Flying People

Circus Flora 2022

I thought I would use this scene to give some photography tips. This is a gymnastic team at Circus Flora in St. Louis. Circus Flora is a one ring circus with interesting sets, costumes and acts. This makes it a good venue to photograph with continuing subjects and a lot of challenges. The good: one ring circuses are small venues where every set is up close and personal; since it is a performance venue there is good lighting with spotlights and interesting subjects. The bad: lots of action; unexpected movement; not enough light for rapid movement; need for close-up and wide angle shots; no flash allowed; no focus assist lights allowed.

First, I used Nikon Z6 camera with a Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 lens. I set the ISO to 2200 to handle lighting issues, kept the exposure above 1/250 sec and the lens at f4.0 or a little higher.

In some cases I used continuous shooting to capture rapid movement, kept the ISO high and watched the playback display. As always, this is a venue I visit every few years and have a feel for how everything is going to play out. This is probably one of my best tips. If you have a subject you like, go back several times to re-evaluate your composition.

Click on the photo for specifications and more info.

Under the Big Top

Circus Flora 2022

Yoyo the Narrator opens Circus Flora, a one ring circus. Commissioned by famed Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti for the Spoleto Festival in 1986, Circus Flora immediately set about creating productions unlike most Americans had seen before – productions that melded the best elements of traditional European circus with modern theater techniques and sensibilities. From the very beginning, every Circus Flora production has been an original performance, its storyline often rooted in history or literature. Through the narrative, individual acts are woven into a cohesive story, further developed and enhanced by live music composed specifically for the productions. With its 36th anniversary around the corner, Circus Flora has become part of the cultural fabric of St. Louis—an anticipated event and harbinger of summer in the city.

C-Type Dash

C-Type Jag cockpit. I always liked these old instrument panels. This gives the driver speed, RPMs along with fuel gauge, oil pressure, battery charge and water temp. For diving: 5 speed manual transmission, no power steering, lots of power. Something like this drives like a truck at low speed and flys when you have it over 50 mph.

Porsche

The European Auto Show was in St. Louis Last weekend. This is a good chance to see some classic sports cars from the 60’s & 70’s in addition to later models. Not only did these people bring their Porsche, they brought a tent (very smart during the sunny days).

I enjoy seeing the old MGs, Austin Healeys and Jags but they had some very nice Ferraris and Maseratis too. 

Waking the Beast

JO Holton Dedication

If someone woke you up, you would be grumpy too. Starting this Wright Twin Cyclone’s 14 cylinders is fun to watch as it kicks and backfires during the startup process. Here you see the co-pilot watch the engine as each cylinder comes in line until they all are working in unison.  Once all is running smoothly the smoke disappears, the engine settles down then more power is added and the plane comes alive.

Spanish Lady

JO Holton Dedication

“Spanish Lady” is Nose Art on a North American Aviation T-6 Texan. The Spanish Lady is a 1949 North American T-6G Texan. She was originally manufactured by North American Aviation in 1944 as an AT-6D and was used to train allied pilots during World War II. The Texan is two-seat aircraft and served as the advanced single engine trainer during the war. For many pilots, the Texan was the last trainer flown before moving to their combat aircraft. In many ways the Texan was a new pilot’s final exam, hence the nickname the Pilot Maker. Between 1 July 1939 and 31 August 1945, a total of 193,440 pilots graduated from Army Air Force advanced flying schools. Most of those logged significant time in a T-6.

Pumpkin Drop 18-8

Stearman

JO Holton Dedication

Commemorative Air Force’s P-17 Stearman. The Army and Navy both used the trusty Stearman where they were referred to primarily as a PT-17 with the Army and a N2S-3 with the Navy.  Although the Stearman was challenging to fly in the hands of a student pilot with no previous experience, it allowed instructors to quickly evaluate student performance and move those who were not progressing into other jobs.  Made primarily out of wood and fabric with a steel tube fuselage, the Stearman was one of the strongest trainers built during World War II.  After the war, many Stearmans soldiered on for decades as crop dusters and air show performers.  The remaining examples of this classic aircraft are now sought by collectors worldwide.

Show Me

JO Holton Dedication

B-25 Mitchell “Show Me” taxis in after a short flight. Following is a PT-17 Stearman. St. Charles’ Smartt Field is home of the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force which has the B-25, the Stearman and a TBM-3 Avenger. The Wright Twin Cyclone engines power this beast to the delight of air show attendees across the nation. It can be seen at Smartt Field in St. Charles County from time to time or just flying around St. Louis.

Pumpkin Drop (17 of 24)

A Salute to America

Min-Aqua Bats

The Min-Aqua Bats’ final act, A Salute to America. These young ladies skiing around Lake Minocqua with flags flying is a sight to see. Happy Memorial Day to my friends.

Pyramid

Min-Aqua Bats

The pyramid practiced in the previous photo is performed in front of crowds in Minocqua, Wisconsin.  I remember watching this ski team in the early 50’s.

One of the oldest water ski show teams in the United States today. The Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club originated in 1950 with a group of local young people water skiing on Sunday afternoons. After noticing their efforts were attracting an audience, the skiers decided to put together a show. So, the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club was born.