Northolt Night Photoshoot XIX 100th Anniversary-2

[cg_341]

Did you try shooting the Embraer from a front 3/4 whilst people were out by the Hawk? (I.e. quite a lot of the time?)

[Maisie]

No, but I did get a side on photo with a few people in, if I really wanted I could clone them out but I haven't.

CE-03 Belgian Air Force Embraer ERJ-145 by Radleigh Bushell, on Flickr

[tankbuster]

Did you try shooting the Embraer from a front 3/4 whilst people were out by the Hawk? (I.e. quite a lot of the time?)

Be fair,I was there for three hours and the Hawk viewing was for about 30 minutes, there was lots of time to take the Embraer without people

[JohnF]

Personally, I thought there was plenty of opportunity during the evening to get a clear photo of the Belgium from the front. You just had to bide your time.

When I arrived in the car park I was also concerned about the parking of the aircraft but as has been said, the reason for this was made perfectly clear in the briefing. They did their best to accommodate us all on what must have been one of the most frustrating night shoots Phil & Co have organised what with all the cancellations & parking issues.

The evening ended up being much better than I initially thought it would, particularly as we were allowed out to the Hawk. Nice to have the air ambulance land closer this time as I was finally able to get a good shot with the rotors turning.

Did they not also park the Chinook closer than originally planned? I thought they originally said we would be escorted across to the helipad area.

Many thanks once again to all those who helped organise the event. Already looking forward to the next one!

[Birderman]

My photos from the night can be seen on my Flickr page > https://flic.kr/s/aHskn7rj8z
enjoy

Regards
Birderman
(www.KishWphotos.co.uk)

[lynothehammer]

Be fair,I was there for three hours and the Hawk viewing was for about 30 minutes, there was lots of time to take the Embraer without people

The Hawk was my biggest issue, when the first group went over someone was saying you had to wait until the group came back. This didn't stop people just walking on to the apron and doing as they please, I gave up waiting in the end as i wasn't really sure what we were supposed to do.

Obviously once the Chinook arrived this area was out of bounds until it departed and the Gazelle had ground run. I finally got out to the Hawk once the Gazelle had shut down only to be told be MOD Police to get your photo quickly and start making your way to the exits.

It was an enjoyable nightshoot but very frustrating as the selection of aircraft there was decent. I am grateful for the effort Phil & his team put into it but it doesn't mean people are entitled to an opinion which is something that a couple of people on here have objected too.

[tommercer]

Similarly the camera, not the lens (using a lens mount which is not available for that lens) is attached to the tripod.

Not always ideal and can be subject to vibration, but always worth a go - as per the images of the Hawk in the earlier posts.

Yeah sorry I'm aware of that, but he said he has a 70-300 without a tripod collar, which would be something similar to what I have and they're quite light. Used mine quite a lot with the body mounted to the tripod with no issues.. If you have something like the 70-300 IS L then it comes with a collar.


Tom, what people can't get is you said you heard the brief yet you are moaning about the position of the aircraft, Phil did his best to get people out to the Hawk & the Chinook when it arrived. Not sure what was so messy unless you wanted an arse end shot of the Belgium taken from the steps...

NHT Nightshoot overview by Radleigh Bushell, on Flickr


Thanks cw318is

So by your reckoning, for example, you wouldn't have an issue with the display line at RIAT moving back another 100m, as long as there was an announcement in the morning to advise of it?

Also, the 70-300 L doesn't come with a tripod sadly

[tommercer]

Its not a fee based event, you make a charitable donation. And some of the excitement comes from what does or doesn't touch down on the night.

Anyone who has been in the past will tell you its not scripted and it helps to cover as many angles as possible. Who remembers the Belize 212 a couple of years ago being allll the way over there.

Lovely Hawk shot maisie, very crisp.

You pay a fee to enter. Regardless of whether that goes to charity or not, people are still paying a fixed price to attend.

[Pen Pusher]

It's not a fee to enter as stated on every joining e-mail sent out.....

The minimum donation is £25

You can pay more if you want.

Will this thread still be running when the next night shoot comes along?

Brian

[lynothehammer]

Will this thread still be running when the next night shoot comes along?

As far as i can see it's a healthy debate...

[Maisie]

So by your reckoning, for example, you wouldn't have an issue with the display line at RIAT moving back another 100m, as long as there was an announcement in the morning to advise of it?

