Capturing the Eclipse: Pilots and Photographers Team Up for a Spectacular Aerial Feat

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Photo Shoot of the Solar Eclipse Over Sulphur Springs, Texas

On April 8, 2024, a rare and spectacular event took place in the skies above Sulphur Springs, Texas. Two skilled pilots, Kevin Coleman and Pete McLeod, teamed up with photographers Dustin Snipes and Mason Mashton to capture what they described as a "once-in-a-lifetime" series of photos during the last solar eclipse visible in North America for the next two decades. The result was a breathtaking intersection of celestial and human ingenuity, executed with precision and daring.

The challenge was formidable: to capture both planes, the eclipsing sun, and the moon within a single frame. To achieve this, the pilots had to fly in an exceptionally tight formation, maintaining a separation of just four feet at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The entire maneuver had to be perfectly timed to coincide with the four-minute window of totality when the moon fully obscured the sun.
Meticulous Planning and Execution

The preparation for this shoot involved "endless hours" of coordination. Photographers Snipes and Mashton meticulously planned every detail, from the lighting conditions and plane formations to the exact positioning needed to make the most of the eclipse's brief totality phase. On the ground, Red Bull Air Force team member Luke Aikins relayed precise instructions from the photographers to the pilots, ensuring the alignment was flawless.

To enhance visibility against the darkened sky cast by the eclipse, the planes' wings were wrapped in a reflective material. This not only highlighted the aircraft in the dim light but also added a dramatic flair to the images captured.

Overcoming the Challenges

"The normal challenges of aerial photography were compounded exponentially by the eclipse's darkness and the need for perfect alignment with the celestial bodies," explained Kevin Coleman. At speeds of 180 mph, the timing had to be exact, with no room for error. Despite these challenges, the team managed three successful passes over the photographers during the totality phase.

Dustin Snipes, one of the photographers, shared his excitement about overcoming the technical difficulties: "Solving these 'impossible shots' with our team and creating something that no one has seen before was thrilling. To get the planes, the sun, the moon, and the lights all within one exposure was an extreme challenge, one I haven’t faced yet."

Mason Mashton added, "This is one of the hardest photos I've ever tried to capture. There are known settings to capture an eclipse, but adjusting everything to scale the planes perfectly with the eclipse during totality was a totally different game."

Celebrating Precision and Teamwork

This project was not just about capturing a moment but also about pushing the boundaries of what's possible with teamwork and precise execution. Pete McLeod reflected on the experience, saying, "Unlike the high adrenaline and aerobatics I'm used to, this project was all about exact precision and planning. It’s all about teamwork to make this happen, and it’s been incredible to be a part of."

The successful execution of this ambitious project not only celebrated a rare celestial event but also showcased the incredible possibilities when human creativity and technology come together under challenging conditions.

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Vertical Bar Media

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Source: PetaPixel

Photo Credit: Dustin Snipes and Mason Mashon, Red Bull

Social Media Hashtags: #Eclipse2024 #AerialPhotography #CreativeShooting #TeamworkInAction #PhotographyChallenge