Al's Photography Blog

Al's Photography Blog
Pikes Peak As Seen From Our House

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Skywatch Friday - Thunderbirds

First I'd like to answer a couple of questions from my last post's comments, about the inflatable building. Kaori, the air pressure within the building isn't high enough to make a difference in the game. However, our altitude does. The air pressure here is about three-quarters that of sea level, and that means that golf balls travel further and tennis balls behave differently. Carolyn, I've never heard of one of these buildings rupturing, but I wouldn't want to be inside it during one of our big thunderstorms with large hail. My son thinks that this type of building is no different to play in than any other indoor tennis court.

Now, on to the Skywatch Friday post. I was at the Air Force Academy yesterday for graduation (congratulations to the cadet we sponsor), and thought some pictures I took of the Thunderbirds would make a good post. I was certainly looking skyward when I took these photographs - the first one was hard to get as the planes were passing each other going in opposite directions at very high speed!

Whether they're passing each other up close at high speeds...
... or overtaking while one plane is upside down...
...or simply flying in close formation...
...these pilots are spectacular. Here's to the United State Air Force Thunderbirds Team.
And congratulations to the United States Air Force Academy class of 2010!

30 comments:

  1. Fantastic captures, Al! It's always breathtaking to watch these guys perform and you caught all of the excitement! Terrific shots for the day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  2. Whoa! These are awesome — both your shots and the pilots!

    Hubby dear is looking over my shoulder, and I think you can guess what he said about the second photo. :)

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  3. What awesome shots!

    When I lived in Colorado Springs our balcony overlooked the Air Force Base (some distance away) and we used to sit outside during the air shows and enjoy. Didn't have a camera back then, though, so all I have are wonderful memories.

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  4. Wow! fascinating and truly awesome.
    Great captures!
    Congrats and cheers to the graduates.
    Happy weekend ahead.

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  5. Ecellent captures...congrats

    http://graceolsson.com/blog/2010/05/search-by-cora-coralina-at-sky-friday/

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  6. Good captures here, not an easy subject!.... Thanks for sharing..

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  7. Stunning shots. As someone with four generations of pilots in the family these take my breath away. I can only imagine what my grandfather (who flew with Billy Mitchell in the cap and goggles days) would say...

    -----------------
    I've entered a major international photo competition (details are on my blog) and would be most grateful if you'd click through and rate my portfolio (just click on the stars at the bottom (preferably the 5th star - "fantastic" - LOL), easy peasy, no registration or personal details needed). Thanks so much!

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  8. Those are amazing - not sure what I'm most impressed with - you managing to catch them of the skill of the pilots. Lokks like a good day xo

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  9. I can't believe how perfect they fly & they make it look so easy, but I know it's anything but!

    Happy SWF!

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  10. Cool shots Al. I never miss an airshow, if one comes to our city. Have a great day

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  11. The Thunderbirds are amazing to watch in person...but I haven't seen them for years! GREAT photos.

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  12. Wow!!
    Wow!!
    Wow!!
    awesome sky shots :-)

    (@^.^@)

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  13. fabulous coverage. i hope i have a sophisticated camera to capture action shots like this.

    enjoy the rest of the week.

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  14. A deep bow in respect of the photography and of course of its content.
    Please have a wonderful Friday.

    daily athens

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  15. (≧∇≦)ъ COOL!

    Thank you for sharing amazing shots.

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  16. Great post for SWF! Those shows always scare me but are certain;y incredible to see!

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  17. Wow, I like these! What fun it is to get these shots...I bet you neck was aching by the end of the show! Beautiful captures and worth any pain, I am sure.

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  18. Great action photography.
    Wow!.. that 2nd pic - really close for comfort.

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  19. What a thrill! You managed to get some fantastic shots! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  20. WOW! What fabulous captures!

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  21. They did it bravely and you captured it wonderfully! Thanks for sharing these amazing captures!

    Pixellicious Photos

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  22. This is an amazing team and so are your great photos.

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  23. Help, my heart stopped when I looked at your second photo.

    My respects for your memorial day.

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