Blue Angels Over Mount Rushmore: Sony a7riii
Written and Photographed by Benjamin Huseman
Artist
My name is Benjamin Huseman. I'm a photographer based in Commerce City, CO. To see more of my work, feel free to visit my Website, Facebook Page, or Instagram!
Blue Angels Over Mount Rushmore
Much was said over the decision to have fireworks over Mount Rushmore for this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Regardless of how you felt about the event or the political undertones that accompanied it, the chance to photograph fireworks over the iconic landmark was something that could not be missed. A fair amount of research went into planning my trip for the event. The tickets to go to the actual memorial were scarce and a lottery process was used to determine who would get them. Following my research, I concluded that applying for the tickets was not the best approach for the photos that I wanted to capture. During my previous journeys to see the memorial I always appreciated the views seen from the adjacent hills more than those up close. Thus, the planning that was put into the trip focused on getting up in the mountains surrounding the memorial and shooting it from a distance. Taking this approach would provide a better vantage point that would translate into better photos.
Leaving from Denver at 5 am to make the journey to South Dakota ensured that a good location with the right vantage point would be available. Rounding the corners on Iron Mountain Road presented crowds of people gathering to watch the festivities several hours before they were set to begin. Pulling into the Peter Nordbeck Overlook was both a challenge and a disappointment as it was already overflowing. Fortunately, a second trip around the parking lot proved fruitful as a vehicle began to pull out, leaving a parking space available. The throngs of spectators were growing by the minute with music playing, conversations starting up, and an overall festive vibe. I was able to find a fairly level spot on the hillside that provided clear views of the monument and set my tripod. Because of the distance, I mounted the Sony 200-600mm lens to my A7RIII and attached it to the tripod.
As the sun began to set the sky erupted in a beautiful orange glow. Activity near the monument began to pick up as Air Force One flew overhead, followed by a trio of helicopters, to include Marine One. Shortly after Marine One touched down at the monument, the famed Blue Angels came roaring over the monument and the crowds gather on the hillside with me. With the 200-600mm lens zoomed in on the faces of the monument and the camera blazing away with continuous high speed shooting this image was captured. The bright evening sunlight dominated the camera’s metering system and the foreground was dark when viewed on the camera’s monitor and in the electronic viewfinder. The incredible dynamic range of the Sony sensor allowed those shadows to be lifted and extract details out of the face of the mountain. Thankfully, that bright sky also allowed for a faster shutter speed that was able to freeze the action of the planes racing overhead.
The keys to making this photo successful were in the planning of the shot. Knowing that the right place to be would be an adjacent hillside, and not under the monument looking up. Arriving early enough to scope out and secure a good location to set up for the photos. Having the right equipment, to include a quality gimbal head that allowed for fast movements. Testing the set up periodically to ensure the settings were right for the conditions, especially with the rapidly changing lighting. Altogether, these efforts resulted in a “once in a lifetime shot”. The next time you are heading out to take photos, do your research ahead of time. A few minutes on the front end can pay dividends on the back end.
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