P51 GIRL PHOTOGRAPHY

These pictures will have more meaning once you read the article.

IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK!                                                                                                 SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

The thought of going to the Reno Air Races runs through my mind every September.  This year it began in May, right after the Castle Air Show.  To make a long story short, I went, and I went with Media Credentials.  I had access to the pylons on the race track, for all 6 types of classes.  My favorite, of course,  being the Unlimited Class. 

As the days got closer to my departure date, the excitement of the unknown took over. 

My adventure started at 9pm on Wednesday night, arriving in Reno at 1:30am.  Woke up the next morning and took off towards Stead Airport.  I couldn’t get there fast enough.  Once I got all checked in, received my media bracelets, my daily media sticker to wear on my clothes, I was off to the Media Center.

As soon as I walked into the media center, I think everyone knew I was a first timer.  I asked a few questions, and right away the media ops team took me out to the ramp.  They said “we might as well just throw her into this.”  And they did.  Checked out my media vest, large, fluorescent yellow, can’t miss it, kind of vest.  And they drove me out to the ramp in a little golf cart.  The Unlimited’s were just about to race.  I had missed the set up and take off, but I knew I had 4 more days.  Little did I know I would be taking 3500+ pictures by the time the event was over.

The excitement took over as soon as I heard the roaring of those Rolls Royce and Merlin engines coming down the pipe, led by a jet, flown by Steve Hinton.  At first I think I was in awe…”I’m actually here, I’m actually out on the ramp, I’m actually doing this, a life dream has come true”  I put my backpack down on the ramp, got out my camera and waited for them to come around the pylon.  I heard them coming, and before I knew it, all I heard was cameras going crazy, click, click, click, click.  I got a few pictures on the first pass, but hoped to get better as the event went on.  Soon after they passed by, they were coming around again.  I was ready this time.  This time, I got them.  I was told by a past photographer of the races that you should not try to get them all every race, focus on one or two at first.  Otherwise you will get overwhelmed.  Around they came again and again, every time just as exciting as the last.  The sounds of those engines are just something no one can forget.  I melt every time I hear them.  I melted a lot in 4 days.  The race was soon over, and I stayed out there to get their landings and them coming back into the staging areas.  How cool was that.  I got to stay out there and take pictures…no longer a by stander, I was finally on the other side of the rope.  Still can’t get over what an honor that was for me to be a part of this.

As soon as I returned to the media center, I was told there was a bus heading out to the East Pylons.  I had no idea what that meant, but I was game for anything.  I wanted to experience it ALL my first time out there.  I got in line, and hopped on the bus with all of the other photographers.  What a great family of people.  I met some wonderful people along the way.  Pylon 2 here we come.  The bus heads out and we’re going to be out there for 3 ½ hours, including two, yes two, Unlimited Races.  I was there to cover all of the types of classes racing, but I have to be honest, the Unlimited’s are my favorite, by far.  We get out to the pylon and we all start getting off the bus.  We have a brief meeting outside telling us where we can and cannot go.  Everyone had their favorite spot, I had no clue.  I became a little duck following its mother.   I found my “mother” and followed them everywhere.  Everyone was really nice about helping me out and showing me the ropes.  We arrived at pylon 2 not far before the first race was to start.  All I can say is INCREDIBLE.  What a vantage point.  “OH MY” came out many times as well as many little giggles, because I still couldn’t believe where I was.  It wasn’t a dream, I was living my dream.  This time I saw those all take off and all meet up in the air in order to start the race.  Here they came.  Diving towards the first pylon, right at us.  They were still pretty high on the first pass, but the next time around, they were “right” there.  A P51 Mustang, a P40, another Mustang, followed by another, then a two engine Tiger Cat, a Sea Fury, a picture that will be in my memories forever.  A wise man once told me, “soak in the environment with your eyes, as well as through the lens, don’t miss out on the visual experience by looking through your camera the whole time”.   I took his advice. (Thank you Dad)  And how right was he.  I put the camera down and just took in the sounds, my surroundings, the people, and the whole experience.  Not only did I want to capture the races on film, but video as well.  One of my little cameras I brought had video capabilities.  I could not remember how it worked exactly, but I’d figure it out.  Through many videos of dry desert brush, dirt, my shoes, blank sky, I finally got part of the Unlimited race on video.  It picked up the planes flying by as well as the sound.  The sound.  Got to love it.   Three and a half hours later and six races to close out the day’s events, it was time to head back to the media center.  We all hopped back in the bus, and headed back.  When my Dad said to soak in the experience, the smells wasn’t one I was hoping to experience.  But the bus soon became a sweltering sauna.  40+ photographers having spent three and a half hours in the hot Reno sun then all put on a bus together with no A/C.  They couldn’t turn on the A/C until we got off the dirt roads.  We just all joked about the perks of being part of the media, free spa visit.  Back at the media center, we all got unloaded, and started talking about what was next.  Well, all of the races were done for the day, so I grabbed an iced cold water and head out to my car.  Did I mention we got preferred parking?  Oh yea, the big time! 