Also, the 70-300 L doesn't come with a tripod sadly

Sorry I thought it did as I've seen it on peoples lenses, must be an item you have to buy separate, Google "Canon Tripod Mount Ring C (WII)"

You can't really compare RIAT to a NHT nightshoot either as they are two different events and yes I'd be pi$$ed if they moved it back 100m, but Phil hasn't moved anything, aircraft were parked where they could be as other aircraft were in the way, Phil then did his best to get us out to the Hawk (as I assume the crew were in the pub so couldn't move it? lol) and got the Helio moved when he could..

[spellow3010]

Cheers Phil and the gang for their efforts in making this one actually happen - it seems to have been particularly hard work for all concerned this time, which makes your effort especially rewarding given the airframes on show.

Have a great break (from organising our rabble) and roll on the next one...

[boff180]

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.

[IanH]

Don`t normally comment on such matters, but after following military aviation and reading the negative comments on here it frankly makes me want to weep. So many enthusiasts/photographers have benefitted from Phil, Lee`s and other team members quite amazing efforts on this and other night shoots; and no doubt, we`ll all benefit again, it amazes me that some feel compelled to give their opinion on everything. I was at Coningsby recently and interestingly a number of people complained who weren`t even present! I do not understand this and I and others who did attend couldn` care less why they didn`t want to go.

I felt the line up for this event was outstanding and the donation made to be worth it alone to photograph the ETPS Hawk (which may not remain in that scheme for long) and the 18 SQN Chinook. I`m quite sure from past experience that many tried to join the invitation list late to shoot those alone and no doubt it will happen again. As always Phil does his utmost to accommodate everyone if at all possible. I know this event was a particular challenge and he, Lee and others worked their socks off to achieve the line up they did. Enough said. Many do not have a 'scoobie do' what`s involved in this respect. They are military operational aircraft and believe it or not, things go wrong at the last minute but Phil always tries hard to pull 'rabbits out the hat'. He is however human not Superman and sometimes even Phil cannot determine which way around the aircraft stand; that is down to Northolt and other things like civilian aircraft present. Besides the reasons for this were fully explained before the event.

I wholly accept the principle that everyone has the right to express their opinion but for heavens sake, Phil and his team shouldn`t have to read it on here first. Where you have a grievance, why not call Phil and give him your view or email direct. It is so easy to sit behind a pc and dish it out, far more respectful and earnest to do it directly. This generally goes down well and people have long memories!

As for the amount passed to enter, this is a donation made to support a major historic cause. It is completely different to RIAT or any where else. Phil`s efforts in this respect are simply awesome. There is no other description for it. There are no guarantees for an event like this but again, this line up was excellent like so many others. Look back and consider the photos we all have.

Incidently I`m more than happy with my photos from another excellent evening. I spoke to many people and they all felt the same. Some things are out of Phil`s control and the secret with military aviation over the long term is to remain pragmatic. If you are unhappy with something, do the right thing and call Phil or Lee. What Northolt and Phil`s team put on here is exceptional in today`s environment, lets embrace and cherish the fact that theses events happen at all.

Here`s to the next one.

BTW Ian

[jalfrezi]

Don`t normally comment on such matters, but after following military aviation and reading the negative comments on here it frankly makes me want to weep. So many enthusiasts/photographers have benefitted from Phil, Lee`s and other team members quite amazing efforts on this and other night shoots; and no doubt, we`ll all benefit again, it amazes me that some feel compelled to give their opinion on everything. I was at Coningsby recently and interestingly a number of people complained who weren`t even present! I do not understand this and I and others who did attend couldn` care less why they didn`t want to go.

I felt the line up for this event was outstanding and the donation made to be worth it alone to photograph the ETPS Hawk (which may not remain in that scheme for long) and the 18 SQN Chinook. I`m quite sure from past experience that many tried to join the invitation list late to shoot those alone and no doubt it will happen again. As always Phil does his utmost to accommodate everyone if at all possible. I know this event was a particular challenge and he, Lee and others worked their socks off to achieve the line up they did. Enough said. Many do not have a 'scoobie do' what`s involved in this respect. They are military operational aircraft and believe it or not, things go wrong at the last minute but Phil always tries hard to pull 'rabbits out the hat'. He is however human not Superman and sometimes even Phil cannot determine which way around the aircraft stand; that is down to Northolt and other things like civilian aircraft present. Besides the reasons for this were fully explained before the event.

I wholly accept the principle that everyone has the right to express their opinion but for heavens sake, Phil and his team shouldn`t have to read it on here first. Where you have a grievance, why not call Phil and give him your view or email direct. It is so easy to sit behind a pc and dish it out, far more respectful and earnest to do it directly. This generally goes down well and people have long memories!

As for the amount passed to enter, this is a donation made to support a major historic cause. It is completely different to RIAT or any where else. Phil`s efforts in this respect are simply awesome. There is no other description for it. There are no guarantees for an event like this but again, this line up was excellent like so many others. Look back and consider the photos we all have.

