Under the usual heavy cloud of responsibility, I found myself searching for something enjoyable to do. As an experienced human being, I realize enjoying myself is, in fact, one of my responsibilities.
Photography, in recent years, has developed into one of my passions so I came across the Barnstorming Carnival being held at the Springfield Beckley Airport in Ohio. Having some experience taking photos of aircraft at the Allen County Airport, it seemed like the place to be. As a bonus, a car cruise-in was included on the schedule. This was especially fortunate because a friend and co-worker had been encouraging me to photograph car meets.
It was a cloudy Saturday morning with a high chance of rain as my gear was being loaded. With little experience shooting in the rain and no protection for the camera, a slightly longer route was necessary to visit one of the few camera stores still operating in the Dayton area. The two camera stores near me in Lima, Ohio went out of business years ago.
After picking up a rain jacket for my camera, I arrived at the airport around 2:00pm. With the smell of fresh barbecue on the grill and the sound of the announcer explaining facts about barnstorming, I was ready to get to work.
Although fortunate to have taken a few photographs that have turned out well, I am not what you would call a great photographer. Knowing this, I tend to take creative risks in order to try to come up with something unique. One of the tricks in my camera bag is a 1980’s stereo adapter for taking 3D photos. It’s a bit bulky and tricky to use, but it allows the opportunity to capture life viewable in a distinctly different way. This would be my choice for the beginning of my adventure.
The threat of rain had kept attendance low in both the number of planes on display and the number of visitors. Fortunately, the air was quite still under the thick cloud cover and the biplanes offering rides were active. One of my first shots was of a gorgeous 1930 D-25 New Standard biplane flying directly above me.
With an ear and eye open for flight activity, I made my way among the planes on display trying to get shots that made sense for 3D viewing.
Catching aircraft in motion is an irresistible joy so whenever the opportunity arose, I would get close to the taxiway for a clear view. That is when I spotted a couple guys in high visibility vests photographing these wonderful planes from angles that made my skin tingle with envy. By the way they moved expertly around the active aircraft, it was evident they were experienced in capturing shots I have only dreamed of. My shots would be as clever as possible, but would not match the dramatic potential of what I was witnessing.
Occasionally, the opportunity would arise to chat with owners and pilots of the aircraft on display. Bob, with his Pietenpol open cockpit plane had pitched his tent because his original plans didn’t work out. He let me know the discomfort of flying long distances in his plane but also assured me of the life-changing experience found when flying in an open cockpit plane.
Lynn, who knew what I was up to with my stereo setup, had piloted her immaculate 1957 Cessna 172 to display at the event. She was helpful with her knowledge of the Barnstorming Carnival and of many types of aircraft displayed.
Somewhere along the way, when positioned near the taxiway, a yellow-vested photographer initiated a conversation regarding the 3D setup I was using. This evolved into a meaningful photographer to photographer exchange of information and thoughts. Pausing from time to time to capture a flight departure or arrival, the conversation continued. For me, this was both refreshing and unusual because I am not known for conversation. I don’t believe we introduced ourselves . . . we were just two guys with common interests. Eventually, the conversation waned and we went separately on about our business. As I walked away, I wondered why I hadn’t asked about his connections for close access to the air traffic.
As the day went on, I switched from the 3D attachment to a 50mm prime to get some traditional shots of planes on the ground.
I soon noticed The Standard had provided its last biplane ride of the day and was at rest. After taking a couple shots from afar I was invited by Dewey Davenport, originator of the Barnstorming Carnival, to get close to the plane for my photos.
Someday I hope to know Dewey. After witnessing him talking with many of the event staff and attendees . . . and seeing many T-shirts proudly displaying “I know Dewey” . . . I feel that goal is within my grasp.
As the sun slowly began its clouded descent toward the horizon, I continued my rounds with the 50mm prime. For a brief moment, some brilliant rays found a small opening.
By now, the scheduled events were finished for the day and I seemed to be the last visitor hanging around. Event staff were pretty much finished with their duties and I heard talk of dinner plans among them. There were a few planes flying nearby so I switched to my 70-200mm telephoto lens to get a few more shots in.
During another brief chat with the photographer mentioned before, he said he was a member of a group of aircraft enthusiasts that travels around taking photos. Someone called him ‘Richard’ and invited him to go up in a 1954 Bucker-Jungmann biplane. Prior to that, I overheard some talk of an air-to-air photo opportunity. Now all the pieces fit and I understood Richard’s connection to the event which gave him access to these fantastic photo opportunities.
