Coningsby "Sunset Photoshoot"

[jamesv9820]

A few from the night


CBY 290915-1441-2 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

CBY 290915-1430 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

CBY 290915-1428 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

CBY 290915-1421 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

CBY 290915-1411 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

CBY 290915-1409 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1417 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1412-2 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1430 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1498 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1506 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

Night Shoot-1418 by James Vaitkevicius, on Flickr

[TonyO]

The covers should have been off that 12 Sqn GR4.

[jamesv9820]

The covers should have been off that 12 Sqn GR4.

It was stipulated at the outset that no covers would be removed from the aircraft.

[TonyO]

The covers should have been off that 12 Sqn GR4.

It was stipulated at the outset that no covers would be removed from the aircraft.

And no-one asked for their money back?

[jamesv9820]

Why would they? It is the first time that I can remember where there has been access to over 10 front line jets, BBMF and E-3D's;the money has gone to the Coningsby charity to pay for their fireworks night so it has gone to benefit others.

Personally I am not worried about RBF tags, covers etc. it was stated from the outset that they would not and will not be removed on future events. I am just grateful to get access to a busy frontline base; the volunteers could not do enough to accommodate the spotters, ranging from getting the fire service out to wet the pan under the hurricane and camouflaged typhoon, to turning off the ASP lights each side to help light the photos. If that is not good enough I do not know what else is.

[TonyO]

If they can do all those things, then removing RBF tags and engine covers for a short time should not have been an issue. The difference between images with and without them are like night day, and I know many will agree with me.

[Blue Diamond]

Why would they? It is the first time that I can remember where there has been access to over 10 front line jets, BBMF and E-3D's;the money has gone to the Coningsby charity to pay for their fireworks night so it has gone to benefit others.

Personally I am not worried about RBF tags, covers etc. it was stated from the outset that they would not and will not be removed on future events. I am just grateful to get access to a busy frontline base; the volunteers could not do enough to accommodate the spotters, ranging from getting the fire service out to wet the pan under the hurricane and camouflaged typhoon, to turning off the ASP lights each side to help light the photos. If that is not good enough I do not know what else is.

Sounds like you had a good time. Wish I could have joined you but I was already committed elsewhere. Amazes me how some people can moan about an event they didn't attend.

[POL]

Fully agree with Tony; the fact that covers weren't being removed for a £40 event shows just how out of touch the MOD are with photography. You only have to look at their "official photographers" work to see what I mean!

Though to be fair, I'm amazed the GR.4s weren't fully bagged with the canopies covered as well!

[Neil D]

Fully agree with Tony; the fact that covers weren't being removed for a £40 event shows just how out of touch the MOD are with photography. You only have to look at their "official photographers" work to see what I mean!

Though to be fair, I'm amazed the GR.4s weren't fully bagged with the canopies covered as well!

They tried to get them removed but it wasn't their decision, they changed all the external covers on the Typhoons for internal to please us. If you had been there, I guess you weren't then you would have seen the escorts running around switching lights on and off for us and working really hard to keep us happy. If we asked for the ASP lights to go off, they were off within 2 minutes. "would you like water on the pan" Fire crews turned up.

Not everything went to plan but this was their first one and they were after feedback even before we went onto the base so its not like they thought they knew everything. It was all how can we help you.

TonyO, I haven't seen that amount cooperation/attitude from MOD/RAF personnel since we went to Afghanistan. So before you have a go, remember back to then.

Neil

[Stroudy]

[quote="EGVP"]Fully agree with Tony; the fact that covers weren't being removed for a £40 event shows just how out of touch the MOD are with photography. You only have to look at their "official photographers" work to see what I mean!

That's because they're the Ministry of Defence not the Ministry of Photography.

Nice pictures portraying the event for those of us that couldn't make it.

Thanks.

[TonyO]

Fully agree with Tony; the fact that covers weren't being removed for a £40 event shows just how out of touch the MOD are with photography. You only have to look at their "official photographers" work to see what I mean!

Though to be fair, I'm amazed the GR.4s weren't fully bagged with the canopies covered as well!

They tried to get them removed but it wasn't their decision, they changed all the external covers on the Typhoons for internal to please us. If you had been there, I guess you weren't then you would have seen the escorts running around switching lights on and off for us and working really hard to keep us happy. If we asked for the ASP lights to go off, they were off within 2 minutes. "would you like water on the pan" Fire crews turned up.