Incidently I`m more than happy with my photos from another excellent evening. I spoke to many people and they all felt the same. Some things are out of Phil`s control and the secret with military aviation over the long term is to remain pragmatic. If you are unhappy with something, do the right thing and call Phil or Lee. What Northolt and Phil`s team put on here is exceptional in today`s environment, lets embrace and cherish the fact that theses events happen at all.

Here`s to the next one.

BTW Ian

Completely agree, they were unlucky with last minute cancellations, and I think if they'd managed to bag the Osprey, then this thread would look totally different.

At the end of the day it's an operational RAF base, they have their limitations, but I'm grateful for whatever they manage to get, as it's always varied, and not the usual run of the mill stuff.

[alisdair]

I went abroad immediately after the Nightshoot, so only just catching up again now..... my thanks to Phil and his team, as they produced another enjoyable evening, and the Hawk was particularly welcome!!! My photos look fairly similar to most other people's, so just one on here of the ETPS Hawk on finals:


Thanks again, and look forward to the next event..
Alisdair

[Talldan76]

I wasn't at the event last Thursday, due to work commitments and cash (lack of) and after seeing the final line up, really wish I had been...

I can't believe some of the comments on this thread, these we very special events, and Phil and his team deserve a lot of praise for putting it on, not mud slinging and moaning.

People have to remember that this is held on an operational RAF air base, and that most of the participants are active military assets. It must be heart breaking for Phil et al to put in loads of effort getting something booked and then it be cancelled or pulled at the last minute...

Roll on the next one in March, I for one will be trying my hardest to be there...!!

[iaint]

Are people not allowed to have opinions on events that they are paying to be at now? Or are we now only allowed to post comments on the boards that deal in the positives?
And as for the comment suggesting if there are criticisms from people they shouldn't post on the boards but call up and deal with them privately...

I'm quite alarmed that folk that are essentially attacking an attendee to the events because he has spoken out in a way that they don't agree with and who dared to raise a concern that he had after one of the events. Appalling response, more fitting of children. He's paid his dues to attend and is entitled to an opinion regardless of whether it is agreed with by everyone and he should not be vilified for it.

Why shouldn't there be comments that criticise or appear 'negative'? Everyone should rightly be able to stand up and voice their opinions whichever way they fall without fear of attacks from others who don't share the same viewpoint.

What I also really I don't get is this viewpoint that because "Phil puts in such hard work in securing (or doing his best to) items to attend", and "that it is on an active airfield", that it should be above criticism and must ONLY receive praise - which is essentially what most are saying.
Other events are open to criticism and will always receive their fair share of it so why are these night shoots seemingly exempt? Nowhere has anyone even hinted that they are ungrateful that the night shoots are held in the first place, so why is the go to reaction that "he's ungrateful"?

I'm sure Phil is big and brave enough to deal with criticism and answer any comments openly on the forum should there be any (and would probably prefer them somewhere like here than privately).

All these reactions are doing is stopping other well-intentioned people from raising points they may feel as valid and organisers from experienceing them and taking any points on board for future and to build on (if deemed so).

And as a final point, I somehow don't think that Phil will be pulling future events at the first sign of 'discontent' (for want of a better word) from one or two paying attendees...

[MC hammer]

I'm surprised we have not had a "dud" nightshoot yet, where too many aircraft drop out at short notice and I'm left with a couple of items that have attended before, plus some civies and old stuff which is not my area of interest.
At the start of last week, it looked like I was finally going to be "not surprised" and I probably would not have gone but having been away for a couple of nights and had a cunning plan to do the drive from East Anglia back to the south coast that evening, it meant Northolt was not too far off route, compared to the three hours it normally takes me to get there.
Well I'm so glad I had the cunning plan and, unlike Baldrick's, it worked, because Phil pulled the rabbit from the hat yet again. If what was present at the latest shoot was shown as a Thursday update for a forthcoming RIAT, people would be smiley faces all over the forum.
I don't really get the fee to enter/donation debate though. If you don't cough up, you're not going to get in, whatever you want to call the exchange of monies, so I'm with Tom on that one.
Keep the miracles going Phil.
Malcolm

[andygolfer]

I don't see any problem with a bit of constructive criticism if it's done politely and with the intention of providing constructive feedback which might ultimately improve the next or subsequent events.
It's when people choose to be rude / disparaging intentionally and just for the sake of it that I take offence, I suffered that on here on one occasion and simply stopped posting photos for 2 or 3 years and only put some on this week for the first time since as the person concerned no longer appears to be active on here. I like to know where I'm going wrong with anything, not just photos (which in the main will only end up on my computer anyway) but anything - you learn from your mistakes far easier and quicker than successes but there's no reason for not doing it politely.

