"Warbirds Over Paso" air show - Paso Robles, CA

Shots from the October 2013 edition of the "Warbirds Over Paso" air show, featuring classic warbirds ranging from Mustangs and Corsairs to a T-33 Shooting Star, and a California Department of Forestry S-2F Tracker that was activated during the show to help fight a fire somewhere. This was a somewhat bittersweet album for me to put together, as this features some photos of the late Eddie Andreini, who tragically lost his life performing in his Stearman Biplane earlier this year. Eddie will be forever in our hearts.

Enjoy the photos!

-James-

Atlas V 401 WorldView-3

On 13 August 2014 at 1130 hrs. (11:30 a.m.), a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle flying in the 401 configuration (a four meter fairing, no solid rocket motors and a single engine Centaur upper stage) launched the WorldView-3 payload for DigitalGlobe. The mission was a complete success, keeping the Atlas V's unblemished launch record intact.

Fourth of July fireworks

I took advantage of a beautiful, clear night in Lompoc to shoot the City of Lompoc's 4th of July (which was actually held on the 5th of July.Yeah, I said 5th of July...don't ask...LOL) celebration held at Huyck Stadium. These photos were shot from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, which overlooks the city and provides a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the show. I can't say enough about the hospitality of the folks at the church, who provided everybody watching the fireworks from there with cookies, milk, coffee, and, my favorite, glow necklaces (woo hoo!).

Enjoy the photos!

James :-)

PS I also added a photo to my Lunar Photography album as well, so check that out.

Miguelito Fire - Lompoc, California

 

 

On 13 May 2014, tree branches coming in contact with some live power lines sparked a fast moving fire that briefly threatened houses on the south end of Lompoc, CA. Thankfully, no homes were damaged or destroyed, and this event did provide some interesting photo opportunities. Hope everybody enjoys the photos!

 

James :-)

The passing of Eddie Andreini

Most air show fans are probably aware that legendary performer Eddie Andreini was killed when his Super Stearman biplane crashed at the Travis Air Force Base air show as he performed his patented inverted ribbon cutting maneuver. It's always tragic to hear of the passing of an air show performer, but it hits even closer to home when it's a performer you've photographed at several shows. I want to take this time to just say that my heart goes out to Eddie's family, friends and the entire air show community during this terrible time. He was a true gift to the world of air shows and aviation, and will be sorely missed.

Blue skies, Eddie.

-James-

Atlas V 401 DMSP F-19



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 3 April 2014, an Atlas V rocket flying in the 401 configuration successfully launched the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-19 payload into polar orbit from SLC-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base. It appeared marine layer would be an issue for photography, as a wispy fog bank moved in about 10 minutes before T-0, but it hung low enough to just obscure liftoff. Still, these photos are proof that Vandenberg's famous marine layer really does hate me. Anyway, hope everbody enjoys the photos!

 

James :-)

More LAX Spotting



Spent some time at LAX back in December of 2012 doing some spotting. These are shots from Imperial Hill and the famous (well famous to aviation buffs, anyway) In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd. right under the approach to runway 24R. Scratched an A380 off my "must shoot" list, and Air New Zealand's "Air Hobbit" showed up as well, which was a nice surprise. Enjoy the photos!

James :-)