Low-Level Photography Reports A Special Day on Bluebell Hill
Low-Level Flying Photography
Aviation Photography from the UK Low Fly System
Get in close for cockpit shots If you choose your position well with a long lens you will almost see the pilot eye to eye. From above you may be able to see the pilot with his low-level flying map on his lap!
Aviation Photography low level flying
Harrier GR.7A of 800 NAS from RAF Cottesmore it was just back from Afghanistan and captured in Wales in April 2006.
One of a sequence of frames which made four different magazines (five in total), a book and a MOD publication!
DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.7.1 1/500 ISO 200.
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Tornado F.3 (ZE755 'YL') with QinetiQ and operating from Boscombe Down in March 2007.
The WSO in the back-seat has spotted me!
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Left to right: Harrier GR.7A (ZD376 '24A') of 800 NAS based at RAF Cottesmore in their first week of operations after reforming in 2006.
Typhoon T.1 (ZJ814 'QO-Z') of 3(F) Squadron in May 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L lens 1/800 at f.5.6 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0304 'LN') callsign 'Dirty 51' of 492 FS, 48 FW at 18:15 in September 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L 1/800 at f.3.5 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
C-130J Hercules (ZH883) in September 2009.
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Left to right: BAE Systems Hawk 100 demonstrator (ZJ951) in July 2006. It was flying with a Hawk camera-ship down from Warton on its way to SBAC at Farnborough.
Tucano T.1 (ZF374) using callsign 'Linton 13' was continuing on to RAF Shawbury in March 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L 1/320 at f.5 ISO 100 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
Typhoon FGR.4 (ZJ928 'QO-N') in October 2010. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/800 at f.8 with -1 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Hawk T.1 (XX256) of 208(R) Squadron in August 2013. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II plus x1.4 extender at 1/1000 f4.5 ISO 200 with -1/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZD792) in March 2012. (DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8L lens at 1/800 f.5 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200).
Tornado GR.4 (ZD810 '102') in XV Squadron markings low-level through Wales in October 2008, the back-seat is studying the map. (DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L plus a x1.4 extender at 1/640 at f.7.1 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200). This is a cropped image, keep clicking image to see full-frame shot.
C-130J Hercules C.5 (ZH878) in Wales in March 2016. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/160 f10 ISO 100 with -1/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZG777 '135') in June 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/800 at f.8 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
208 (R) Squadron Hawk T.1 in June 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/640 at f.6.3 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
CH-47D Chinook (D102) of RNLAF (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) taking part in Exercise 'TAC Blaze' in Cumbria in March 2012. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II 1/320 at f.10 ISO 160 -1/3 stop exposure compensation.
Bell CV-22B Osprey (11-0058) using callsign 'Knife 75' from the 7th Special Operations Squadron based at RAF Mildenhall in July 2015. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/320 f9 ISO 100 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: A400M Atlas C.1 (ZM406) using callsign 'Ascot 491' it is with 24/70 Squadron in December 2021. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/160 f5.6 ISO 100 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0605 'LN') using callsign 'Eagle 1' piloted by Col. Petus on his final flight as commander of 48 FW in July 2018.
F-15E Strike Eagle (98-0131 'LN') using callsign 'Steak Flight' with 492FS, 48FW in January 2022. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II and x1.4 Extender Mk.III at 1/1600 f7.1 ISO 400 with -1/3 exposure compensation.

Use the 'Crop' tool in post processing to get in close and emphasise the action.
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Tornado GR.4A (ZA400 '011') still in Operation Telic markings complete with sharks mouth and 'Scud Hunter' markings.
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Cropping of images to A4 portrait format can make the action more dynamic.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA597 '063') was the first of a pair in March 2007.
Anonymous Tornado GR.4 in June 2009.
Pulling 'G' Tornado GR.4 (ZG775 '134') through a Welsh valley in November 2007.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA553 '045') in February 2015.

Head-on shots. On the outside of turns and a long lens or even using the crop tool in post processing can produce some stunning head-on shots.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1 (XX220) of 208(R) Squadron in June 2007, just click this image to see what a little cropping can do!
Hawk T.1W XX167) in November 2008.
Hawk T.1A (XX335) in June 2009.
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Left to right: C-130J Hercules C.5 (ZH881) of 30 Squadron through the TTA in the Selkirk to Moffat valley in October 2012. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/125 f18 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
Sea King HAR.3 (ZA105 'Q') of RAF Rescue 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley in Snowdonia in October 2012. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/160 f10 ISO 100 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
Typhoon F.2 (ZJ919 'DC') in 11(F) Squadron markings in June 2007.
Apache AH.1 (ZJ210) out of Trefyn's shadow in area X-ray of the MFTA in January 2015.

