High Roller Winner Spotlight: Richard Bryant (April 2026)

By Keiran Wilkinson with contributions from Richard Bryant

One of the highlights of our COAP Online community calendar is the High Roller, our monthly competition where members share their best images around a specific, challenging theme. These usually occur exclusively within our member community, but we believe that world-class photography deserves a broader audience. As a new addition for 2026, we are sharing the community's winning shots to showcase our members’ skills and creativity.

The April Winner: Richard Bryant

In our April competition, titled “US Bombers,” our members were set a mission to capture the sheer presence, menace, and photogenic character of the US Air Force and USAAF heavy metal. From the legendary birds of WWII to the modern titans currently on deployment, we wanted to see these "beasts of aviation" in all their glory. The entries were a feast of images, covering operational exercises, airshows, and overseas deployments.

After the community cast their votes, one image clearly stood out for its atmosphere and perfect timing. We are delighted to announce that Richard Bryant is the April High Roller winner! Richard’s shot of the "mighty B-One" at sunrise is a stunning example of what happens when a "bucket list" goal meets meticulous planning and a very early alarm clock.

I asked Richard some questions about how he captured the winning image. Here is what he said.

The Story Behind the Shot

The Location and Gear

The image was captured during Richard's second visit to see the USAF heavy metal currently flying missions out of the UK on Operation Epic Fury. For Richard, the sight of 15 Rockwell B-1 Lancers on the ramp was too big a draw to pass up. He aimed to capture the magnificent airframes in the best possible light, and fortunately, the weather played ball, providing a spectacular sunrise.

Richard positioned himself along the fence line of RAF Fairford, near the crash gate at Marston Meysey. To get the clean angle he needed, he found himself balancing on a ladder, a tricky prospect as ladders were being discouraged at the time. "It was a case of take the shot and apologise or stop if someone asked me to do so," Richard noted.

He captured the scene with a Canon EOS 5D Mk IV and a Canon 100-400mm lens. To balance the early morning light with the need for sharpness, he opted for an exposure of 1/1000 sec at f/5, ISO 125, and a focal length of 153mm.

The Moment of Capture

Richard didn't just show up and get lucky; he was at the scene for an hour between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, trying different vantage points and focusing on various aircraft to make the most of the shifting light. The winning shot was captured at exactly 6:51 AM, showing the B-1 just as the light reached its peak.

Top Tips for New Photographers

Planning is Paramount

When asked for his #1 tip for newer photographers looking to capture a similar scene, Richard emphasised that the work starts long before you reach the airfield. He knew he wanted the B-1s at sunrise, so he used SunCalc.net to verify the exact direction and timing of the sun, ensuring a sunrise shot was physically possible from his chosen spot.

Richard also recommends a multi-app approach to checking the weather; he uses the BBC, Met Office, and Clear Outside apps to reach a consensus on clear skies. Finally, he suggests keeping an eye on social media for real-time updates on access and restrictions. His most practical advice for those April mornings? "Pack warm clothing”, as it can be incredibly chilly outside an airfield at 6:00 AM in April!

Congratulations again to Richard for a well-deserved win! If you’d like to follow any of Richard’s work, you can follow the links below.

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