Introducing Staff, Stringers, Videographers, And People Who Make It All Work

Anyone who's ever been to Oshkosh knows that there are hundreds of events and activities as well as tens of thousands of people that descend (some quite literally) on Wittman Regional Airport in mid-summer. While we have a very hard-working and dedicated staff, ANN could not provide you with the extensive information we do without the help of some equally ... some might say more ... dedicated volunteers who give a week of their time to make sure you have the best possible coverage of the show. As we lead up to this year's edition of AirVenture, we'll be introducing you to the people that make all of that possible.

Eric Van Gilder: Photographer

Eric Van Gilder found a passion for photography at a young age. Growing up near Dayton Ohio, he soon discovered a passion for aviation. Being able to find two passions, and to put them together has been "a dream come true," he says.

Eric has used a wide array of different cameras over the years that have helped him sharpen his eye. From his Polaroid beginnings to his digital SLR present, he has progressed his knowledge and skill with each new camera.

Eric has published articles and photographs in a number of different publications in the last 10 years from Atlantic Flyer to Men’s Journal. He contributed many photographs to a children’s book published in the UK. He has also published three books.

Eric has volunteered at aviation museums and venues, providing photographic services, article for newsletters, advertising design layouts and assistance with public relations. He has also given lectures on various aviation subjects. Eric’s credo is “You make the memories, we capture and preserve them.” 

“I may or may not know, when I press the shutter, if I am capturing something that will be very special to the subject.” says Eric. He feels he has done his job when his photograph triggers a memory or sparks an emotion.  

Eric’s recent projects have included photographing vintage aircraft air-to-air, and photo and text editing for an upcoming book on the tenth anniversary of the X Prize.

In addition to using cameras to take photographs, Eric also collects vintage cameras and photography equipment. He lives in Southern California with his wife and 2 children.

FMI: www.vg-photo.com, www.aero-news.net