'Air to Air' shots at low-level. At the end of valleys where they open out it is possible to get images that look like they were taken air to air.
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C-130K Hercules C.3 (XV202) of Lyneham Transport Wing low-flying through Wales in August 2007.
Some valleys are one sided offering panoramic backdrops to the shots to give that air to air feel.
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Left to right: C-130K Hercules C.3 (XV202) of Lyneham Transport Wing low-flying through Wales in August 2007.
Tornado GR.4s (ZA552 'XI' and ZG752 '129') with 13 Squadron in August 2007.
C-130J Hercules C.5 (ZH889) of 30 Squadron in December 2009 in mid Wales.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1 (XX313) in 208(R) Squadron colours in November 2007.
Harrier GR.9 (ZD406 '35') in joint 800/801 Naval Air Squadron markings in November 2007.
Typhoon FGR.4 (ZK373) callsign 'Typhoon 101' in December 2017.

Don't miss the final shot! The going away shot at the end can make it look like the photographer is in the second aircraft of a two-ship flying in an echelon formation.
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May 2007, Jaguar T.4 with afterburners (or reheat), you don't get this lucky very often!
DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/640 f.4 ISO 200.
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Left to right: F-15C Eagle (84-010 'LN') of 493rd FS, 48FW with afterburners in mid Wales in April 2013. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1000 f7.1 ISO 200 with -1/3 exposure compensation.
Apache AH.1 (ZJ190) of Army Air Corps 662 Squadron 3 Regiment in Wales in June 2006. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.11 at 1/125.
Typhoon F.2 (ZJ922 'QO-C') of 3(F) Squadron using callsign 'Typhoon 12' in May 2008.
Typhoon T.3 (ZJ804 'BM') of 29(R) Squadron in mid-Wales in May 2013. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1000 f7.1 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 '027') pulling out of low-level due to a lingering mist bank just a mile away which was covering all but the lower shelf of the Bwlch in September 2013. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1000 f5 ISO 200 with -1/3 exposure compensation.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA459 'F') in special 15(R) Squadron markings, flying from RAF Lossiemouth.
Tornado F.3 (ZE342 'DZ') when with 11(F) Squadron in 2005 and before its disbandment later in the year.
Tornado GR.1 (ZA326) in June 2005 with the ETPS shortly before it was retired. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L lens 1/800 f5.6 ISO 200 with a x1.4 extender.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4A (ZG705 '118') with wings swept back in 13 Squadron markings with its new Tornado GR.4 fleet code '118' in August 2006.
French Air Force Alpha Jet E (E7 '314-TU') during a deployment to RAF Valley for Exercise 'Garlic Lemon' with 208(R) Squadron in May 2008.
Tornado GR.4A (ZG729 'M') of 13 Squadron flying low through mid-Wales in March 2007.
Mirage 2000N (348 '125-AL') callsign 'Ramex 42' through the Lakes in October 2013.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZG777 '135') in June 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/800 at f.8 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Harrier GR.9 (ZD468 '58') diving in to the valley in June 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/800 at f.7.1 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Harrier GR.9 (ZD463 '53') on its second low-level sortie of the day in June 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L 1/800 at f.7.1 with -1 stop exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Tornado GR.4 (ZG752 '129') in September 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L 1/800 at f.6.3 with -1 stop exposure compensation and ISO 200.
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Left to right: F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0321 'LN') using callsign 'Raider 52' in the colours of 492nd FS, 48FW in October 2019. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1600 f4.5 ISO 200 with -1 stop exposure compensation.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-313 'LN') using callsign 'Raider 54' in the colours of 492nd FS, 48FW in October 2019. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1600 f4.5 ISO 200 with -1 stop exposure compensation.

