Thundering fighter jets to graceful parachute ballets, the Abbotsford International Airshow has it all.

From August 12 to 14 2016, I was fortunate to be selected as one of the photographers with access to the Panasonic Photo Pit, that was positioned right beside the flight line, and to restricted aircraft staging areas. 

At an event like this the challenge is to not be overwhelmed by action and colour.  Some photographers may have success with "spray and pray", capturing everything that comes in front of their lens. My approach was to keep reminding myself that I still needed to create images that told a story, had drama and composition, and that could stand on their own as photographs outside the context of an airshow.

Each photographer was asked to upload ten digital files before the airshow wrapped up. While the photographers were free to select their favourite images, they did need to portray certain themes set out by the event organizers such as in-the-air shots; crowds; and static displays.

USA Today in 2013 called the Abbotsford Airshow one of the ten best airshows in the world. During the past five decades it has distinguished itself as an event focused on aviation excellence and advancement, and on community participation.

The sponsors of the photographer's event was the Abbotsford Airshow itself plus Black Press Community News Media and London Drugs. Staff from Black Press handled logistics and representatives from both Panasonic and London Drugs were on hand with a range of gear for the photographers to try.

posted by Ted Nodwell