Professional Aviation Photographer In Dayton Ohio

For many years, I have lived 10 minutes from a historic landmark without ever visiting. Finally, in April 2022, I visited the Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright Brothers perfected the first practical airplane. This is a beautiful flat field in Fairborn Ohio up against the property of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton Ohio. This is a must-do for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs.

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.