Flying low in pairs is common but capturing both in the same image is not quite so easy.
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A pair of Tornado GR.4s low-flying through Cumbria in 2006.
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Left to right: Two Tucano's entering a valley in the Lake District and two Hawk pairs from RAF Valley.
Close formation of BAE Systems PC-9s (ZK119 'Percy' with ZG969 'Pinky') in September 2010.
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Left to right: A pair of 492FS, 48FW F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath.
F-15E Strike Eagles (91-0324 'LN') of the 494 FS, it was followed by the 48 Wing Commanders aircraft (01-2004 'LN 48FW') in October 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L plus a x1.4 extender at 1/640 at f.5 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Tornado GR.4 pair (coded '018'? and ZA370 '004') about to turn left before the Lake in June 2009.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1 pair (XX188 and XX315) of 19(R) Squadron and both fitted with a 30mm Aden Mk.4 Cannon packs in October 2010.
Hawk T.2 pair (ZK034 'Y' and ZK035 'Z') of 4(R) Squadron in April 2016.
Typhoon T.3 pair (ZJ810 'BI' and ZJ805 'BD') of 29(R) Squadron in Wales in June 2016.

Zoom out or shoot early to capture some breath taking scenery. Just how low do they appear to fly, an elevated position and a long lens will exaggerate the low-level effect?
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Typhoon T.3 (ZJ802) in August 2018
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Don't be put off from shooting towards the sun, as from your hillside you should be shooting down onto the subject and so avoiding looking directly towards the sun. With north - south running valleys it can often be beneficial to swap sides at mid-day to keep the sun behind you. In some valleys it is either not feasible to swap sides or it takes too long to do so. You can get some wonderful lighting effects if you are prepared to the places and give these shots a go. By reducing exposure compensation by up to an f-stop will help keep detail by avoiding the blown out highlights.
Aviation Photography low level flying
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-602 'LN') of 494th FS, 48th FW from RAF Lakenheath, late morning in September 2004.
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Left to right: 208(R) Squadron Hawk T.1 in December 2003.
1 Squadron Harrier GR.7 flying towards the sun in December 2003.
Tornado GR.4A (ZG729 'M') of 13 Squadron in June 2007.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0304 'LN') of 492 FW at 18:15 in September 2009, this aircraft was later to crash in Libya on March 22, 2011 during operation Odyssey Dawn to secure a no fly zone, both crew ejected safely. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/800 at f.8 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
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Left to right: Dominie T.1 (XS728 'E') of 55(R) Squadron and part of 3 FTS based at Cranwell in July 2006. The Dominie' flew at relatively low speeds (210 knots) and were easier to photograph, but you should not forget to reduce exposure to retain the detail on the white upper surfaces on bright days.
Hawk T.1A (XX303) of 19(R) Squadron shot towards the early morning sun.
F-15E Strike Eagle (96-0205 'LN') of the 492 FS, 48 FW in early morning October sun. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/640 at f.5 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA602 '067') in September 2010. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/640 at f.9 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.
Tornado GR.4 (ZD740 '088') in the colours of 617 Squadron in June 2015. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1000 f6.3 ISO 250 with -1 exposure compensation.

Low cloud and damp weather can produce some very nice atmospheric shots. Vortices or streamers emphasise speed and high-G manouvres.
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F-15E Strike Eagle (01-2004 'LN') using callsign 'Stout 91' with 48 FW in August 2018.
DSLR Full frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8L f.4 -2/3 exposure compensation, 1/1600 and ISO 250.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1 (XX256) in the early morning before the low cloud had lifted in October 2012.
Hawk T.1s don't easily create vortices.
Harrier GR.7 (ZD466 '56') of 20(R) Squadron based at RAF Wittering on a damp 'ISO 400' day in December 2003. 'Neat Image' software was used to effectively reduce digital noise. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f.4 L lens + x1.4 extender, 1/800 at f.4 ISO 400.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA614 '076') using callsign 'Fang 02 through the Lakes in September 2018. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1600 f2.8 ISO 400 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: F-15E Strike Eagle (96-202 'LN') using callsign 'Rico 52' of 492 FS, 48 FW from RAF Lakenheath in August 2018. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1600 f2.8 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
The second of a pair of F-15E Strike Eagles (98-0133 'LN') callsign 'Jazz' of 492 FS, 48 FW circled above the 'Loop' before dropping in to my valley below the cloud that was clinging to the mountain tops in September 2009.
F-15E Strike Eagle (96-204) using callsign 'Roar 41' of the 494FS, 48FW in December 2014. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1250 f6.3 ISO 250 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
F-15E Strike Eagle (98-134 'LN') using callsign 'Rico 51' of 492 FS, 48 FW from RAF Lakenheath in August 2018. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1600 f2.8 ISO 200 with -2/3 exposure compensation.
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Left to right: Typhoon FGR.4 (ZJ933 'DF') using callsign 'Rampage 2' and in 11(F) Squadron colours in November 2014.
F-15E Strike Eagle (97-0219 'LN') callsign 'Slam 1' with 492FS in August 2018. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1250 f6.3 ISO 200 with -1 stop exposure compensation.
Tornado GR.4A (ZG713 '123' 'G') it was using callsign 'Marham 79' and had a 2 Squadron code on the tail in November 2010. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/640 at f.3.2 with -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200.

