I had it all figured out for the Wings Over Camarillo airshow last weekend. Properly programming the camera was key to capture very fast flying airplanes. Furthermore, I even went deep into the bowels of my Canon 7D-MKII's menu system where adjustments reside.

For example, I can choose: Case 1; Versatile multi-purpose setting. Case 2; Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles. Or Case 3; Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points. Or Case 4; For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly. Last, Case 5; For erratic subjects moving quickly in any direction. Decisions, decisions! Also, within each “Case”... adjustments to tweak each focus mode.

My dilemma: What focus 'Case' to use considering not all planes fly at the same speeds and sometimes more than one plane enters my camera's viewing frame.

Showtime was noon but I arrived early about 9 am both days to both secure a prime parking space and to have time to shoot some ground displays. For these, I used Case 1. Having a 'media' clearance for the show, I was near the air boss stand on the taxiway. Prime area. On the flight line I opted to 'try' “Case 3” for the first time. Worked fine for single planes. But when multiple planes were in the air the camera/lens focus points confused me at the outset. Another learning curve. Eventually I got the hang of it. More troublesome though than photoing mermaids frolicking on sea buoys.

At first glance, this might sound troublesome. Woe is thou without challenges! The options are what makes photography a creative process to be savored. Furthermore, such decision making keeps a mind strong and flexible. Phonetographers... take note!

I arrived at the airport Sunday morning about 9:30 and headed for the Ninety-nines pancake breakfast: FYI, two pancakes and two sausages. After a few more ground display shots, I was ready for the show at noon. However, for Sunday I decided to switch back to Case 1 but also changed from “single shot” mode to 'servo focus'. Both days I used Tv (shutter priority) camera mode.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) restored old war planes of yesteryear are interesting historical machines. Watching these fascinating planes fly is exciting. Photoing the air show... nirvana! Even with prevailing 'creative' challenges.

Now a word about the photo of the day. Each day a jumper with the U.S. Flag started the airshow. This photo was shot on Sunday. Notice the jumper, the flag and background are in focus. Check the photo data: Shutter speed: 1/100th/second. No need for a faster shutter speed for the descending jumper. Then ZOOM... the very fast P-51 Mustang entered the frame (composition) at the precise moment I pushed the shutter button. BOOM: Exquisite blur! How else would you know the Mustang was flying V__E__R__Y fast??? 'Fine Art' photojournalism like this takes meticulous planning. And incredible timing! Or did you think it was simply a mistake?

Truth be told, it was serendipity! I knew that I wanted to take the shot just before the jumper and flag hit the ground. Shutter speed of 1/100th second was preset for taxiing plane's propeller spin and fine for the flag shot. The day before, the Mustang flew by fairly high so I expected the same on Sunday. It wasn't.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the Mustang coming in very fast and much lower. No time to change the shutter speed. It was literally split-second timing. Had I expected the plane to fly by lower, I might have preset a higher shutter speed to capture the plane normally... without blur. BUT, would it be as interesting? Or as 'creative'?

Moral of the experience: Embrace serendipity!

Send your comments, questions or suggestions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com

[Editor's Note: click here to see all of Bob's air show photos: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/%E2%80%9Cwings-over-camarillo%E2%80%9D-air-show-1]