a stuffed animal my mom bought my youngest daughter a while back, that she has become attached to, and I wanted to surprise her with this picture.
Have any of you ever had a rewarding experience where you took, by your definition, the perfect picture?
JRadier From Netherlands, joined Sep 2004, 4597 posts, RR: 51 Reply 2, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 3626 times:
Quoting TimdeGroot (Reply 1): Don't think any picture can be called perfect
Considering 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' a perfect picture does indeed not exist.
Take for example Royal's shot. To him it is the perfect shot because of the hard work, the memories and who knows what else. To me, it is (and I don't want to offend you Royal) 'just another side-on'. A good one, but a regular side-on and to be honest, it doesn't give me a fuzzy feeling inside.
For that reason (and the reason that I don't have 'my perfect photo' on Airliners, if at all) I won't post a shot
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and ther
Champfence From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 53 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 3625 times:
Royal,
I'd love to hear the "story" behind this shot. Two years in the making, must've been a big deal. If you'd be kind enough to share!
It's one of my personal Top5 shots I've on A.net and it is so as it took some luck for the plane to arrive here and than my planing which worked out just right to get the desired result.
I sometimes ask myself if the result would have been even better with turning props but in the end I think not.
Krizz From Belgium, joined May 2005, 1 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 3586 times:
Time to post my personal number one shot being far from perfect, but can perfection be reached?
The low winter light combined with the right angle due to the uncommon taxi-procedure of this Fokker makes it special for me. I also like the frozen propellor blades and the tight crop.
RCoulter From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 397 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 3573 times:
My top shot is also my personal favorite because I had tried for 2 days to get the shot and tried a few different settings and finally nailed it. I would have preferred a bit more smoke and prop blur, but that's why I agree with Royal about no "perfect" picture.
Photopilot From Cuba, joined Jul 2002, 2439 posts, RR: 20 Reply 11, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 3512 times:
Well, and not trying to be self-promoting, these two of mine are probably my best efforts and as close to perfect (in my mind) that I can take.
The first is from my personal collection of me flying a Grob Single Astir CS-77 Glider. It took 6 months over the winter non-flying season to imagine the shot, design the custom boom and camera bracket, then wait for just the perfect weather (no heat haze) to get the shot. It was shot on film, Fuji RVP 50 (35mm). I don't think I've seen as dramatic or unusual a glider photo IMHO.
The second was shot of the new Bombardier Q400 on a test flight over Witchita Kansas. It also was shot on Fuji RVP 50 but on a Hasselblad in 2~1/4" size (6 x 6cm). It was calculated in advance that it had to be shot at 1/250 in order to get the correct amount of prop blur to keep the marketing folks happy. They still wanted to show the new 6 bladed prop, but with enough blur to show motion. Oh, and in an absolute treat, I got to shoot this assignment from the stripped out tail gunners turret (glass removed) of a Mitchell B-25 WWII bomber. I've seen a 15-foot-wide print of this image and you can count the rivet heads on the panels. Oh, and in an absolute bit of amazing LUCK, note the strobe on the tail. It strobed at the exact 1/250 second that the shutter was open. Gee... I'd sooner be lucky than good!!
Spencer From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 1623 posts, RR: 19 Reply 12, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 3496 times:
Certainly shows what we all consider to be near perfect photos. I love a plug so here's my personal "perfect" photos.
This one is one of my personal favs for many reasons.
Now, if I was to chose a perfect photo from those, then personally I'd go with the last one. No definitive reason, I guess I just think with how I planned it, set up and woke up (!) and just got it all together, makes it the shot for me.
Spence.
EOS1D4, 7D, 30D, 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, 70-200/2.8 L IS2 USM, 17-40 f4 L USM, 24-105 f4 L IS USM, 85 f1.8 USM
Stil From Spain, joined Apr 2006, 345 posts, RR: 7 Reply 13, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 3483 times:
Hi.
I think most of the times and if you make self criticism enough, you'll find out the pictures you take would have been improved by such a small thing as a bigger depth of field, or a slightly different exposure time.
It happens to me all the time, but this one went very close to perfection:
This time I felt as if a great opportunity was going to happen, so I asked the jetway driver to illuminate the dark side of the aircraft as I watched the mist coming in. I conducted the jetway light to compensate the white ramp light on the left and waited for the mist to burst into the frame. I felt like a orchestra conductor this time.
I'm sure some may rightly think it's not perfect, but I still don't know how could I have make it better.
