Lightning Strikes Again - A day at a COAP Wings shoot

By Keiran Wilkinson

Ever wished you could travel back in time and photograph iconic aircraft in their prime? COAP Wings makes that dream a reality. I recently attended their Lightning Preservation Group shoot at Bruntingthorpe, featuring the mighty English Electric Lightnings expertly preserved. Let me tell you, it was an experience unlike any other and blew away those January cobwebs.
 

Brief - Before the shoot, we received a detailed brief via email, covering the essentials like arrival times, directions, and the planned phases. COAP takes pride in meticulous planning to ensure a diverse range of photographic opportunities. This particular shoot was divided into five phases, utilising three different Lightnings, with scenarios ranging from Q-Shed crew shots to alert/scramble sequences both inside and outside the hangar. But the briefing didn't stop there. Upon arrival, we gathered for an on-site briefing led by the COAP team. This is where the real magic started.

Firstly, safety was paramount. The team emphasised the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, especially around the aircraft and hangar. They clearly outlined the boundaries and any potential hazards, ensuring a safe environment for everyone as well as explaining how to move around the site to avoid causing issues for each shot.



Next, they reviewed the day's plan, outlining the five phases in detail. Each phase was designed to capture a different aspect of the Lightnings, from static displays with ground crews to dynamic alert scrambles. They explained the timings, locations, and specific objectives for each phase, ensuring everyone was on the same page.

The COAP team highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication throughout the day. They encouraged us to help each other out and always be mindful of other photographers on the shoot. This collaborative spirit was truly inspiring and contributed to the overall success of the shoot.

By the end of the briefing, we were informed and energised with everyone eager to start shooting. The combination of thorough preparation and a strong emphasis on teamwork set the stage for an exceptional photographic experience.

Shoot - The shoot was a whirlwind of activity as always, with excitement rippling through the attendees. The COAP team, like a well-oiled machine, orchestrated the proceedings with precision, ensuring everything ran smoothly. But what truly elevated this shoot to another level for me were the reenactors.

These dedicated individuals, clad in authentic period flying suits and ground crew attire, breathed life into the scenes. They weren't just posing; they were embodying the roles of pilots and ground crew, adding a layer of realism that transported us back to the Cold War era.

We witnessed the pilots conducting pre-flight checks as well as scrambling to the aircraft for take-off. We also had expertly choreographed ground crew marshalling the aircraft as well as completing their activities on the ground. The reenactors' attention to detail, from their uniforms to their actions, was remarkable. They interacted with the aircraft as if they were truly preparing for a mission, creating captivating scenes that were a joy to photograph.

The reenactors were more than willing to take direction and collaborate with photographers attending the shoot to achieve the perfect shot. Thanks to the their dedication and the COAP team's coordination, we were able to capture images that not only showcased the beauty of the Lightnings but also told a story.

One last thing to mention about the shoot day, the environment at Bruntingthorpe is a really tricky one. The main airfield is now owned by an automotive company so the space to work in is quite tight alongside the poor backgrounds. Thanks to the team being careful and considering the angles and scenes, we were able to capture imagery that gave absolutely no hint to the current use of the airfield.

Edit - Now comes the fun part! With memory cards full of images, it's time to dive into the editing process.

The variety of shots captured during the COAP Wings shoot provided ample opportunity for creative expression. Whether you prefer classic black and white images or vibrant colour shots, the possibilities are endless. COAP has even started putting out social media posts (see COAP's Facebook page) with their new instructor to help you with editing the shots after the shoot. Here’s a couple of images edited using some of those techniques as well as my personal preferences.

Repeat - Once you've experienced a COAP Wings shoot, you'll be hooked! The combination of unique access, expert guidance, and camaraderie amongst fellow enthusiasts creates an unforgettable experience. Keep an eye on the COAP website for future events and get ready to repeat the adventure with different aircraft and locations. Trust me, you won't want to miss out! What will you shoot next?