I headed on back to the hotel, hoping to find an easier way in for tomorrow, and I did.  We had a mandatory meeting every morning at 7am, so I didn’t want to be late.  I went back to the hotel and downloaded the pictures from that day’s experience.  I took over 300 pictures.  I plugged in all of my camera gear to prepare for the next day’s excitement a fell asleep.

My alarm went off at 5:22am.   22 is my lucky number.  Day number two here I come.  I got there a little early, checked in, got my sticker for Friday, each day they were a different color, and headed back to the media center for our daily brief.  I hadn’t gotten there early enough on Thursday to catch the early bus to the West Pylons(#8, #6, Inner #4), so that was my plan for today.  All day out at the pylons.  The early bus left at 7:45am, and the afternoon bus left at 12:25pm.  So as soon as I got back from the early bus I got in line to get on the other.  The “West” bus took us out to the other side of the race course.  We were in great position for the bi-planes, Formula-1’s, Sports, Super Sports,       T-6’s, Jets, and of course the big boys, the Unlimiteds.  We moved around to different pylons, depending on what race was next.  The race course for certain classes are different due to speed and power of the planes racing.  The vantage point that we had for all of these races were just the best seats ever. 

When we pulled up to one of the pylons, I saw one of my dad’s friends.  I said a quick “hi”, but he is a pylon judge and we’re not supposed to bug them.  Not only is he a pylon judge for the Reno Air Races, but also for the Merced Air Races which is pylon racing for R/C models.  They have been known to get up past 200mph.  Yes, a remote control airplane.  It’s an incredible sport to watch. That is how a lot of these people, now involved with the Reno Air Races got started.  First building and flying R/C planes.  Then one day the love of the hobby blossoms from models into the real thing.  But the love of R/C never goes away.  Many of the people involved with the Reno Air Races are avid R/C flyers the rest of the year. 

At one of the pylons, the T-6’s flew straight at us to make it around the pylon.  What a rush that was.  Seeing 6 or 7 T-6’s flying straight towards you all grouped together and buzzing the group of photographers, was awesome.  Especially since I was one of them.  Never thought I would write about getting goose bumps in the middle of the desert.  But I am here to tell you that IT IS possible.  After the T-6 race we hopped back on the bus, and off to another location. 

We were going to be at this next pylon for five races.  We could see the bi-planes off in a distance.  All of them were racing towards us.  They didn’t have the bone chilling sound of the Unlimiteds, but there were a bunch of them flying towards us.  All of the cameras were ready for them.   All brightly colored bi-planes racing by.   I really could appreciate all of the different classes of planes involved in the races.  They all brought something different to the races to entertain the crowds.  I was so excited every time they flew by.  I mean how many pictures does one person need of an air plane flying by.  A LOT, if you expect to get the shot you want, or hope to get the shot you want, or in my case, if I was lucky enough to get the shot I wanted.  I had my camera set on continuous, so when I pushed the button down it kept taking pictures until I released it.  I do have to say, many of my pictures were deleted, but surprisingly got some good ones.  Panning and following the airplanes was difficult at first, but I got better with time and advice.  I know I have already said it, but everyone was great help in getting this rookie taken care.  The bi-planes, sport class, and formula 1’s were done for the morning, so we headed in with just enough time to grab a quick sandwich, a cookie, and a few waters.  Then off to get in line for the East bus.  I probably didn’t need to get in line quite so early, but I didn’t want to miss anything.  Off to the East pylons I went. 