Besides the Bucker-Jungmann, I was able to capture a couple other planes in flight.
Then, for the first time since I arrived, the sky was quiet.
I hung around a while longer after the Bucker had been put away for the evening, waiting for a chance for a low-light photo challenge that didn’t come.
Realizing my stomach was empty, I started toward my vehicle while glancing around at the planes on the ground. I was surprised to spot Bob emerging from his tent because I assumed he was at dinner with others. Somehow he was left behind and hadn’t eaten yet so I offered a ride to a restaurant. “If you’re drivin’, I’m buyin’!”, he said. We enjoyed a meal, then I dropped him off at the airport.
I found a motel a short drive away, stayed up way too late going through some photos, showered and got some sleep.
Many people I talked to on Saturday told me Sunday was looking to be a much busier day at the Barnstorming Carnival. The weather outlook was great and there would be a large turnout. They were right. I arrived mid-morning in time to catch the pancake breakfast, (donations appreciated), at the Springfield Beckley Airport. The food vendors were busy prepping for after-breakfast customers and the smell of fresh barbecue was in the air once more.
My 3D setup was again my choice to begin Sunday’s adventure, but today, it was a 1952 North American-Buehn T-6G overhead that first caught my eye, (and ears).
I was excited to see many more planes on display, and disappointed to know I missed capturing them as they arrived. A little further away was an assortment of cars and trucks associated with the cruise-in. I set my sights on the cruise-in first.
My creativity was lacking a bit in finding ways to capture the cars in 3D when they were parked close together. Although I’m sure they were willing, I didn’t strike up a conversation with any of the car owners as I tried to get shots of their cars. There were quite a few people in attendance so it was a challenge to get ‘clean’ photos.
I hadn’t anticipated how many planes would be departing while I was spending time with the cars, so I surely missed seeing some of them. I transitioned to the plane display area in time to capture a few staging for takeoff.
My 3D setup was not well suited for photos of departures and landings because I had to stand too far away to get anything special. Accordingly, most of my 3D shots were of planes on the ground.
I met George with his 1958 Beech E18S-9700 while attempting some close-up 3D shots of the magnificent machine.
After I had gotten 3D photos of as many planes as possible, I asked Lynn’s permission for a mini 3D photo shoot of her and her Cessna 172. She graciously agreed.
I know I missed a lot of departure/arrival photos because of it, but I followed the same formula as Saturday by going to my 50mm lens to capture as many planes and cars as possible.
Today had much more of a festival vibe compared to the more intimate circumstances of Saturday.
20th Century Circus had performances scheduled nearby and some of the circus performers were on hand demonstrating their skills. A pair of lovely ladies paused and posed.
There were some brief moments of chatting but I was busy with my eye in the viewfinder most of the time.
After enjoying a delicious pulled pork sandwich and a cold drink, I attached my 70-200mm telephoto for some flight photos. Action was non-stop as the biplane rides continued, sharing the skies with other planes from the event coming and going.
The taxiway provided space for model aircraft fliers to demonstrate their skills.
Richard and his photography colleagues were extremely busy applying their craft.
When activity calmed down, I had a chance to show Richard what should have, would have, could have been my best shot of the carnival. “You can’t get them all”, he said.
As time flew by, most of the planes that had been on display had departed. Biplane rides continued as long as needed to satisfy everyone ready for the experience. Vendors and carnival staff packed up as the last of the crowd faded.
Dewey and the carnival staff made plans for a well deserved get-together. Richard and his buddies packed their gear and the sky had cleared of traffic.
Somewhere along the way Richard and I shared some contact information. I had told him I was seriously considering an attempt at photography as my next career but hadn’t made some of my social media accounts public yet. In a way that felt simultaneously like encouragement and a soul’s warning, Richard kindly looked at me and said, “photography is hard”.
Not quite ready to leave, I sat there reflecting on the weekend while waiting for some magical lighting to appear in the evening sky. I had Bob, Lynn, George, Dewey, Richard, and everyone involved in the Barnstorming Carnival to thank for a memorable experience. I hope to keep in contact.
There was a little unfinished packing left when Dewey called out to say it was time to get to their planned gathering. Richard came over, we shook hands, and he said, “You know where to find me.” As he walked away, he looked over his shoulder and added, “When you’re brave enough.”