Snow shots a snow fall is a very nice variation to the background of low-level images. Perfect conditions require combining a snow fall and decent light with being able to drive from home to climb a steep hill. Great care should be taken throughout.
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Hawk T.1 (XX245) of 208(R) Squadron in February 2009
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Left to right:
Tornado GR.4A (ZA372 '006') callsign 'Wolf 1' of 12(B) Squadron in February 2015.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA553 '045') callsign 'Wolf 2' of 12(B) Squadron in February 2015.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0327 'LN') callsign 'Duster Flight' in February 2015.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0335 'LN') callsign 'Animal Flight' 494 FS, 48 FW in November 2016.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA553 '045') heading towards Snowdon and Tornado GR.4A (ZA372 '006') in February 2015.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1 (XX178) of 19(R) Squadron in December 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L plus x1.4 extender f.11 -2/3 exposure compensation 1/640 and ISO 200.
Typhoon T.1 (ZJ800 'BC') with 29(R) Squadron using callsign 'Typhoon 315' the pilot requested a practice diversion (PD) to RAF Valley before continuing at low-level through mid-Wales in December 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.10 -2/3 exposure compensation 1/640 and ISO 200.
F-15E Strike Eagle (91-0309 'LN') of 492nd FS using the callsign 'Strike 11' it made one high pass before returning a few minutes later at a better height for the camera in December 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at f.5 -2/3 exposure compensation 1/640 and ISO 200.
Hawk T.1 (XX245) of 208(R) Squadron in February 2009. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.11 -1/3 exposure compensation 1/640 and ISO 200.
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Left to right: Typhoon F.2 (ZJ929 'DL') in 11(F) Squadron markings came through in poor weather in February 2009.
C-130K Hercules C.3A (XV303) made two passes in February 2009.
Hawk T.1 (XX256) in 19(R) markings in February 2009.
Tucano T.1s (ZF142) which came through as a pair during a snow storm in February 2009.

Use slow shutter speeds to emphasise movement the slower you go the more likely you are to have shots that go straight in to the 'bin'. I don't often go slower than 1/250th and only choose common aircraft to experiment with.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4s (ZA367 '002' 'KC-N') at the 65th Anniversary of the Dambuster Raid at the Derwent reservoir on May 16, 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.4.5 and 1/250.
French Air Force Alpha Jet E (E22 '705-LS') on exchange with 208(R) Squadron in June 2010. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at f.13, 1/160 and ISO 160.
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Left to right: Hawk T.1A (XX187) of 208(R) Squadron in August 2011. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L plus at f.7.1 -2/3 exposure compensation, 1/250 and ISO 250.
Hawk T.1 (XX156) of 208(R) Squadron in October 2008. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L plus x1.4 extender at f.4 -2/3 exposure compensation, 1/250 and ISO 250.
Hawk T.1 (XX303) of 208(R) Squadron in December 2014. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/250 f8 ISO 160 with -1/3 exposure compensation.
Hawk T.1 (XX239) of 208(R) Squadron in March 2016. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/160 f5.6 ISO 100 with -1/3 exposure compensation.

Tornado wing sweep angles
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Tornado GR.4 utilising its three wing sweep angles of 67 degrees fully swept back to 45 and 25 degrees for slow manouevres.

Warbirds at low-level. On rare occasions its possible to capture shots that appear to go back in time.
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Left to right: The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) at the 60th Anniversary of the Dambuster Raid, Derwent Valley May 16, 2008.
Avro Lancaster B1 (PA474) was painted in 2007 to represent one of the most famous of all Lancaster's, 'Phantom of the Ruhr'. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/250 to 1/320.
Douglas C-47 Dakota (ZA947) 'Pegasus' through the Derwent Valley on May 16, 2008.
Recently painted C-47 Dakota (ZA947) as 'Kwicherbichen' (ie Quit your bitchin) at Derwent Valley May 15, 2011. DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/320.
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Left to right: Vulcan Operating Company's (TVOC) Avro Vulcan B2 (XH558 registered G-VLCN) appeared at the Windermere air show in July 2009.
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Left to right: Hawker Hunter F.58A (G-PSST) 'Miss Demeanour' flown by 'Flapjack' to and from Duxford in October 2012.
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Left to right: BAC Jet Provost T.3A (XM479 registered G-BVEZ) in October 2012.
BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk.82A (G-SOAF) formally of the Sultan of Oman's Air Force in mid Wales in September 2016. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II + x1.4 extender at 1/1250 f6.3 ISO 200 with -1 stop exposure compensation.
Jet Provost T.5 (XW325 registered G-BWGF) in June 2018. DSLR full-frame sensor + Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS Mk.II at 1/1250 f5 ISO 200 with -1 stop exposure compensation.
BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk.82A (G-SOAF) in September 2023 low through mid-wales.