These are the same pylons I had been to the day before.  But now I was an experienced photographer.  NOT.  I was a little intimidated by the cameras and the lens’ the other photographers had, but it’s not the equipment, it’s the person behind it.  Right?  So I like to think anyways.  At one point while out at the pylon, I looked up from my camera, and saw the funniest thing ever.  When the planes flew by, all of the photographers pointed their lenses to the sky, the planes flew by, they panned the sky, let their shutters go crazy, and then they all put their lens down to see what they got.  All done in synch.  One of the funniest things to watch.  Again, soak in your surroundings.  Always a good idea, so you don’t missing anything.  We all looked like Merkats in the middle of the desert.  Of course I took a picture.  I should have taken video, that would have been funny.  After a full day out at the pylons, out in the sun, I was ready for some down time.  It was about 3:45pm when we arrived back at the media center.  When we returned we were told there was a photo shoot taking place down at the end of the ramp area and we were invited.  If we wanted to be a part of it, we needed a vest, yes one the beautiful fluorescent yellow vests.  So much for some down time.  I couldn’t pass this up though.  Two P-38’s and two Tiger Cats.  All arranged just for us.  Who could pass that up?  Not me…I was determined to experience it all this first time.  I hopped on a golf cart, and got a ride down to the end of the ramp. 

When I got down to the end of the ramp, there was a large group of people already there, but they still needed to stage the airplanes.  When I was standing there, anxiously awaiting the chance to go photograph these precious planes, I saw a Canadian Snow Bird out of the corner of my eye.  They were also performing there that weekend.  Twenty five years ago, I went to my first Reno Air Races with my Dad.  What an experience that was.  While we were walking through the pit area, two Canadian Snow Birds, in full uniform, were walking towards us.  My Dad said, “Take your picture with them”.  Of course being kind of shy, back then, I was embarrassed, but my Dad asked them and they said sure.  Standing there with my arms crossed, cheeks bright red, my Dad took the picture.  I’m glad I did.  I have that picture in my office today.  So, when I found out I was going this year, and the Canadian Snow Birds were performing, I told my Dad that I was going to take another picture with of the Canadian Snow Birds.  I saw this as my chance.  Never ask, you’ll never know.  I walked over to them, and said, “This may sound a little strange but 25 years ago I had my picture taken with two Snow Birds at the Reno Air Races, and I was wondering if I could get another today.”  There was only one of them there, but he said, “of course, give me a few minutes, and there should be another one of us walking up here shortly”.  I was excited to say the least.  Then one of the guys standing with the Snow Bird pilot asked me who the pilots were that I had my picture taken with.  I honestly did not know, but I described them to him.  Full gear, red suit, aviator glasses, and a big 1980’s mustache.  They looked at each other and they think they know who it was.  Apparently one of the better known Snow Birds.  I’m still trying to find out who it is.  A few minutes later the other pilot came over.  I got my picture taken with them.  But this time, I was not embarrassed and I didn’t cross my arms in front of me.  What a difference 25 years can make!

Back to the photo shoot.  The owner of these planes hired someone to take pictures of them, and we all got to be a part of it.  Come to find out that the hired photographer was someone I had met a few months before in Chino, CA at the Planes of Fame Air Museum.  Paul Bowen.  Famous for his Air to Air pictures.  I had gone to the seminar to get some tips on how to shoot planes going 500+ mph.  What shutter speed do I use?   When I realized who it was, I introduced myself and he remembered me, “Kelly right?”  He asked if I had gotten his e-mail.  His e-mail?  I thought to myself.  Why would someone like him, be concerned about me knowing he was there?  I felt kind of honored that he’d even remember I was going to be there.  So of course I tried to get some of the same shots he was getting.  Even though his camera was much more advanced.  I thought it was kind of neat to say I was taking pictures alongside a professional.  Not just a professional, but a professional that loved airplanes.  Perfect job!!  Of course after the photo shoot, I asked if I could have my picture taken with him, he said of course.  A lady walking by, stopped and talked to him, and I asked if she could please take our picture.  She said of course.  While I was giving her my camera, Paul said, “Do you know who this is?”  I said “no”, hoping I did not offend anyone.  She was the editor of Air & Space Magazine.  She took our picture, and then asked me to take theirs.  What a chance meeting that was.  So of course I introduced myself and gave her my business card.  You never know right?  The photo shoot was over, and the sun was going down.  I went back to the media center, checked in my vest and drove back to the hotel for the night.  What a long day.  Worth every minute of it.

