Monday 

RIAT Departure Day Photography Cheat Sheet

​

CAMERA SETTINGS QUICK REFERENCE

​​​​

Fast Jets, Cargo/Large Aircraft

• Mode: Shutter Priority or Manual

• Shutter Speed: 1/1000 – 1/2500 sec

• Aperture: f/7.1 – f/11

• ISO: Auto or 100–400 (sunny), 800+ (cloudy)

• AF Mode: Continuous (AI Servo / AF-C)

• Drive Mode: High-Speed Burst

• ​

Propeller Aircraft / Helicopters

• Shutter Speed: 1/125 – 1/320 sec (to blur propellers)

• Pan smoothly with aircraft for best results

• ​

COMPOSITION & ANGLES​

• Takeoffs Shoot side-on for rotation; front angles for drama

• Climbs Track vertically, use burst mode to capture peak

• Wing Waves Keep tracking after wheels up – waves often come late

• Heavy Jets Leave space in frame for size and context

• Smoke/Heat Distortion Zoom out slightly or reposition to minimize effect

• ​

LIGHTING CHECKS

• Time of Day-Lighting Direction

• Early Morning-Park & View East: sun behind you

• Midday-Harsh light, watch shadows, use higher aperture

• Afternoon-Park & View West: better light angles

​

TIPS TO REMEMBER

•  Back-button focus helps lock on and track aircraft more accurately.

•  Start tracking the aircraft before it rotates.

•  Keep your horizon level, especially for side-on shots.

•  Don’t zoom too tight, leave room for cropping later.

•  Watch your background clutter (crowds, vehicles, tents).

• ​

WHAT TO PACK (Photography Gear)

•  DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

•  Telephoto lens for example (100–400mm / 150–600mm) 

•  Wide-angle lens (for static displays)

•  Extra batteries (at least 2)

•  Spare memory cards

•  Lens cloth / rain cover

•  Tripod/monopod (optional but handy for heavy lenses)

•  Portable charger or SSD for backups

• ​

Pro Shot Ideas

•  Take off Rotation (wheels lifting)

•  Afterburner Climb

•  Wing Wave Goodbye

•  Close-up Details (markings, gear, engines)