For what it's worth the photos I've see of the event look good so it must have been pretty well organised and if everything isn't exactly where you want it to be you need to use a bit of imagination and creativity to get the best photos - a nice challenge sometimes (and one I'm not always very good at).
andy

[jalfrezi]

I'm quite alarmed that folk that are essentially attacking an attendee to the events because he has spoken out in a way that they don't agree with and who dared to raise a concern that he had after one of the events. Appalling response, more fitting of children. He's paid his dues to attend and is entitled to an opinion regardless of whether it is agreed with by everyone and he should not be vilified for it.

Why shouldn't there be comments that criticise or appear 'negative'? Everyone should rightly be able to stand up and voice their opinions whichever way they fall without fear of attacks from others who don't share the same viewpoint.

I don't think anyone was attacked, people disagreed with his comments, which they are entitled to do; are people not allowed to disagree with a negative comment if they don't feel that way themselves? I don't see how you can defend someone's right to criticise an event, and yet say people can't then disagree with that viewpoint, it's a public forum and as long as comments don't get personal or abusive, I don't see a problem.

I'll admit it wasn't a classic Northolt nightshoot, I've been to better, but I'm glad I went.

[boff180]

I don't think anyone was attacked

The offending posts were removed. People are entitled to disagree with another persons view but should at the same time respect that point and not be downright rude and childish towards them.

Andy

[MC hammer]

[quote="Aviamil"]


I also never had a problem in photographing anything in front of my lens, including listening to/reading comments about the dark end of the ramp, so maybe some people need to re-visit their technique.

I've commented before about the dark end of the ramp but there wasn't a dark end this time because as everything was parked side on, the Gazelle got the full benefit of the only floodlight at that end by not being parked nose on to it. Most of the aircraft are lit by two floodlights.
I commented before because I think the situation can be easily remedied, however I do appreciate that other parking issues may not be so straight forward and a bit more perseverance on the part of the photographer is required.

[IanH]

Are people not allowed to have opinions on events that they are paying to be at now? Or are we now only allowed to post comments on the boards that deal in the positives?
And as for the comment suggesting if there are criticisms from people they shouldn't post on the boards but call up and deal with them privately...

I'm quite alarmed that folk that are essentially attacking an attendee to the events because he has spoken out in a way that they don't agree with and who dared to raise a concern that he had after one of the events. Appalling response, more fitting of children. He's paid his dues to attend and is entitled to an opinion regardless of whether it is agreed with by everyone and he should not be vilified for it.

Why shouldn't there be comments that criticise or appear 'negative'? Everyone should rightly be able to stand up and voice their opinions whichever way they fall without fear of attacks from others who don't share the same viewpoint.

What I also really I don't get is this viewpoint that because "Phil puts in such hard work in securing (or doing his best to) items to attend", and "that it is on an active airfield", that it should be above criticism and must ONLY receive praise - which is essentially what most are saying.
Other events are open to criticism and will always receive their fair share of it so why are these night shoots seemingly exempt? Nowhere has anyone even hinted that they are ungrateful that the night shoots are held in the first place, so why is the go to reaction that "he's ungrateful"?

I'm sure Phil is big and brave enough to deal with criticism and answer any comments openly on the forum should there be any (and would probably prefer them somewhere like here than privately).

All these reactions are doing is stopping other well-intentioned people from raising points they may feel as valid and organisers from experienceing them and taking any points on board for future and to build on (if deemed so).

And as a final point, I somehow don't think that Phil will be pulling future events at the first sign of 'discontent' (for want of a better word) from one or two paying attendees...

I can only assume you didn`t read my post which was about pragmatism and a tried and principle of doing things the right way. Would be great if you could explain the chuckles about talking with the Northolt team. I really haven`t a clue what your point your making but I didn`t find it all amusing. I have absolutely no problem with expression of views but I believe there is a right and wrong. Do you disagree with this! It seems that for some, unless an event is 100% to their liking or view as to what is the correct way of doing something a complaint is necessary. Heaven help them when something really goes wrong in their life!

[Wissam24]

Personally I enjoyed the shoot and didn't have much to gripe about myself but if people feel they have a complaint to make and criticism to give then absolutely they can do so. Nothing improves without criticism, self- or otherwise. There certainly isn't a "right and wrong" with expressing criticism, if it's there to be made then it ought to be made, whether the event was 1% or 99% to someone's liking. I doubt Phil and Co consider themselves perfect and above criticism so I don't think other people should view them as such either.