Sunday, April 18, 2010

Blue Angels come to Charleston

It has been Navy Week in Charleston.  Usually there is a large airshow at the Air Force Base but budgets being what they are, it was cancelled this year.  But the Blue Angels still came to town and held their show over Charleston Harbor instead.   I suspect that more people got to see them because there was no charge and the view was perfect from just about any place on the Cooper River. 

For me it was a great time to experiment with lighting and autofocus since the subject matter was almost always backlit -- not to mention moving very quickly. 

Anyhow, before the week starts again and I get sucked back into the vortex of reality, I thought I'd post a few. 


Like all good concerts, they have an opening act.  This is "Fat Albert," the plane that travels with them with mechanics and parts and stuff.   These aren't just mechanics but the best in the Navy and Fat Albert is also capable of showing off itself.  It climbs at a 40% angle -- commercial jets like we ride on climb at about 7%.


Then the major attraction shows up.

This guy is having way too much fun.
I think he was winking at me. 
Wait a minute!  It can't be!
But he looks a little like Bagman! 
Maybe that's where Bagman has gone!

Then, in a flash, they're gone!
These guys move really really fast!

14 comments:

  1. Always thought that Bagman might be a high-flying, blue devil type!

    Great shots!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful photos but I must ask...being the dyslexic photographer that I am...what did you learn about setting you camera with the backlighting and speed of subject going. (I know...boring to most of your readers...but inquiring minds want to know.)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Darn, that Bagman sure knows how to enjoy life! Despite the speed and the back lighting, your photos are crisp, clear and way too much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Actually Tabor, I was going to ask the same thing! These are terrific photos, all of them. The blue planes in perfect formation against that blue sky: wow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love these kinds of shows. Great photos!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Superb shots. I even had butterflies in my stomach looking at them!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I loved watching the Blue Angels' show when I was a kid in San Diego. Hated the ginormous crowd, loved the air tricks! I'm glad they came your way.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow I LOVE these. Fantastic pictures - and I would have loved to be there, I love the sound of really fast planes :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. yes sir, great shots. my favorite is the planes turned back against their tail plums (is that what it is called?0

    ReplyDelete
  10. Not boring to most of your readers at all. Can you tell us more about how you took the photos, the camera, and the lens? Thank you very much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. We had a big air show in Louisville with Thunder Over Louisville. I am thinking the air show is The Blue Angels. Would they be two places? The fireworks were outstanding. Enjoyed them right in front of our own TV. They say it was cold down by the Ohio River and crowded. I like it at home.
    QMM

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the blue angels! Once, though, after 9-11, they did a fly-over for a Packers game and I thought we were being attacked and called the police. I still get ribbed for that one. Great blog--as usual. I sent a couple new fans your way too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, you little devil you. Glad to see you are having a good time. Great shots, too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening.

    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative article together.
    I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading
    and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    my web-site; cellulite treatment reviews

    ReplyDelete