The alarm went off at 5:22am and Saturday morning was here.  I was ready to go.  Today I had decided to work the pit area and the ramp for the day.  You can get some great shots from there, different vantage points and you might get to talk to a pilot or two.  I was willing to take my chances.  I parked, walked over to check in, pick up my sticker for the day, and was getting ready to head over to the media center when something caught my eye.  My number, 130, was on the Media Lotto list.  My number had been chosen to go out to Outer Pylon #4.  Only 12 media personnel a day get to go there.  I guess my lucky number 22 kicked in.  So, needless to say this changed my plans a little.  I am flexible, and GOING TO OUTER PYLON #4.  I still couldn’t believe it.  As I stood around waiting for the morning brief to start, I shared my “news” with a few of the people I had met the last couple of days.  They couldn’t believe it.  They were excited for me, and I think a little jealous.  Since my afternoon plans had been changed I decided to go back out to the West Pylons for the morning.  So of course before the brief started, I got in line.  Saturday was a little more competitive with space and seats on the buses.  I hopped on the bus headed to the West Pylons and another exciting day was ahead of me.  When we got out there at our first stop, there was a guy taking video for the event, which I had met the day before.  He was headed up to the top of the ridge, so I followed.  He must know something right?  I got all set up and he asked what kind of camera I was using.  I told him, “Canon, of course” He said, “well I am taking video and my Canon lens is going to waste in my back pack, do you want to borrow it?”  Not knowing a whole lot about cameras, I wasn’t sure if the lens would even work with my camera.  Well, apparently it did.  I said, “Sure, I’ll try it.”  What a difference.  About 5 pounds heavier and was 100mm-400mm zoom.  I could get that much closer to the planes.  Awkward at first, but got used to it pretty quickly.  I got some great shots, I thought.  After the first set of races was over, we all hopped back in the bus off to the next pylon.  Getting ready to give back the lens, he said, “Why don’t you keep it for the next race.  I’ll get it from you later.”  This was incredible.  I had known these people for 24 hours, and they were cool with letting me use their very expensive lens.  Like I said earlier, like family.  So after all of the morning races were done, we all hopped back in the bus to go back to the media center.  It was nice to be back so I could sit down for a bit and get a little lunch.  We got off the bus, and he said, “You’re going to Outer Pylon #4 later right?”  I said, “Yes”.  He said. “Why don’t you keep the lens, so you can use it from the vantage point of pylon 4.”  I could believe it.  “Just let me know when you get back and I’ll come get it from you then”.  Again, I couldn’t believe it.  I had 2 hours before I had to be back for the Lotto bus.  So I went in, got a stylist yellow vest, which was big enough for two people and head out to the ramp for the afternoon.  I had so much fun out there.  Still not believing that I was on the “right” side of the rope.

A pilot I had flown with, in the past, was there racing this year.  He had just staged his P51 for the next Unlimited race.  I went out and introduced myself, sounding like a bumbling idiot, because I always get so nervous, like he’s a celebrity or something.  I said that I had flown with him in the past and could I get my picture taken with him.  A person from his crew took my camera and took a few shots.  I thanked him and walked away, all sweaty and feeling so stupid.

After the third Unlimited race of the day, I headed into the pits to look around and take candid photos of the crowds, pilots and their crews.  I went looking for the crew of the LOU IV P51 Mustang.  I had been stopping by every day to catch someone I could talk too.  Still no one around that I could find.

