Professional Aviation Photographer In Dayton Ohio

I take every opportunity to photograph aircraft of any kind. In February 2022 I went to John Glenn Columbus International Airport to pick up a family member. I arrived an hour early and parked at the top of the parking garage. As a Southwest 737 Max landed, I captured the landing and taxiing of the aircraft. I also photographed CMH from angles not normally seen. All of my aviation photography is done legally without trespassing.

One of my photography dreams came true in February 2022 when I visited Tucson Arizona. While driving around this amazing desert city, I discovered that the United States military’s aircraft boneyard was right in front of me. I could not believe that thousands of mothballed aircraft were just yards away from me. I drove down every street, alley, and parking lot I could to get as close as I legally could to the aircraft. The aircraft boneyard in Tucson offers tours, but I didn’t know about them until I had returned home. The aviation photography images below were taken legally without crossing any fences, barriers, or warning signs. Next time I visit Tucson, I’ll be touring this amazing aviation photography location.

At the 2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, I captured all aspects of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team. I love aviation photography, especially when it is in my hometown. I am so happy with these Thunderbirds photos, both static and in motion.

After a year of working with the great people at the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, I was able to get on base to photograph the C-17 Globemaster III. We worked around their “locals” schedule to ensure I would get to photograph at least one takeoff from the west side of the runway. Our plan worked perfectly as there were several C-17 aircraft were parked on the tarmac. Just before the top of the hour, one of the C-17s taxied to the south end of the runway. A few minutes later, this giant transport plane lifted off directly in front of me. This was an awesome experience!

I had the opportunity in May 2021 to photograph this amazing Embraer Praetor 500 business jet at a local airport. I had one hour with the aircraft and photographed every aspect of the inside and outside of this beautiful aircraft. I am absolutely in love with this airplane and its features. By far, the coolest part of the airplane was the high-tech cockpit. As always, for private aircraft, I have not included the tail number in any of my photos.

A while ago I took an hour to photograph an engagement session with a great couple and some of my favorite aircraft at the National Museum Of The United States Air Force.  I enjoy shooting some of the USA’s mightiest fighters and bombers. I also enjoy engagement photography. What better things to put together?

On a warm April evening, I met this aviation enthusiast-engaged couple at the Piqua Airport north of Dayton. It is my 230th engagement session, and it is my first-ever airport engagement session. I have shot aviation-themed engagement photos inside and outside the National Museum Of The U.S. Air Force but never at an airport. The groom flies a Beechcraft Sundowner airplane, so we did the engagement photos with the aircraft. We spent 2 hours creating these aviation engagement photos using the taxiway, runway, hangar, and airplane.. This was one of my favorite engagement sessions ever, as I love photographing couples and I love photographing airplanes.

On August 30, 2020, I was able to capture Midwest Helicopter Airways lifting large air conditioning units atop the Dayton Arcade. The lift started around 7:45 am and lasted about an hour. It was amazing, loud, and windy. This really old heavy lift helicopter made several trips between an empty lot and the top of the 9-building complex in downtown Dayton Ohio.

Since I was little I have been traveling out of Dayton International Airport near Vandalia, Ohio. I’ve always been fascinated by airports and aviation. Last night, after a year of working to get permission, I got to combine my love of aviation with my photography business. On November 19, 2019, I legally photographed the Dayton International Airport (DAY)! I am separating my airport photos into four blog posts. This post features some of the less prominent aspects of the airport exterior.

The Memphis Belle exhibit at the National Museum Of The United States Air Force is now open in Dayton, Ohio. This historic Boeing B-17 bomber from WWII is set atop 3 steel pylons and is lit with beautiful theatrical lighting.