Air Force Retirement Photography At Dayton’s Air Force Museum

August 29, 2024

In June 2024, I was hired for a unique photography job combining my event photographs skills and my aviation photography skills. I was hired to capture a United States Air Force retirement ceremony. The event took place at the National Museum Of The United States Air Force at WPAFB. The husband of the retiring Senior Master Sergeant wanted to capture this important moment in his wife’s life.

In the Cold War Gallery at the Air Force Museum, 60 family members and airmen gathered for a beautiful ceremony. Various Air Force members from the retiree’s past spoke about her 21-year career. The ceremony culminated with a touching speech by her husband. Air Force retirement photography is something I’d love to do again.

How It Was Different From Weddings

While I have volunteered at the Air Force Museum photographing special aircraft landings, I had never photographed a personnel event before. This was my debut photographing an event inside the museum. Photographing ceremonies is very much like shooting a wedding. There are ceremonial aspects, speeches, emotions, and more that make up both types of events. To keep me on my toes, I like to accept sessions that are outside my normal sessions. I always try to say “yes” to photography opportunities.

Changes in venues provide a chance to work with different scenarios and lighting. This makes me a stronger photographer and will make me better for your event.

Seeing as this was my first air force retirement ceremony, I did not know what to expect. Upon arrival I found the location and reviewed the schedule. During the event I kept my distance and made sure to not block anyone’s view. I always try to be unobtrusive during every photography session.

The Air Force Museum is a dark museum, especially in the first three hangars. Anytime I photograph a person in the museum, usually high school seniors, I bring external lighting. Not doing so will mean the person in the photo will be dark and the photo will be flat.

Hiring Me For Air Force Retirement Photography

If you are looking for someone to photograph your retirement ceremony, marriage proposal, birthday party, or other event, contact me to get special pricing. If there is a special aircraft such the Memphis Belle you wish to be photographed with, let me know. Lastly, I will take your request and determine the best pricing I can for you.