Besides photography one of my other hobbies is RC (Radio Controlled) Helicopter flying.  What is RC Helicopter flying you ask, well let me start with what it is not.  It is NOT drone flying and they are not drones.  If you go to any RC event and say “Hey that is a cool, Drone!”  The RC pilots there will look at you funny and some will try to correct you or they will get offended by you calling their RC model a drone.  Drones are typically a radio controlled aircraft that has four propellers and a computerized flight controller that automates all the flying for the user/pilot.  And they typically will have some type of GPS controlled flying system that will automate the flight path of the RC Drone.  As an example you push a button and your drone automatically takes off.  You then can use an application either on your phone or PC to control the flight of the drone.  You push another button and control the flight path of the drone from point A to point B.  Then when your flight is done you push another button and the drone automatically lands in the exact same spot where it took off, all by its self.  RC pilots of other disciplines (Helicopter, Airplanes, Scale, etc…) are in complete control of their aircrafts from take off till landing.  RC pilots also spend a lot of time learning the skills they need to be in full control of their aircraft at all times so they can enjoy the thrill of flying.  

Every year I try to attend at least 3 or more RC events (called fun fly’s) in my local area.  Included are some shots from an event called the Cincy SmackDown located just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.  This is a fun filled annual event that has pilots of all skill levels that come to enjoy flying together.  The pilots enjoy sharing their experiences, meeting new people and some just come to fly.  The pictures from this event are what is called 3D flying.  What is 3D flying, well it involves a pilot with top notch skills.  As they have learned to fly their model in all orientations of flight and still maintain control of the model in the air.  This includes flying upside down, backwards, sideways, along with your normal right side up flying that you are more accustomed to seeing a full scale helicopter fly.  These shots are mid action shots of the helicopter and RC pilot flying their routine usually to music but not always.  My second hobby of RC Helicopter flying for me is both exciting and relaxing at the same time, depending on your flying style.  I wish more people new about this hobby/sport.  Included is video of one pilot flying his routine to give you a better sense of how these models fly and react in the air.  Some of these pilots spend years practicing their skills before they get good enough to compete.  Enjoy the pictures and videos from Cincy SmackDown 2019.

From a photography stand point getting shots of these RC helicopter models in the air is something similar to photographing birds in flight.  It is a challenge because you have to get all your settings right.  You need the correct shutter speed, f-stop and ISO to get a good picture.  Get your shutter speed to slow and your photo turns out blurry.  Get your shutter speed to fast and it doesn’t convey a sense of motion.  If you can’t follow the model through the air and time your shot just right you will miss the amazing maneuver the pilot just pulled off only inches from the ground.  Just like photographing birds in flight it takes quite a bit of practice to get that perfect shot of the RC model while in flight.  I guess I enjoy the hobby of RC Helicopter flying because not only does it give me a challenge similar to photography.  But it also satisfies my need to learn new skills and push myself further than before.