Thursday, February 12, 2009

Make A Quick Getaway

No, Not An Injection - I Clearly Said Ejection

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Yup, I know that they are called hatches or canopies, but since fighter pilots enter and exit through them to get in or out of a cockpit, they serve the same purpose as doors. Therefore, they can be included in this weekly pictorial theme, right?

This was shot at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon in 2007 and shows an unusual view of the open cockpit and the familiar ejection seat sign.

The biggest challenge at an air show or a motor show is to shoot a frame that does not include onlookers. Because most exhibits - in this case, multi-million dollar aircraft of all descriptions - are cordoned off and there are hundreds of people milling around, either you need to be first through the turnstiles or be able to find just the right angle and height.

But that's the adrenalin of the challenge.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

18 comments:

Patsy said...

Aha! Thanks for the insight on some of what professional photographers have to consider.
~Lorna

Anonymous said...

i'm a complete newbie.. but i already find that to be my problem. i think i have a good shot.. and then realize i can't quite get what is in my mind's eye... or can't get around an obstacle. reassuring that it's not just me!
keep up the good work!
Tracie

Maggie May said...

Well yes...... it is a kind of door.
Interesting post.
I find it difficult not to snap walkers by when I am taking photos.

ArtistUnplugged said...

Very nice, you completed the challenged. My challenge is taking photos with my cell phone, while driving, (I know- stupid) and avoiding powerlines in the shot....I must say, I am getting quite good at it!

ArneA said...

Like your door extension That open for many of the spectacular gates I have in my library

Stacy Quarty said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I like your writing style too.
I'll definitely be back!

cheshire wife said...

I am intrigued. Did you take this photo from the inside or the outside of the plane?

I am not sure if I thanked you for advising me how to get hold of a copy of your book Vegemite Vindaloo. I have been meaning to tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. Until recent events you made Australia sound like the promised land.

Nessa said...

People and eletrical wires are always getting in my shots.

Mojo said...

All those obstructionist passers by! Reminds me of a hockey game years ago when I found myself suddenly gettting blotted out by the back of some woman's head in front of me. Muttering under my breath (I thought) I mumbled, "Hey lady, you're not in this shot okay?" And wouldn't you know it, despite the roar and din, she heard me. Leading to both of us being terribly chagrined.

I like this theme idea actually... mind if I play along?

Saz said...

great post, wholeheartedly absorbed word for word!!

George said...

You did a great job of framing this shot and avoiding spectators. I, on the other hand, am quite good at getting the back of heads!

Muthering Heights said...

I hadn't actually considered such a predicament before, but I imagine it's quite harrowing!

Anonymous said...

First, thanks for the nod below!

As for the weekly theme, I think you are allowed to strtch it to suit yourself, aren't you? I have rouble working around electrical wires in photos - they arew everywhere!

myonlyphoto said...

David you are so right, not just air show there are lookers, I run into the same problem with autoshow, trying to pose with nice sports car, might as well ask every one to pose with you. Anna :)

Unknown said...

Great D! Way to think outside the box : ).

Susan English Mason said...

I had the same problem in NYC. It's hard to get a anything without someone walking into the frame. That's one reason I love Daryl's photos so much. I can appreciate how difficult it is sometimes.

Guy D said...

Hey David, is that the cockpit of an F-111? I love those jets, unfortunately we have no more around these parts anymore. Actually I think Australia is the only country that still uses them.....to bad cause they are great jets. Thanks for the pic.

Cheers!
Guy
Regina In Pictures

Indrani said...

I will be visiting the airshow here this weekend. Hope to get some good shots without the public in the them.
I wonder how close I can get!