University Air Squadron and civilian aircraft at low-level Not usually the most challenging of aircraft to photograph.
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Left to right: Grob Tutor T.1 (G-BYUJ) of 85(R) Squadron, Yorkshire University Air Squadron and No.2 Air Experience Flight based at RAF Church Fenton in August 2009. (DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at f.8 -2/3 exposure compensation, 1/320 and ISO 200).
Civilian Falcon 20EW (G-RAFR) operated Cobham (formally FRA) which is utilised by the NATO Air Forces in the air warfare training role in December 2008. (DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L f.4 -2/3 exposure compensation, 1/640 and ISO 320).
BAE Systems PC-9 (ZK119) named 'Percy' in September 2010. (DSLR x1.6 sensor + Canon EF 300mm f2.8L at 1/320 f.8 -2/3 exposure compensation and ISO 200).
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Left to right: Robinson R-44s (G-HWKS and G-MISK). They appear to be flying low up a flowed valley used by the RAF.
Northumbrian Police Authority BN-2B-20 Islander (G-NESU) known as the 'North East Air Support Unit' in 2005.
Bulldog T.1 (XX695 registered G-CBBT) in the Lake District in 2006.
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Bolkow Bo-105 (G-NAAA) operated by the Wales Air Ambulance having just recovered a person and taking him to a hospital in May 2008.
Bo-105 (G-WAAS) of the Wales Air Ambulance Service responding to a bad car crash just below us in July 2009.
Eurocopter EC135T2 plus (G-WASS) callsign 'Helimed 61' of Wales Air Ambulance in February 2015.

Ridge running gliders At the right location in the right weather conditions glider pilots will use the terrain to gain height and so provide great opportunities to photograph them.
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Left to right: Ridge running in a 25 knot westerly with ASK 21 Glider (G-CJGJ BGA4500).

Motorway road sign warning drivers that they are approaching a low-flying area through the Lune Gorge for eight miles, otherwise known to low-level flying photographers as the M6 pass.
Things to consider before venturing out:
Check the weather, If the bases are not flying then the hills will be quiet.
The weather forecast should always be studied, if there is low cloud in the valleys then low-level operations will be affected. The Met Office provides excellent up to date and detailed weather forecasts on the Internet.

Road sign close to Everleigh Drop Zone within the Salisbury Plain Training Area.
Consult NOTAMs on occasions.
Use Street Map to find a location map in UK for an exercise location. Convert e.g. 5201N 0409W in NOTAM as; OS grid enter as x, y N52.01,W04.09. Click minus (-) at bottom right of map for OS map.
Your valley may be closed to low-flying for all or part of the day for all sorts of other reasons. Military exercises or public events can result in a 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) being raised to prevent pilots from over-flying an area. NOTAMs and temporary Avoidance Areas ('Avoids') have been issued for all sorts of reasons, including; sheep dog trials, local low-level helicopter activity and religious festivals. August can be quiet as squadrons take their annual leave.

Other websites which may be of interest is the Ministry of Defence (MOD) site which has pages dedicated to low-flying and exercises.
Wrap up warm, on the hills the weather is colder than you would expect if you are standing still all day you want to be comfortable. The weather can change very quickly.
Take walking boots and a mobile phone etc. Ordnance Survey Maps and Countryside Right of Way Act (CROW) for Countryside Access maps for England and Wales.
Use an Ordnance Survey map to make sure you stick to the public paths. Local farmers will be easily upset if you make a nuisance ofyourself on his land.
Bing Maps is also useful for finding a location by grid ref or post code. Respect the countryside, do not leave litter or leave any farmer's gates open.
Be prepared to wait and wait, the first flight can be at 08:30 or even not until mid-day, if at all.
You will need typically a 300mm lens or longer for full-frame shots.
Good luck, it can be very rewarding.