Watch manufacturing company Breitling is famous for luxury - it also features its own aerobatic jet team! Matty Graham talks cockpits and cameras with aviation digital photographer Katsuhiko Tokunaga"I have been capturing for Breitling for approximately fifteen years now. The connection began once they saw some images in one of my aviation books after which approached me. It had been a great combination for me and Breitling when I had already labored with the majority of the aircraft pilots that established the Breitling Jet Team. Most will be in the military air display teams, which I have also labored with a great deal. The connection between myself and Breitling is continuing to grow and broadened and that i photograph they as well as their planes at air shows and company occasions all over the world.
"Aviation photography is really a specialized area of the profession - it certainly is not for everybody. You've relatively short home windows of chance for the greatest possible images, therefore it is not something for individuals that do not like pressure... or flying. It isn't nearly taking the look - the digital photographer needs to create it too. Organizing and choreographing in which you want the planes to fly is important and creates the best images.
"I personally use a Nikon D3x DSLR with an array of contacts - together with a 16mm f/2.8 seafood-eye, a 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom along with a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. I might also employ an 85mm f/1.4 lens too, with respect to the shot I am attempting to capture, however I can't use anything larger than that because of the limitations from the jet's canopy. The Breitling team use L-39 Albatross jets, that have two seats and may fly at as much as 500mph. My other equipment comprises products accustomed to cut lower on insights, what are greatest challenge when you are shooting through glass.
I put on a black flying suit along with a helmet having a black visor so I am not reflected within the images. I additionally use black tape to tape off such things as flashing red-colored buttons so you will find no distractions within the frame. Another challenge I face using the plane's canopy is the fact that it isn't flat just like a normal window. The convex design implies that, occasionally, objects look altered. I must be cautious where I squeeze cameras after I take images - a distance of 5 or eight centimetres can produce a large impact on the way the subject will appear.
“In the environment. I'll use different camera modes for various situations. When I am shooting jets. I'll use aperture-priority mode, however i can't make use of this with propeller aircraft or perhaps a helicopter because the camera may choose a shutter speed that may freeze the propeller's motion, rather than which makes it blur, and so i change to shutter- priority. Focusing is performed instantly and that i shoot frames individually, instead of using burst mode - for shots after i have only a split-second to obtain the shot right, like two jets passing over my mind.
"When the shot calls for this. I possibly could be taking a picture upside lower or half-way via a barrel-roll. Many people request me the way i cope with the G-forces. but it is enjoy mowing the lawn: when you are accustomed to the G-pressure. you feel so acquainted with it it becomes simple to deal with. You might experience around 3 to 5 'G' should you use a fast ride, whereas the L-39 Albatros jets I fly in pull-up to nine 'G'!
"A great aviation image begins with a lot of planning.
Time is restricted so briefings happen on the floor, not in mid-air, and everyone needs to know precisely what they're doing. I talk to the aircraft pilots within the radio when I am ready to allow them to enter into position to have an image - sometimes it will take time should they have to decrease removed from formation after which rejoin, therefore we may get 3 or 4 attempts in the shot. The elements plays a component too - cloud is restricting, so obvious morning and nights are the most useful time for you to photograph because the sun is gloomier on the horizon. unless of course you've been briefed to obtain shots including dark clouds or something like that of this character.
"Shooting jets is all about working together - I am at the back of a really fast jet being flown at as much as 500mph. The pilot can't obtain the images without me and that I can't get in mid-air with no pilot therefore we interact for the greatest photography. Taking the pictures is sort of a team sport and all sorts of aircraft pilots interact.
"When the job is completed. I'll give my images to Breitling, who'll choose how they would like to rely on them-may it be in corporate pamphlets or online. Jets are my specialty, but I am pleased to photograph propeller planes, helis or other aviation chance. I have been carrying this out a very long time rather than really had any frightening moments. I believe I have been so effective because I have also put safety first and planned whenever possible. My first goal isn't for the greatest image, however for everyone to land securely."
Find out more about the Breitling jet team
KATSUHIKO TOKUNAGA : HOW TIME FLIES BY
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