Whisperjet From Germany, joined Nov 2007, 552 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 3465 times:
I know that some people (mainly those who are out for new registrations) have certain requirements for a perfect shot, something like:
- 90° sideon
- registration must be visible
- blue sky with a few clouds
- neutral light (no morning or evening light)
- approach shot to have the gear visible and nothing obstructed by grass etc
I personally don't think that there are real criterias for a perfect shot, I rather prefer perfect shootings with some nice folks around
GavinConroy From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 32 posts, RR: 4 Reply 15, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 3393 times:
I don't consider this to be perfect but is as close as I have got.
The light was not quite right but the formation flying was really something to watch.
It took quite a while to get this one photo.
Around 30 people were involved in either flying or getting the aircraft in the air and working with great people is very satisfying.
When we took off if was a bit bumpy and I really didn't think we were going to get a formation this good but the boys worked very hard and we got it.
Walter2222 From Belgium, joined Sep 2005, 1272 posts, RR: 31 Reply 16, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 3370 times:
Hi there,
My perfect picture is not on here, it only exists in my memories... When I was in training (back in 1976), flying a SF-260M for a navigation flight, a Belgian Air Force F-104G Starfighter slowed down (gear and flaps extended) and joined up for a couple of seconds to greet my instructor and then flew a circle around us before continuing his mission. If only that had been in the digital age, even with a point and shoot that would have made my perfect picture...but unfortunately, we were not allowed to take a camera with us during training
One of my most pleasing images - for me - on here (just personal feeling, not considering it as a perfect shot) is this one:
It was shot during my first ever visit to Meiringen, on the day prior to the Axalp-demo. We could hear the jet noise when the aircraft left the caverns in the mountain, but at first, they were not visible. Then, just when they drove onto the taxiway, there was this short moment with extreme light condition and lots of heat haze, when I took this shot. I am still glad that screeners accepted it
Aviopic From Netherlands, joined Mar 2004, 2681 posts, RR: 47 Reply 17, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 3370 times:
This must be the photographers paradox.
On one hand I am trying to get the "perfect" shot and on the other I never hope to make it as it would be the end of a hobby.
Quoting AirKas1 (Reply 9): I just meant that you should post it (whether or not it's on A.net).
Like this Jurgen
The truth lives in one’s mind, it doesn’t really exist
Ghajdufi From Belgium, joined Jun 2005, 169 posts, RR: 8 Reply 18, posted (3 years 9 months 2 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 3358 times:
Very interesting topic and it's always nice to hear/read about stuff like this from the hotshots.
I'd say no matter how much planning and preparation you're doing at the end you must be lucky too. And that added luck (a special effect/light/cloud formation/weather etc) or just something you have no control over will make your shot a perfect one. My brain loves colour, to me a perfect shot is where the colour balance is pleasing.
I do not think so (fortunately). But it is a nice goal to pursue.
Quoting JRadier (Reply 2): Considering 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'
I agree with Jurgen's post; no offence meant, but although some of the shots you guys have posted are IMO real gems, others, if they were mine, would have ended in the waste bin; perfect is such an elusive and personal concept.
Regarding my own work, I have the impression that no matter what type of shot I try there is someone out there that has done it better, so I do not think I have ever got even a bit close to perfection.
Nice thread, in any case.
Cheers,
j
[Edited 2009-08-08 02:54:49]
"Be prepared to engage in constructive debate". Are YOU prepared?
WILCO737 From Greenland, joined Jun 2004, 8473 posts, RR: 78 Reply 20, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 3333 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD MODERATOR
Perfect shot? What exactly is perfect? Clickhappy named some things where you can say if something is perfect or not.
For me it is the moment, the motive, the possibility, the chance to take a picture and then got a good enough quality to actually look at it and say: "Yes, you did it."
This one is one of my favorites as the conditions were difficult and it came out a lot better than I thought.
This one I really do like as the angle was special. I was sitting in the cockpit and waiting for the departure, then the mechanic came up and told us: We have to change a tyre, will take about 30 minutes. So I took the camera and walked around the airplane and took a lot of pictures of our mighty MD11F. Then I saw the ladder there next to the wing and I thought: "YES" This is the result:
And last, but not least. I like this because of the atmosphere. It was early in the morning in ALA, we landed right before the other MD11F with our colleagues on board. The mecahnic walked out to them because in ALA you have to switch off the engines and being towed into the position. It shows how small we human beings sometimes are compared to huge things we built or the huge mountains in the background. You can see only the lower part of the mountains, but they are pretty high...
I guess 'the' perfect picture does not exist, but something which really makes you think: "This is awesome and I was lucky to have the camera ready and the motive was just perfect."
Photopilot From Cuba, joined Jul 2002, 2439 posts, RR: 20 Reply 21, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3312 times:
Quoting Whisperjet (Reply 14): - 90° sideon
- registration must be visible
- blue sky with a few clouds
- neutral light (no morning or evening light)
- approach shot to have the gear visible and nothing obstructed by grass etc
You've just successfully described the world's most boring photograph IMHO. But then again, that's why we're all different.
