Hi All,

I would like to bring some of my background in the Historical Aircraft Busn. to the group. I know allot of Models and photographers like to do Pinup/Photo shots using Aircraft.

With that in mind please allow me to give you some advice in doing this.

Let start with Aircraft that are on display at Museums.

First thing the person who is setting up the shot I highley suggest you go and visit the musuem talk with the director check out the aircraft take test shot of the aircraft. In the past I have seen many photographers hsow up and not have a clue about the aircraft they plan on using.

Next if you plan on shooting any aircraft that or on loan to the Museum from any Branch of the US Military both the Model and Photogrpaher need to credit the Branch Ie Aircraft owned by the US Navy. The DoD do take Copyright stuff seriouly I kow of at least two museum that have got in trouble because they let models and photographers shot one of their planes and then used it in a calander.

Now for some actual shot advice,

For the models please bring some sort of soft cover shoe's like hospital slippers while you are walking on the skin of the aircraft, high heels tend to scratch and leave dents in the skin.

If you are going to use fabric covered aircraft be very carefull were you step and hold on.

One item I would like to point out is before you start the shot around the aircraft walk around it with the owner/musuem director to find out about any areas not to touch and check for grease and oil on areas you plan on having the model either stand/lean or sit on. I've seen it way to many times that a model is ask to stand next to the cowling of a aircrat and come away with oil/grease/grime on her/him.

I would like to let everyone know that I'm in the process of starting a Busn. that will help folks setup photo shots with Aircraft. Right now it will only be based on the east Coast but I do have contacts thru out the USA and some folks in England and Canada.

If you have any question feel free to ask me either here or via pm. As for my background I've been involved with the Warbird/Vintage Aircraft Busn. for 40 years and have own three WWII era aircraft and presently work in the restoration side of the Busn.