Meet Jim Barrett, aviation photographer. Jim, founder of jimbarrettphotography, has spent his life sailing, flying, and yachting. In focusing these passions through the lens, he has been able to capture the essence of action photography.
1.How did you start specialising in aviation photography?
I grew up on a marina that my parents started when they came to the United States in the late 1950's, boats and airplanes were my toys. My father was a pilot, and my love for both boats and aircraft started at a very young age. I helped run the family business in high school and for a few years after graduating. Photography was always a passion, and I was able to take my knowledge in the marine and aviation industries to not only specialize in photography suited for boats and aircraft, but also for commercial advertising photography for products of all kinds. 30 years later I'm loving it like the first day.
2. Tell us about your most memorable photoshoot.
hands down, as a pilot and photographer, to be able to photograph and be on the last commercial flight of the British Airways Concorde on October 22, 2003, was an experience of a lifetime. 61,000 feet over twice the speed of sound viewing the Earth's curvature below and the blackness of space above, just wow.
3. Things consider when taking photos of airplane or boats
Every image comes down to two things, light and effect, light and how you use it either makes or breaks an image. The ability to send the viewer to a point of reference, to add an element of dimension through either the depth of field of a subject, length of exposure, or both.
4. Any tips for starting aviation photographers?
Shoots are expensive, they take a ton of resources, pilots, drivers, fuel, and Flying airplanes and running boats are expensive. Having great gear is rule number 1. You can't stop shooting when something breaks, and if you don't have a backup, there is no excuse you can give your client. Be prepared, It's important to have redundant systems, two bodies, multiple high-quality fast lenses. It's an expensive career that has great benefits if you do it right.
5. Any exciting shooting projects coming up you'd like to tell us about?
Next big aviation gig is for a longtime client Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach Florida. They have been an amazing client over the years and the team is as professional as they come. It's been an honor to shoot their product photography and videos over the years, and we have a lot of fun through the process.
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