Mat1979 From France, joined Dec 2005, 90 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 3270 times:
My perfect shot is perfect because it was taken during a flight i am very happy to have made.
I was in Tahiti in Polynesia and after a check-ride rented a PA28, and flew to Bora Bora with a passenger friend. A 90 minutes trip mostly over the pacific ocean at FL105. Then 2 days later return to Tahiti after some scenic overflight of atolls.
Bora Bora is for french people the quintessential paradise holiday island. The name sounds like magic.
And for me, having flown there, landed and parked my aircraft next to some Biz jets and ATRs, was not far from being perfect.
This shot is also close to my heart. I was in a desolate area of Argentina, and found a guy to drive me up in the Cordillera for the day. Reaching this laguna at more than 4000 meters altitude, he showed in the distance this airplane. Bewildered, i wanted to have a look. Fearing quick-sands (or rather quick-salts), my driver remained on the shore while i walked bare footed on the partly dried salt-lake.
When i got to the Curtiss half an hour later i was elated. The scenery was amazing, i was absolutely alone, on a white dried lake, with a beauty crashed in the middle. It was so unexpected and so enjoyable.
2H4 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 8950 posts, RR: 62 Reply 23, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 3150 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD DATABASE EDITOR
Quoting WILCO737 (Reply 20): So I took the camera and walked around the airplane and took a lot of pictures of our mighty MD11F. Then I saw the ladder there next to the wing and I thought: "YES" This is the result:
I really love that shot. I love when we can enjoy a new and unusual perspective of an aircraft. It provides an opportunity to see and appreciate new aspects of it.
Quoting Photopilot (Reply 21): You've just successfully described the world's most boring photograph IMHO. But then again, that's why we're all different.
I agree very strongly with both points. I enjoy backgrounds and surroundings with a story to tell, and side-on shots aren't nearly creative or interesting enough for my taste. But it is really enjoyable to find a photographer whose tastes match your own and follow their uploads.
None of my photos approach perfection...particularly in the technical sense...but I think these two come closest to my vision of "the perfect shot" thus far:
Cpd From Australia, joined Jun 2008, 4879 posts, RR: 44 Reply 24, posted (3 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3125 times:
Quoting WILCO737 (Reply 20): For me it is the moment, the motive, the possibility, the chance to take a picture and then got a good enough quality to actually look at it and say: "Yes, you did it."
You think like me!
I love taking a photo in challenging conditions and looking at it and I saw, wow, that was great. But then today, I had one photo that made me say DOH in the most massive way:
So not fair! So close to being perfect. Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn! Damn and blast! Damn the tail of the plane being blurry. So close.
But. then about 10 minutes later, you turn around and ace a similar shot with the A380. That makes it all good.
My own particular photo that is my favourite is this:
Everything dawned perfect, the light, the colours, and a nice, sparkling clean OneWorld Qantas A330-200. What more could you ask for?
[Edited 2009-08-09 02:41:32]
25 NZ107: It's so hard in my view to come up with the perfect picture. There are so many categories to choose from that each category would have awesome pics wi
27 ThierryD: Ooooh YES!! Just coming from there. When the route line on the ND goes right through red shaded areas you know you'll have to watch out. You're my he
29 INNflight: Good try Chris! I got one that will make you smile mate, may post it here for laughs when I get home in a couple of days. Think along the lines of: 4
30 Cpd: Oh no - I hate those ones. I hate it worse when I've got one really sharp, but it is too low in the frame. Those make me swear! Fortunately I d
31 WILCO737: Yikes DIdn't you learn to avoid the red areas But I know what you mean, ALA is special here... Good boy wilco737
35 Jalap: Hi, That's a fabulous shot indeed but being a bit of a fan of your work I am even more fond of these two shots: The first because I've got a thing for
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 9444 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Apr 2002, 3674 posts, 
From Luxembourg, joined Dec 2005, 2021 posts, 
From Belgium, joined May 2005, 1 posts, 
From UK - England, joined Dec 2006, 657 posts, 
From Cuba, joined Jul 2002, 2439 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 1623 posts, 
From Spain, joined Apr 2006, 345 posts, 
From Germany, joined Nov 2007, 552 posts, 
From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 32 posts, 
From Greenland, joined Jun 2004, 8473 posts, 
From France, joined Dec 2005, 90 posts, 
From Australia, joined Jun 2008, 4879 posts, 
Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn! Damn and blast! Damn the tail of the plane being blurry. 
Printer friendly format 