Watching the time closely, I headed back to the media center.  It was time to load up for the ride to Outer Pylon#4.  The Unlimited Race course is 8+ miles long.  So we had a long ride ahead of us through the desert brush.  I had heard from my Dad’s friends that there was a photographer that they wanted me to meet.  A very well known photographer at the event for over 30 years.  They said that Outer Pylon #4 was his favorite, and be sure to look him up.  We had to unlock a fence to get there and it was dryer than dry.  I had been told that there was nothing like shooting pictures from Outer Pylon #4.  The planes disappear behind the foothills at pylon #2 and #3, and then show up out of nowhere over the ridge, right at you, to make pylon 4, and then head of into the valley for pylons 5, 6, 7, and 8.  I was really excited to experience what everyone was telling me.  The first race was the jets.  Good practice for the Unlimiteds, because they are both fast, it gave me an idea of where to stand and where the airplanes come over the hill.  I was going crazy waiting.  I could hear the jets but couldn’t see them.  Then out of nowhere these jets come screaming over the hill right at us, turning at pylon 4, and then out to the valley.  We could watch them through most of the course from where we were.  Next thing I know, here they are again, racing over the hill one after the other.  I guess the third time is a charm.  I got my camera ready, pointed at where they had been coming over on the previous laps, pre-focused on a tree, and waited.  Wiggled my toes into the desert dirt for stability, and here they came.  First it was a red one, then a blue.  All going so fast, and so loud, and it was so cool.  I knew I only had a few more passes to get the timing down of taking these pictures.  I buckled down, wiggled my toes back into the dirt, and got ready.  When they fly by you have to pan very quickly and keep your arms steady.  Not an easy thing to do with no to little practice.  But I think I was doing ok.  The jet race was over and the Unlimiteds were next.  I was kind of nervous, or was it heat stroke.  I didn’t care.  I was waiting anxiously for the big boys to take off, group together, and then fly at me.  I know that may seem weird, but that’s part of the thrill of the races.                Fly Low (at me) – Go Fast (at me) – Turn Left (at me).  That is their saying, I added the “at me”.         I was told that most pilots will keep their same route throughout the race.  So keep an eye where they come over the hill, and you should be able to catch them there next time.  I used that advice, and sure enough Strega did just that.  Every single lap, Steve came over the same tree.  Nice to have inside information.  The Unlimited Race was soon over, and that race had closed out the day.  We headed back to the media center. 

I had been invited the day before to have dinner with the search and rescue folks.  Every Saturday they have a huge fish fry.  Bring in Halibut and Salmon from Alaska.  It is tradition that every pilot that attends the party has to kiss the BIG fish head for luck.  Ewwww.  But it was true, I saw them do it.  I am not a big fish fan, for me it was more for the camaraderie and the stories.  They did have steak, potatoes, and salad.  Pretty much the first “real” meal I had in four days.  I only stayed for a short time, but again the experience was something I’m glad I didn’t miss.  It was another long day, but again worth every minute.

Sunday was the big day.  GOLD RACE day.  I wasn’t going to be able to stay the whole day, but wanted to fit in as much as I could.  I got to the field at 6am on Sunday.  I was surprised to see how many people were already there. 

There were Mustangs and P38’s parked out on the ramp.  My first opportunity for a sunrise background.  I just had to wait for the sun to rise.  I have to say it was a “little” brisk.  The sun started showing itself.  The colors and the clouds worked so well together.  I got some great pictures and then head back to the media center for some coffee.  I met up with a few of the people I had met over the past few days, before the daily brief, and they were all going out to the pylons.  I had decided to stay in the pits and on the ramp again today.  I still wanted to catch the LOU IV crew and I knew there was much more to see and take pictures of on the ramp.  Soak it all in.

