PT-17 Stearman captured by D3x / 70-200f2.8
The PT-17 Stearman is a staple of America’s aviation. It was a primary trainer (PT) for thousands upon thousands of WWII pilots. After the war, it was the main aircraft modified and used for decades as a crop duster. You could find the PT-17 on hundreds of bases across the us during WWII, and the majority had subtle changes in the paint scheme. This would have been added to the basic color scheme for the service. It’s been thirteen years since I’ve flown with basic Navy scheme. That will hopefully change in a couple of weeks.
What have I learned over that time to bring to the next A2A? One biggie is light, highnoon on a basically bald sky days just doesn’t work. Next, have the pilot look the part of a WWII trainie as much as possible. Then there is the position of the PT-17 to me, we can do better. Lastly, that this is the real biggie, bringing romance to the story. So I’m planning now for the shoot in two weeks, thinking these things all through. The background and best time of day for that background and the PT-17. Making sure we have helmet and goggles, perhaps a scarf. The pad of paper is filling up as ideas come to mind. Time to plan!