By Tyson Rininger

Chances are you've seen their photos, purchased their calendars and admired their ads. Many of the world's greatest aviation photographers gathered in Las Vegas, NV last weekend for the 4th annual International Symposium of Aviation Photography (ISAP). Their goal, to share the knowledge and experiences their career has provided them.

More than 150 photographers from around the world attended the three day symposium aimed at teaching better business practices, learning a digital photography workflow and maximizing the quality of images offered through the digital medium. Speakers who shared their knowledge included Paul Bowen, George Hall, Katsuhiko Tokunaga, EAA's Bruce Moore and Jim Koepnick as well as representatives from Nikon and Canon and many others.

Although the speakers were extremely impressive and informative, very little could compare to the organized trip out to Nellis AFB. Symposium members were treated to a rare glimpse of the Foreign Technologies Threat Training Facility which houses a Mig-29, Mig-17, SU-7, Mi-24, Mi-14 and just about every type of foreign ground threat imaginable. Base Commander, Maj. Gen. Stephen Wood was kind enough to lay out three F/A-22 Raptors from the Operational Test Squadron as well as enable the photographers to practice their 'long' shooting as the USAF Thunderbirds held their Pre-Acceptance Show.

By far the most exciting opportunity for the ISAP members was being placed in the middle of the two Nellis runways for a 70+ aircraft departure during the largest Red Flag exercise of the year. Screaming down the runway only feet away were F-15's and F-16's from across the nation as well as some UK Tornado's, Spanish F-16's and F-18's along with US Navy EA-6B's.

Even art directors from various aviation magazines were able to get in on the action witnessing photographers sprint from one runway to the other with all their gear. The tower officials must have been having a blast playing their cruel joke as these little ants down below would scurry from side to side pending the choice of runway. Of course, the photographers didn't fare too poorly as they were able to chat with potential future clients willing to publish their work.

Next time you see a great aviation photo, check out the credit line… it may be someone you know!

Special thanks to Jay Miller, Chad Slattery and Denny Lombard for all their hard work as well as Maj. Gen. Stephen Wood, Lt. Amy Render, SSgt. Shane Sharp and Mr. Mike Estrada from the military side of things.

FMI: www.tvrphotography.com