Just wanted to start a thread about aviation photography, see who else is interested.

I have some links and opinions to kick things off.

One of the most beautiful sites I've seen with aviation photos is
http://leidorf.blogspot.com/

I used to have a film SLR, but basically because of the cost of parts and repairs I've been forced into the 21st century. I have a fairly basic camera, a Cannon A550.

I often keep the camera in my pocket. The photo you take, whatever its imperfections, is infinitely better than the photo you take in your head when your camera isn't there.

A couple of reviews of the Cannon series: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A560/A560A.HTM
and http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonA570IS/

I am quite surprised at the quality it produces, but there are some traps.

It does have a 'quasi-manual' mode, but that has its own quirks. It has a 'focus-lock' and a 'exposure-lock', which is pretty much the method I used on my old film camera. However, the initial exposure methods vary, I've been trying the 'spot' method which is most like what I am used to.

The biggest difference is that LCD sensors don't have the dynamic exposure range of film. Take the photos of Joe in the plane. The plane is exposed beautifully, the colours are terrific. But as you blow it up, the shadows are 'washed-out' - Joe's face is slightly blurry.

I think the way around this is to lock the ISO speed low (200 or less, the camera has known problems with higher ISO ratings), use a tripod if possible, then use spot exposure evaluation. (Of course, it wants to then use the exposure of the brightest thing!)

I also had a go at photographing engines. My idea was to try some the ideas involved in making light tents.

For example:
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent/
http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/kmckevin/itma_kevin/projrep/lightbox.swf

(last one is a great example of using flash as a teaching tool)

I probably need more powerful lights than desk lamps, and several of them.
I have the Javascript and CSS code to be able to do little explanations as the mouse rolls over parts of an image.

Anyway, one day I hope to be able to make nice shots from a plane.

Just to add another link.

Atmospheric Optics has some interesting topics.

"Light playing on water drops, dust or ice crystals in the atmosphere produces a host of visual spectacles - rainbows, halos, glories, coronas and many more. Some can be seen almost every day or so, some are once in a lifetime sights. Find out where to see them and how they form. Then seek and enjoy them outdoors."


http://www.atoptics.co.uk/

I've often thought it would be great to have 'dust spectacles'. Imagine you had glasses that could see a particular type of particle. You might then be able to 'see air'.

Jamie