Better Than a Bird’s Eye Perspective, the California Capital Airshow Photo TourBy Bruce Boehm

The past twelve months have been an exciting time for photographers from around the world as they experienced thrills and history with the California Capital Airshow (CCA), presented by Sacramento County. In October of last year, more than 40 people from around the globe took part in a behind-the-scenes photography experience to witness a rare Royal Cana-dian Air Force Snowbirds U.S. appearance. In addition to the breathtaking performances by the Snowbirds, photographers were wowed with the Patriots Jet Team, the Bremont Horsemen’s P-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabres, Alpha Jets, world-class aerobatics, the Berlin Airlift Tribute and warbirds galore. CCA’s international Photo Tour provided runway access to arriving aircraft, early morning, late evening photo shoots and unique runway positioning that is only granted to Photo Tour participants.

ISAP member Matt Booty attended his first CCA in 2013 and commented, “The CCA Photo Tour was very well run, down to the last detail and the organizers repeatedly went out of their way to be helpful and accommodating. We had excellent access to the aircraft, ideal shooting locations and it was a really good opportunity to meet new people. Highly recom-mended and I’ll be back this year!”

In June, the tradition of unparalleled photography experiences continued when the Commemorative Air Force Air Power History Tour landed in Sacramento with FIFI, the world’s only flying B-29 Superfortress, along with a variety of warbirds and vintage aircraft. The Airshow was once again proud to host the first exclusive Photo Tour of FIFI - and she was definitely ready for her close-ups! What a site to behold. Photographers from across the western United States arrived at Sacramento County’s Mather Airport to experience the beauty that the majestic early morning California sun provides as a backdrop for such an amazing aircraft and piece of history. Once the interior tour began, photographers were given access to photograph from the tail gunners seat as well as the wooden seat of the top gunner providing a truly unique perspective. A few braved the trip from the rear of the aircraft to the front via the tube above the bomb bay gathering yet another unique vantage point for images. Throughout the rest of the day you could see the excitement of the participants as their fantastic and unforgettable images were proudly posted and shared across the globe through social media and websites.

While the California Capital Airshow and its hosts look forward to offering even more photography opportunities, their current sights are set on the 2014 Airshow this September. Photographers from around the world can look forward to military and civilian jet performances, world-class aerobatics, parachute demonstrations, pyrotechnics, vintage aircraft as well as great entertainment, music, food and exhibits along the ramp…and, of course, so much more! The USAF Heritage Flight, an emotional and patriotic tribute designed to honor veterans of all generations, offers the opportunity to see a formation flight of warbirds and the F-22 Raptor representing the past and the present. In addition, U.S Marine Corps will highlight the thrilling AV-8B Harrier with its unique vertical takeoffs and landings; the Patriots Jet Team will offer spine-tingling excitement for fans and photographers alike with their electrifying six-ship performance.

The California Capital Airshow is pleased to offer International Society of Aviation Photography members an exclusive opportunity. This awesome program is ideal for photographers, granting unbelievable access to Airshow grounds, aircraft and entertainment – not available to the public. Photo Tour benefits include: a seminar given by a well-known aviation photographer with the latest hints, tricks, and tools of the trade used by professionals; unprecedented locations for aircraft arrival day performance rehearsal day and the public show days morning and evening access to aircraft, before and after the general public for both days of the show; pin-up model session on Friday afternoon; exclusive opportunity on Saturday for evening and night photos; and includes admission and VIP parking, lunch and refreshments. Space is limited! Register today to take advantage of the special 2014 California Capital Airshow Photo Tour pricing offered to International Society of Aviation Photography members.

Tyson Rininger

Matt Booty

Mark E. Loper

Keith Breazeal