It’s always a privilege to be asked. It’s an even greater honor to be selected to attend the Fall Photo Call at NAF El Centro. It is always great to meet new friends and see old ones. The camaraderie among Aviation Photographers is strong. Their mutual respect for the Military is unquestioned. The above mentioned that have chosen Aviation Photography have made a commitment to the multitudes in Military Aviation both past and present to provide the very best support possible to tell the story. Kristopher Haugh, the PAO for NAF El Centro explains his rules; which are indeed strict, but designed for our own safety. His brief on Air Field Operations is to the point and his way. Content of which is stressed and followed to the letter. We as photographers understand and adhere to these rules because of our close proximity to an active runway.
with each other. Later we ventured to the far east end of the Airfield and took position about 1/4 mile east of the runway. We were in that perfect position whereby T-45’s and a few EA-18G’s made the transition from base leg to final. The light was great and the aircraft angles just perfect. A lot of really great banking shots on the slightly slower T-45 Goshawks made for an excellent warm-up for the next day full of faster EA-18G Growlers. Personally I carried the new Nikon D-850 along with my Nikkor 200500mm f/5.6 Telephoto Lens for this year’s duty. I find the new D-850 much faster to focus, quiet in operation, the focus area more responsive, all yielding much more sharp photos. This picked up my game somewhat. Finally the first thing I did was set up the back button focus.
Thursday yielded a good brief by PAO Kris Haugh. With 100 Photographers in attendance we divided into two groups and bused our way to the Airfield. Temps in the 60’s and low 70’s, a little dust in the air, made for some haze, but comfortable shooting temps. A long session of McDonnell-Douglas T-45 Goshawks from Meridian, Mississippi were doing their “Touch and Gos” for the day. Capturing a great collection of aircraft, crew, and smoking tire shots. Then the Boeing EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ 129) did not let us down either. A lot of “Touch and Gos” with an ample supply of afterburner for this great departing shots. They even sent their “CAG bird” for the exercise. Lastly we had several great opportunities to capture the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1Y Venom now in use by the United States Marine Corp. Several take offs, landings, passing shots made for a fun time and a few really good close in shots. The NAF El Centro Fire Department taxied out two Crash Rescue trucks for our groups and displayed their Fire Steam Capabilities and their ability to “Pump and Roll” as they would move up on a crash/rescue incident. As alway the Kids enjoyed the Firetrucks.
All ISAP Photographers wear their Safety Vests and Hearing Protection for their own benefit and safety. We as ISAP Members can also self police ourselves. Flight Line Safety is paramount. This being said, Kris is indeed a fine PAO and a good friend but pay attention to what he says. A mistake can and will shut down all Air Operations. (Sorry, that is the Old Fire Captain in me stressing safety. My job was to make sure my shift crews went home to their families.) ISAP President Larry Grace, with his trusty staff, work long hours to coordinate with Kris Haugh to make our portion of the Photo Call to come off flawlessly. Again proper thanks are in order. Now to the business at hand, that of Aviation Photography at NAF El Centro. This year we met on Wednesday in the hotel for some Q&A, photography discussions, tips, critique, and a good time visiting
Both groups returned to our designated facilities for pit stops and hydration before being driven off base to our vehicles. It is now sundown and you have 100 tired, thirsty Aviation Photographers. In proper order, a single file parade of autos formed and made their way down to downtown El Centro to the customary “Burgers and Beer” for refreshments and good conversation. Thus ended Photo Call 2017 at NAF El Centro. Peace and harmony prevailing.