I checked out my beautiful yellow vest, and head out to the ramp.  Every race today was a Medal race.  Bronze, Silver, or Gold.  This made the races that much more exciting.  I still wanted to talk to the LOU IV crew, so head into the pit area to look for them.  There was a guy standing there so I asked if I could talk to someone with the LOU IV crew, even though he had a different team shirt on.  He said that they were at their team meeting, but they’d be back.  I wanted to have my picture taken, for personal reasons, next to the LOU IV.  I explained to the guy that in High School I painted this plane in art class.  When I came to my first Reno Air Races with my dad, the “original” LOU IV(blue fuselage, not silver) which I had painted, was there, actually there in the pit area.  I couldn’t believe it.  Of course to embarrassed to talk to the crew, just as I was with the Snow Birds, I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.  But like my other story, 25 years makes a big difference.  I love talking to people and live by the saying, “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.”  I actually had a picture of it on my camera, so I showed it to him.  He said that he’d take it right now.  I threw off my bright yellow vest and stood next to her.  I got my pictures.  I was so happy.  Then he said that it was a possibility to have my picture taken in the cockpit….screeeech.  Stop the presses.  The cockpit?  I was listening, he got my attention.  He said that when one of the crew came back he would ask him.  Right as I was hoping back over the rope, to where the spectators were, one of the crew came walking up.  I told him my story, and he said that once everything slowed down a bit, I could come back and have my picture taken in the cockpit.  I asked what time, knowing I was planning on leaving around noon.  He said 5pm.  My heart kind of sank a little bit, but I told him thank you and gave him my business card, just in case they could squeeze me in earlier.  So, I walked around a little more, headed back to the media center, checked back in and then out my yellow vest for the afternoon. 

I had made the decision to stay which meant the possibility to have my picture taken in the cockpit of the LOU IV and be able to photograph and watch Unlimited Duck Walk, Introduction, and the Gold Race, which I had never stayed for before.  As part of the media, I was able to walk out on the ramp with the crew members, take pictures of the planes close up, and talk to people.  It was going to be a great opportunity.

I checked in and out my vest again for the rest of the afternoon.  Walked up and down the ramp area until the Unlimited staging was to begin.  I don’t know how many miles I walked in four days, but it had to have been a lot.  Staging began at 3pm, so I headed down that way.  All of the airplanes that were in the Gold race came down the ramp with people on the wings, pilots waving to the crowds, just like a parade.  All of the planes had their place in line on the ramp.  People were taking pictures of the crews, the planes, getting the whole experience with photos.  It was stressful, but incredible.   It was so great to be part of something so exciting.  Even after having been there four days, I still couldn’t believe I was there, taking pictures and experiencing something so dream like. 

The wind started to pick up, but the Super Sport Race went on as planned.  We were still out there taking pictures of the planes and crews when the crowd made this huge GASP.  At the very end on landing, one of the planes went tip over end on the runway.   We, the media, were told to get back, don’t take pictures.  Put your cameras down.  Taking pictures during or after a crash is highly frowned upon.  Soon the crowd started to cheer.  We didn’t know what happened, we were on the ramp, and the spectators were up high and could see what happened.  The pilot got up and walked away.  There were cheers and clapping for 5 minutes. 

Soon after the crash, the pilots, safety team, and RARA all got together and made the decision to postpone the GOLD race.  No one wanted to see anyone get hurt.  They were going to wait 30 minutes and see what the wind was like.  During this time, I received a phone call from the LOU IV crew.  I was on!  It was my turn to hop in the cockpit.  I had a feeling the Gold Race was going to be canceled, so I packed up all of my things and head over to the pit area.  I was so excited.  I had never been able to sit in the front of the cockpit before.  Always the back trainer seat.  I put my foot in the notch on the wing to get up, and pulled myself up with another notch on the fuselage.  Much easier then climbing up the tires to the wing.  I stepped into the cockpit, and WOW, incredible.  So clean and immaculate.  So many gauges, buttons, things to turn on and off.  The crew member showed me where all of the important gauges were, where the gas gauges were.  There were two of them, on the floor.  I thought that was a weird place for them, but it’s worked for years, right?  He started flipping switches, lights would come on, I put my feet on the peddles, and dreamed of flying.  I could not imagine having that much power.  It was incredible.  I sat there for about 5 minutes listening to everything he said.  Then I gave him my camera, and he took a close up from the wing, and then hopped down to the ground and took another.  I was AWESOME.    I said thank you a hundred times, and I was off to my car to head home. 

All the way home I thought about all the wonderful people I had met in these four days.  From the lady and husband at the media center, the guy who let me borrow his lens for the day, to the Snow Birds who humored me with a picture, to taking pictures side by side with the photographer from the seminar, to meeting the editor of Air & Space, and the crew of the LOU IV who made a childhood memory complete.

This is a perfect example of, “It never hurts to ask”.  I would not have been able to experience any of this if I hadn’t asked.

Thank you to all that helped make this happen!!