Flying for the Perfect Shot

Lauren Clevenger: I’m a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force and aerial photographer for the Thunderbirds, an air demonstration squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets that perform for audiences around the world. My job includes going out on “photo chases” and shooting photographs from the cockpit of a piloted jet. I do this while flying at speeds that range from 500 to 600 miles per hour. My jet is frequently inverted, so I’m often shooting at those speeds while upside down.

LC: Dealing with strong G-forces, the acceleration forces put on the body while flying, is a challenge. Our jets pull multiple G’s, so if we pull 6 G’s, for example, my body weight is six times heavier than on the ground. My camera weight increases too—it can weigh 25 pounds or more! It’s definitely a workout keeping my camera stabilized while flying and doing flips, but it’s fun. I do have to take precautions though because pulling G’s causes your blood to pool down around your feet, which increases the risk of losing consciousness. I wear a G suit with inflatable bladders, kind of like balloons, that blow up around my legs to keep the blood in my upper body so I don’t pass out.

LC: Yes, I can’t really move my elbows, because I could unintentionally hit the aircraft’s stick and throttle. The stick is very sensitive and controls the climbs, dives, and turns of the plane. If I hit it, I risk an unintended movement of the aircraft. Every aerial photographer receives training on how to operate safely in tight spaces. We learn proper seat positioning, harness adjustment, and how to be mindful of our body movements.

LC: Yes, before every flight, I study the route, lighting angles, and terrain so I can visualize the best compositions for my photographs. I also review images taken by previous photographers and brainstorm ideas for my own approach. Adjusting the altitude or even changing the formation position of the jets in the air can make a big difference. On shoot day, I pay close attention to depth and texture. I look for vapor trails decorating the sky and how sunlight hits the jets at different angles. I’m able to direct my pilot’s maneuvers during shoots so I can capture photographs exactly the way I am visualizing them.

LC: No, we also do a lot of behind-the-scenes shoots and community outreach events. We coordinate the story of our mission, which is to recruit, retain, and inspire.

LC: Aerial photographers for the Thunderbirds enlist and train as public affairs professionals with a specialty in photojournalism and aviation documentation. Your portfolio must showcase creativity and technical proficiency. There are also health and fitness evaluations to pass and military training to complete, including basic training, water survival, and emergency parachute training.