EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023: The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest and most comprehensive aviation event, held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event attracts over 600,000 visitors and features over 10,000 aircraft, including everything from homebuilt planes to vintage warbirds to the latest commercial jets.

AirVenture Oshkosh is more than just a fly-in convention. It’s a celebration of all things aviation, with something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the world-class air show, explore the massive aircraft displays, learn about aviation history and technology, and meet pilots and other aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.

Highlights from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

• The daily air show featured a wide variety of performances, including precision aerobatics, military flyovers, and vintage warbird demonstrations.
• The night air show which is two nights a week with fireworks.
• The aircraft displays included everything from homebuilt planes to vintage warbirds to the latest commercial jets. Visitors could get up close and personal with the aircraft, and even talk to some of the pilots and owners.
• The aviation education forums and workshops offered visitors the chance to learn about aviation history,technology, and safety.
• The social events and activities provided opportunities for visitors to meet and mingle with other aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.

Why You Should Attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a must-attend event for anyone who loves aviation. It’s a chance to see some of the most amazing aircraft in the world, meet pilots and other aviation enthusiasts from all over the world, and learn about aviation history and technology.

Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to watch airplanes, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has something for you. It’s an event that you won’t want to miss.

Tips for Attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

• Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the gate.
• Arrive early each day to get the most out of the event.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay hydrated.
• Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
• Plan your day ahead of time so that you can see everything that you want to see.
• Be sure to check out the air show schedule so that you don’t miss any of the action.
• Most importantly, have fun! EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a truly unique and unforgettable experience

Many spectators want to be able to capture the action of the airshow. The settings below will get you started in the right direction to capture stunning photos and remember the event for a lifetime.

Camera settings

• Shooting mode: Use shutter priority mode (Tv) and set a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. For propeller planes, start with a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second and adjust from there. For jet planes, you’ll need a faster shutter speed, closer to 1/1000th of a second.
• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/5.6) to blur the background and make the subject stand out. However,be careful not to set your aperture too wide, as this can make it difficult to get the entire plane in focus.
• ISO: Use the lowest ISO setting possible to avoid noise in your images. However, if you’re shooting in low light,you may need to increase your ISO.
• Autofocus: Set your autofocus to continuous mode and select a single focus point. This will help your camera to track the moving plane and keep it in focus.

Lens selection

• Focal length: A zoom lens is ideal for air show photography, as it allows you to frame your shots from a variety of distances. A lens with a focal length range of 70-300mm or 100-400mm is a good option.
• Image stabilization: Image stabilization is essential for air show photography, as it will help to reduce blur caused by camera shake. All Sony cameras have built-in image stabilization, but many Sony lenses also have image stabilization. If possible, use a lens with optical image stabilization for the best results.

Composition

• Use leading lines: Leading lines are lines in your image that draw the viewer’s eye to the subject. In air show photography, leading lines can be created by runways, taxiways, or even the contrails of jet planes.
• Fill the frame: Don’t be afraid to fill the frame with your subject. This will help to create a more dramatic and impactful image.
• Use a variety of angles: Experiment with different angles to get unique and interesting shots. Try shooting from below the plane, from the side, or even from behind the plane.

Other tips

• Shoot in RAW format: Shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility when editing your images later.
• Use a tripod: If possible, use a tripod to keep your camera steady. This will help to reduce blur and ensure that your images are sharp.
• Be patient: The best air show photos are often the result of patience and perseverance. Don’t be afraid to wait for the perfect shot.

Sony cameras and lenses recommended for air show photography

• Cameras: Sony Alpha a1, Sony Alpha a9 II, Sony Alpha a7 IV, Sony Alpha a7S III, Sony A7R5 (used in these pictures)
• Lenses: Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS, Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS