With only 3 flying P-63s in the world, I was thrilled to be invited to shoot an airplane that in my eyes has one of the sexiest figures of any World War II aircraft.  Everybody has photographed the Mustangs, Lightnings, Corsairs, B-25s, etc. etc., so I knew that I had to create imagery that would fortify my opinion that the P-63 is of similar standing to the P-51, and P-38 in terms of aesthetic beauty.

We had interesting lighting on the day of the shoot, and typical to Northern California fall weather shifts, it was warm and sunny in Sacramento, but, cool with low clouds, mixed with mid-level clouds in the Santa Rosa area.  This created an interesting semi-contrasty look, and I was happy it wasn’t the typical sunny sunset shot.  In aviation photography I find it quite boring to have a blue sky background, and often try to organize my shoots around more dramatic and different meteorological conditions. Just like any form of photography, the ability of the photographer to control the light in the manner in which he or she finds to be the most flattering on the subject is often what defines the success of a shot or even a whole shoot.  Being flexible, and having key talent to assist in placing the photoship, and the subject aircraft in the right position are the keys to placing the light just where you want it.  Directing each aircraft is where the real dance comes in. It’s almost like a finely tuned dance with the sun and airplanes- Powerful aircraft with fluid motion reminiscent of the Tango.

I hope you enjoy some sample images from this very unique opportunity.  Also, please enjoy the short video we produced.

Special thanks to Will Whiteside and his exemplary flying skills for helping make this shoot a success!

JP

P-63 in flight