O Captain, My Captain

Boeing, Boeing, Gone

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This shot of a Qantas Boeing 737-800 was taken at the 2007 Australian International Air Show. Its unusual livery is the result of a Qantas corporate decision to feature Aboriginal artwork on selected jets in its fleet. The first was a Boeing 747 and this experiment proved so successful that a second jumbo was also painted in Aboriginal art.

The third jet was this 737, literally a flying piece of artwork called Yananyi Dreaming. It wasn't cordoned off at the show, so I was able to get some side-on shots as well as some from underneath the wings. This frame was just a one-off, taken as I walked past the nose of the aircraft.

To tell the truth, I didn't think much of the shot at the time. But I later realised that not many people get this upward-looking view straight up towards the cockpit from in front of the undercarriage - except pilots, airport staff, maintenance crews and baggage handlers.

And like they say, to fully appreciate any painting, you have to study it from every angle. That's exactly what I was doing.

(Extra, extra, read all about it: I've been interviewed here. Thank you to all those who followed this link, commented and voted.)

For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

Nudge, Nudge, Wing, Wing

Riveting Sight, From This Angle

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This Qantas Boeing 737 is completely painted in Aboriginal artwork, titled `Yananyi Dreaming'. During the recent International Air Show at Avalon, I had the opportunity to take some shots of the aircraft from unusual angles. This picture of the port winglet was taken from underneath. It's interesting to see the blue sky, because it was a very cloudy, grey day throughout. I was trying to concentrate on the rivets along with wing's leading edge, but this was one frame I couldn't resist.