Go Beyond the Snap — Learn to Compose Images at airshow

Last time, we shared tips on the technical side of airshow photography — shutter speeds, autofocus, and gear. But there’s another side that’s just as important: composition.

At an event like the Abbotsford International Airshow, your ability to tell a story through your framing, perspective, and timing can make the difference between a quick snapshot and a jaw-dropping photograph.

In this post, we’ll explore the top composition techniques you can use at an airshow — complete with real-world examples — and show you how our Beginner Photography Bootcamp (starting October 4) can help you master these skills, whether you’re photographing planes, landscapes, or people.

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1. Rule of Thirds — Make Space for Movement

The rule of thirds is a classic for a reason. Divide your frame into a 3×3 grid, and position your subject along one of the horizontal or vertical lines — or at an intersection.

Example:

When photographing a jet flying left to right, place the aircraft on the left third of the frame, leaving space in front of it for it to “fly into.” This creates visual balance and gives your photo a dynamic sense of direction.

Why it works: The viewer’s eye naturally follows the plane into the empty space, enhancing the feeling of motion and narrative.

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2. Use Leading Lines to Guide the Eye

Look for runways, trails of smoke, or rows of spectators that naturally guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. These are called leading lines — and they’re powerful tools for directing attention.

Example:

Position yourself behind a runway or taxiway, and use the lines of the pavement or barriers to point toward an incoming aircraft. Smoke trails from aerobatic planes also make stunning curved lines that lead the eye through the sky.

 Pro Tip: Tilt your camera slightly for diagonal lines to increase the feeling of energy and motion.

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3. Include Scale for Dramatic Impact

Aircraft alone in the sky can feel small and disconnected unless you give the viewer a sense of scale.

Example:

Compose a shot of a plane flying above the crowd with a portion of the audience, buildings, or mountain ranges in the foreground. This grounds the photo and emphasizes the sheer size, height, or speed of the aircraft.

Extra Tip: Shoot from a low angle to exaggerate the aircraft’s size and dominance in the frame.

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4. Make the Most of Negative Space

Negative space is the empty area around your subject — often the sky in airshow photography. Use it creatively to add drama or simplicity.

Example:

Place a high-flying aircraft in one corner of the frame with vast empty sky around it. This minimalist approach can be incredibly striking and gives your photo a clean, modern feel.

Why it works: The emptiness emphasizes the subject and draws attention to details like motion blur or smoke patterns.

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5. Try Unusual Angles and Crops

Break out of eye-level shooting. Try tilting your camera, shooting from the ground up, or even cropping in tight on interesting aircraft details or mid-flight maneuvers.

Example:

Tilt your camera to emphasize a banked turn during an aerobatic loop, or capture only part of a plane to highlight symmetry or patterns.

Creative Crop Tip: Don’t be afraid to cut off wings or tails if it makes for a stronger composition — especially when paired with motion blur or propeller spin.

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6. Anticipate the Action, Not Just React

Great composition means planning the shot before the plane gets there. Knowing where the aircraft will go lets you prepare your frame with the best composition in mind.

Example:

Track the flight path, pre-frame the sky with clouds or a mountain backdrop, and wait for the plane to enter your scene. The result is a well-planned composition, not a rushed capture.

This is where experience pays off — and why practice in a hands-on environment like our bootcamp is so valuable.

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Learn These Skills and More in Our Photography Bootcamp

If these composition tips got you excited, imagine what you can do with a little guidance, structured lessons, and real-world practice. That’s exactly what our Omnilargess Beginner Photography Bootcamp is all about.

Starts: October 4, 2025

Includes:

• 4 in-class sessions to master your camera settings
• 2 field trips for hands-on practice in real lighting and action situations
• Guidance on exposure, composition, focusing, and creative vision

Whether you’re aiming to photograph planes, people, landscapes, or street scenes — this bootcamp lays the foundation of solid, confident photography.

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Why This Workshop Is the Best Starting Point:

• Small group size: Plenty of time for personalized instruction
• Hands-on field practice: Learn by doing — not just watching
• Beginner-friendly: No experience required. Bring any DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Taught by experienced educators: Learn from professionals who love to teach

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Final Takeoff

Photography at the Abbotsford Airshow is more than just fast shutter speeds — it’s about storytelling. By applying strong composition techniques, you’ll not only capture the action but also create images that connect and inspire.

And if you’re just starting out, or looking to build your confidence behind the lens, the Omnilargess Bootcamp is your perfect runway.

Let’s take your photography further. One frame at a time.