Air show settings
Welcome to our guide on air show settings! This page will give you helpful tips to take great photos at these exciting events. Whether you're just starting out or want to improve your skills, this guide is here to make your photography better. Let's dive in and start capturing amazing aerial shots!
Here are some short and basic settings you might want to take a look at, Its Brief and sweet.
Photographing at air shows like RIAT can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges due to fast-moving aircraft, changing light, and crowded environments. Here’s a practical guide to help you get the best shots:
Gear Recommendations
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Camera Body: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and good burst rate (e.g. 7+ fps). If you have 2 cameras, then bring one for spare also if you have multiple lenses.
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Lenses:
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Telephoto: 100–400mm 200-500 mm or 150–600mm or similar for flying aircraft.
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Wide-angle: 16–35mm 24-70mm or similar for static displays and crowd shots.
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Extras:
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Spare batteries & memory cards.
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Lens hood (to reduce glare).
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Monopod (optional, for long telephoto lenses).
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Camera Bags to store your belongings
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Camera Settings
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For Flying Aircraft:
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Shutter Priority (Tv/S Mode) or Manual.
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Shutter Speed:
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Jets/Cargo/Large Aircraft: 1/1000 – 1/2000 sec (to freeze motion).
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Props/Helicopters: 1/125 – 1/320 sec (to blur propellers for realism).
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Aperture: f/8 is a sweet spot for sharpness and depth. (otherwise adjust for light conditions.)
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ISO: Auto ISO can be useful; otherwise adjust for light conditions.
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AF Mode: Continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C).
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Drive Mode: High-speed burst.
For Static Displays:
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Aperture Priority (Av/A Mode) for depth-of-field control. Personally, I use Manuel for full control over your camera.
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Lower ISO and slower shutter speed are fine here. Always check this as weather can affect these settings.
Lighting & Timing Tips
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Golden Hours (early morning or late afternoon) provide the best light.
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Watch for harsh midday sun, use shadows creatively or shoot under clouds.
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Position yourself so the sun is behind you when possible. (At RIAT for displays you are shooting North)
Positioning & Planning
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Arrive early to stake out a good spot near the flight line.
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Check flight schedules ahead of time if possible, you can move about the airfield to capture the image you are looking for.
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Look at wind direction, aircraft typically take off and land into the wind. Runway 27 is the runway of choice.
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RIAT offers photographer enclosures, worth considering for better access and fewer obstructions. (FRIAT-Viewing Village) etc.
Pro Tips
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Pan with aircraft for dynamic motion blur (especially for prop planes).
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Practice tracking moving objects beforehand, birds or cars are great.
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Use back-button focusing to improve your AF accuracy.
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Include context, crowds, other aircraft, control towers, for storytelling.
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Don’t forget the details: badges, cockpit reflections, pilot interactions.
Composition
Look for dynamic angles, like a topside pass where an aircraft banks over and shows its top surface. Take a look around the airfield, and see the angles that you would like to photograph from. The east end of the airfield are fantastic for take-off shots with the afterburners in full bore. The west end of the airfield near to the viewing village, its fantastic for take off shots and under belly shots.
Stabilization
Use any stabilization for for example, a Tripod, Mono Pod, and also Vibration Reduction on your Lens if its equipped with it. For more chance of capturing that perfect shot, take more shots to increase the likelihood of getting a sharp one.
White balance
Set your white balance to sunny or cloudy or auto. Take a few shots to see how they are.
01
Arrivals – Panning and Tracking
Every year, aviation enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to photograph rare aircraft as they arrive in the UK for static displays. These slower, propeller-driven planes offer excellent chances to practice panning techniques with slower shutter speeds around 1/125 or slower, creating dynamic images that capture the essence of flight. Remember, the key to successful panning lies in a steady hand and consistent practice. By shooting multiple frames, you increase your chances of capturing that perfect shot, showcasing the beauty and movement of your favourite aircraft.
The Air Tattoo offers a unique advantage for photographers, as display items will take off and land multiple times throughout the weekend. This provides opportunities to capture the perfect shot. Knowing the schedule allows you to experiment with different shutter speeds—one arrival can be shot at a faster speed for a sharp image, while the next can be captured at a slower shutter speed for a more artistic effect. Don't miss out on these chances to enhance your photography skills!
02
Rehearsals
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT will showcase a remarkable array of international assets, all of which must secure Public Display Authority (PDA) to ensure their safety for aerial displays in the UK. This presents a unique opportunity to preview the exciting performances scheduled for the weekend. Photographers should pay close attention to the maneuvers and captivating angles that stand out, as these moments can create stunning visual memories. Don't miss the chance to capture the thrill of aviation at its finest!
It’s essential to keep a mental note of the manoeuvres aircraft will perform during the main show days. Visualizing these actions from various angles can significantly enhance your preparation, ensuring you’re ready to capture those perfect moments. We’ve all felt the disappointment of missing a shot, but with a little foresight, you can minimize those missed opportunities. Embrace the excitement and be ready to seize the day!
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Main Display Days
Experience an unforgettable weekend at RAF Fairford, where over 20 hours of thrilling flying displays await you on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Witness some of the world's best display teams, cutting-edge fast jets, and beautifully maintained vintage aircraft and warbirds take to the skies. With the unique opportunity to photograph aircraft both on the ground and in the air, you'll find a variety of stunning shots along the iconic 2.5-mile crowd line. Each vantage point offers a distinct perspective, ensuring a memorable day for all aviation enthusiasts.
The crowd center point is undoubtedly the most sought-after spot, attracting a large number of spectators. If you're aiming to capture stunning photos from this location, it's best to arrive early to secure your place for the day. This is the focal point for all displays, where aircraft will line up for their maneuvers and execute head-on passes. For the most impressive optical illusion effects, this is the ideal vantage point to be!
Watch solo aircraft displays as they fly along the entire display line, giving you more chances to see them up close. Many of the maneuvers will focus on this area, so you'll enjoy more passes and time with the planes. Use the crowd's excitement to make the displays even better. For example, the Red Arrows will come in from behind the crowd, which is a great opportunity to get low and involve everyone, making the event even more exciting
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Departure Day
Departure Day happens the Monday after the air show weekend at RAF Fairford. It’s when the military and civilian aircraft that participated in the show begin heading back to their home bases. While it's not an "air show" per se, the volume of aircraft movements and occasional showy departures make it almost as exciting, if not more for photographers.
How the Day unfolds?
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Aircraft start departing early, usually around 7:30–8:00 AM.
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Departures continue throughout the day, with peak periods in the morning and early afternoon.
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Over 200 plus aircraft depart, with take offs happening every few minutes.
There’s no set "performance schedule" on Departure Day, but a rough movement list is often posted on forums or social media by enthusiasts.
