Previous years, I've watched it from the Marina Green where the crowds weren't too overwelming. Unfortunately I will be working on Friday and Saturday, but might be able to do some scouting for best locations for the Red Bull exhibition on Sunday.
Of course all the flying really depends on the weather that weekend
I agree about the weather. Hopefully the fog will stay away. I think I'm going to go up to Marin Headlands for some of the day Sat. to try and get some shots by the bridge. I'll actually be out on the water for the show on Sunday courtesy of a friend. I'm anxious to see what sort of shots that I can get as I've never been able to catch Fleet Week from the Bay, just on land.
Oh man, I'd do about ANYTHING to get to see an air race, especially this one. I'm so jealous!! If I wasn't on the other side of the country, I'd probably find a way to be there. Try and get some great pictures to share, would you, please?
Oh man, I'd do about ANYTHING to get to see an air race, especially this one. I'm so jealous!! If I wasn't on the other side of the country, I'd probably find a way to be there. Try and get some great pictures to share, would you, please?
Very cool...I guess you guys up dar have fleet week (it's like a full month isn't it?) the same time we do down here, ours just started. We get the Angels down here in two weeks...always is a blast and this year I have a real camera/lens...yeah.
Good luck guys...I think those shots with the Angels and the GG bridge are always more emotive than the ground shots.
Way back when I had a P&Ser I got to see the Red Bull Mig race a top fueler...that was fun...
Caught this with that Point and Shoot technique known as spray and pray.
Not that I know of. I noticed on the commericial that they are running around inflatable pillars/cones. Not sure if they are deflating them after each days events or not. I might be doing some scouting after work on Fri and Sat.
I'll definitely try to get some pictures. I'm going to have the following equipment, but I'm worried my zoom lens may not be fast enough to freeze the jets. I'm hoping for plenty of light.
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G IF-ED DX
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6G
Any suggestions from anyone? I haven't done much shooting of planes.
Warning to those that want to tour the navy ships. They don't allow photographic equipment including cell phone cameras on board. I found out last year when I signed up for a tour :(
If you have the time I suggest you go on the 3 main days, Fri, Sat, Sun because of the fly overs are the same on each day so you can predict where the best vantage and settings for the next day. Might not be feasible but I wish I could do that.
I'll definitely try to get some pictures. I'm going to have the following equipment, but I'm worried my zoom lens may not be fast enough to freeze the jets. I'm hoping for plenty of light.
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G IF-ED DX
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6G
Any suggestions from anyone? I haven't done much shooting of planes.
You'll do fine with the 70-300mm, you can freeze a jet at a lot lower shutter than you think. And Prop planes you want to go as low as you can possibly hold it steady to get motion blur of the props.
Track, shoot and follow through with the planes and you'll do alright.
One a nice blue sky day I was probably shooting the jets at 1/640 - 1/800 @ f/4
The trick is to not blow the sky out and still be able to get the details of the jets. I will sometimes use Exposure Comp on the 20D, watch your metering mode as well. Pattern mode will adjust to the sky making the planes dark.
I'm definitely planning on going at least one day. Seems like it would be best to view the action from the Sausalito/Tiburon side so that the city and both bridges can be in the background. Anyone know a good spot in that area for viewing?
Previous years the Blue Angels(not last year) and other planes do their flybys and other stunts between the Marina Green and Alcatraz. Pretty much the central location at least for the previous 2 years.
Unless they change this by still be the best vantage, unless you are on a boat in the bay. Granted you can pretty much see the whole show almost everywhere on the SF Bay.
Those with shorter lenses may want to hang out near the Marina. Others may have more suggestions for better locations.
yes, faidoi, thanks for the heads up. I'd like to make it, too. Alice, where are these places you've mentioned? I don't know SF well enough to be able to place them on my mental map.
is getting there early advisable? is this likely to cause traffic problems?
yes, faidoi, thanks for the heads up. I'd like to make it, too. Alice, where are these places you've mentioned? I don't know SF well enough to be able to place them on my mental map.
is getting there early advisable? is this likely to cause traffic problems?
There is good and free parking at Crissy Field or at the St Francis Yacht Club. Parking at Ft. Point is also free.
Faidoi says the Red Bull Races are Saturday (Oct. 8) at 12:45. So I'd probably get to Fort Point by 11:30-11:45. Especially since there are really good photo ops in and around the Fort. And a nice place to have lunch at the Warming Hut near by.
