I had the good fortune of attending Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Airforce Station (VOYK) not once, but twice—first during the Full-Dress Rehearsal (FDR) at the ADVA and then again at the main event. The second time, I managed to secure a brilliant vantage point right near the tarmac and quite parallel to Runway 09-27, which, in airshow photography terms, is akin to front-row seats at Wimbledon (minus the strawberries and cream, of course, but with added sunburns and tans).

I absolutely love being at airshows, especially when I can position myself close enough to fully immerse in the action from an optimal viewing spot. There’s something about watching these magnificent flying machines up close—the sheer adrenaline rush as they rip through the sky, the deafening roar of afterburners, and the high-speed manoeuvres that defy gravity. It all fuels a boyish fancy that never really fades. And if I get the chance to observe the airmen at work, it’s just the icing on the cake. Men who soar the skies are indeed a different breed! Watching the likes of F-16, Tejas, and the ever-thrilling SKAT is exhilarating—each pass a breathtaking display of speed and agility. But when the Su-30 rips through the sky, the F-35 Lightning does a dirty low pass and screams past with stealthy menace, the Su-57 Felon, with its mind-bending thrust vectoring, pirouettes through the air with predatory grace, it’s on a whole other level. These machines don’t just fly; they dominate the skies with their ribcage reverberating afterburners.

As an enthusiast photographer, capturing an airshow is no walk in the park. These metal beasts scream across the sky at speeds between 600 and 900 km/h, leaving you with barely a fraction of a second to nail the shot. And let’s not even talk about the challenges of hand-holding a long telephoto lens, which, in my case, weighed about 3.5 kg with the camera attached. If you think lifting weights at the gym is tough, try keeping a fighter jet in your frame at full zoom! My arms deserve a medal for endurance after that workout.

For this airshow, I used a Canon 90D, and for the most part, I relied on the Tamron 150-600mm (Tammy) for those close-up action shots. Occasionally, I switched to the 55-250mm for a bit more flexibility and to ease the protesting arms, and when I wanted to capture the grand, sweeping vistas of the airfield and the crowds, I pulled out my Sigma 10-20mm. I did have a tripod with me, but due to space constraints and the need for flexibility, I didn’t use it much.

The Challenges of Airshow Photography

1. Zooming and Tracking

Keeping a fast-moving aircraft in the frame while zooming in or out is easier said than done. The moment you find it in your viewfinder, it’s already moved! Some key tips to improve:

• Use both eyes – One in the viewfinder, the other tracking the jet in the sky. Sounds odd, but it works.

• Pre-empt movements – Jets usually follow a predictable display pattern. Study it beforehand if possible.

• Smooth panning – Keep your elbows close to your body for better control and stability.

2. Autofocus Struggles

Modern cameras have excellent autofocus, but when a fast-moving subject is at a distance, even the best systems struggle. Combine that with heat haze and sudden manoeuvres, and you have a recipe for frustration.

• Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo / AF-C) – It helps track the subject more effectively.

• Reduce focus area – A smaller focus point helps prevent the camera from latching onto the background.

• Burst mode is your friend – More frames mean a better chance of getting that perfect sharp shot.

• Use fast shutter speeds for jets – 1/2000s or greater is ideal. If needed, bump up the ISO to maintain a fast enough shutter speed, especially since a long lens and hand-holding can introduce motion blur.

• For propeller-driven aircraft and helicopters – Experiment with a slower shutter speed to capture motion in the props while keeping the rest of the aircraft sharp. This adds a sense of speed and realism to the image.

3. Handling a Heavy Telephoto Lens

Shooting handheld with a 3.5 kg setup is no joke. After a few passes, your arms feel like you’ve done an entire gym session.

• Brace yourself – Use your body as a support, elbows in, feet shoulder-width apart.

• Use a monopod if allowed – It helps take the load off while still giving you flexibility.

• Short bursts, then rest – Holding up the camera continuously is a surefire way to fatigue quickly.

4. The Unpredictability Factor

Airshows are full of surprises—unexpected manoeuvres, rapid changes in light, and sometimes, even other photographers stepping into your shot at the worst possible moment.

• Keep your shutter speed high – At least 1/2000s for jets to freeze motion.

• Adjust exposure quickly – The sky’s brightness can change as aircraft pass through different angles.

• Patience is key – Not every shot will be a winner, but persistence pays off.

Final Thoughts

Airshow photography is challenging, exhilarating, and, at times, exhausting. But when you finally get that crisp shot of a fighter jet banking against a perfect blue sky, it makes all the struggle worth it.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But maybe next time, I'd position myself even better for some unique angles with a monopod and a few protein shakes beforehand, experiment with different focal lengths more deliberately, and perhaps even try some videos with a gimbal to capture the action in motion. There's always something new to learn in airshow photography! And, of course, more opportunities to take a mick of myself while fumbling to track a jet that’s already halfway to the horizon!