Not everything went to plan but this was their first one and they were after feedback even before we went onto the base so its not like they thought they knew everything. It was all how can we help you.

TonyO, I haven't seen that amount cooperation/attitude from MOD/RAF personnel since we went to Afghanistan. So before you have a go, remember back to then.

Neil

I had the opportunity to go, and decided against it based on a lack of information. It looks to me like they were a little too ambitious, trying to cram it all in too short a time. I am sure they did work hard, but was it worth the price of a ticket to RIAT? That's up to those who went to justify for themselves.

[Supra]

Seems to me that the people that attended this event were happy with the opportunities provided? From the shots above there was some variety to be had on the night. I personally didn't apply to go, NOT because I'm a 'squeak' begrudging paying £40 towards events for the Families, but because I feel the need to see what is to be had on the night. Based on the shots in this post I wouldn't have enjoyed the event at any cost:-
a] Condoms & ribbons don't work for me personally.
b]The steps dumped in the foreground of the Tonka is basically unacceptable.
c] The water under the Typhoon is more an annoyance & insufficient to add anything to the shot by way of mirror image.
d] No shots from a higher aspect (air-stairs, etc). Would've helped enormously for those short of flash energy when the ASP. lights were off.
e] Generally not 'special' or 'remarkable' shots at all, given the coveted access.
Sure enough this is based on one set of pic's, go ahead punks, make my day!....post away.

[Unknown74]

Was the 41 Sqdn Typhoon Special not on view or has that been put away until next year?

[Northolt Nobbler]

Was the 41 Sqdn Typhoon Special not on view or has that been put away until next year?

Refer to my previous post on this thread for what was on offer...

To Tony and Chris -

Just because the rules and regulations that others have to abide by don't fit in with your criteria doesn't necessarily make them bad at their job. Nor does it mean that other, non-professional, photographers can't have any enjoyable evening. Yes, there were annoyances - the ladders next to the 41 Sqn Tornado being a prime example, and the attempt to move people around in 'controlled' groups - but it is possible to adapt and overcome and work with what's on offer.

The pair of you seem to be trying to generate posts that could be considered for a Dan O'Hagan Memorial Trophy. Just. Let. It Go.

Some people went, you chose not to. End of.

Neil's rather more positive post perfectly sums the keenness of the staff to try and make things work as best they could.

Things will probably change for the next event given some of the comments made here and elsewhere - even we're still learning after many more events at Northolt.

[Hammer1]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the positive feedback on the night shoot. Apologies for the grapes which maybe sour!! Some of us ( myself included ) had already done a full shift at work then stayed on to help on the night shoot and back in work at the crack of sparrows. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting like minded enthusiast and photographers and i am glad you had a good time. I don't find the tags distracting on the photos and i'm sure i didn't see any on the XXX display jet!!

Go go Diamond group!!

[Pallen77]

I'd of paid £40 just to walk round all those jets, never mind taking pictures of them.

[Runner]

I thoroughly enjoyed it as did the folks that I spoke to, all were appreciative of the efforts that the staff went to for us as has been already mentioned, even the guys working on the flightline moved cables etc for us where they could. Thanks folks

Having internet problems but a couple from me before it cuts out:

Evening Centenary by Al, on Flickr

Dusker by Al, on Flickr


Al - Diamond Group!

[page_verify]

I'd of paid £40 just to walk round all those jets, never mind taking pictures of them.

I totally agree. For me the steps, engine covers and what nots are all part of the experience of seeing today's RAF up close and personal.
Anyone can Google for photos of factory pristine jets looking perfect and sterile, very few will ever get the chance to see (and photograph) operational aircraft parked on an operational airfield.

Thank you to all who helped make the evening happen, I hope it helped your worthy causes. And, thank you to those who shared their photos.

[Neil D]

I wasn't going to post any shots on FC but as some of the guys who escorted us are on here I changed my mind.

Typhoon-NDunridge-Coningsby-290915-0492s by Neil Dunridge, on Flickr

Typhoon-NDunridge-Coningsby-290915-0422s by Neil Dunridge, on Flickr

Tornado-NDunridge-Coningsby-290915-0434s by Neil Dunridge, on Flickr

Neil (Cockatrice Group)

[SG1]

A brilliant set of photos, well done and thanks to the photographers for posting the pictures and the RAF from organising the event.