Photography by Ian L. Sitren

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Hasselblad At High Speed

I was asked if the Hasselblad camera, my H4D-40 would keep up shooting flying at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The answer is yes as you can see in these photographs. I will say that my experience has shown me that any camera system is challenged when you are shooting objects coming at you, flying by close and leaving in the 300 mph range. I have shot with most and still the leader has been my Canon cameras. However for pure image quality, especially when shooting more general photographs, the Hasselblad is just amazing. I am now looking forward to getting more in the air for some shooting with it.

PSAM

PSAM

The Beautiful Wicked Fairy

When you closed your eyes did you see her in your dreams? You probably will tonight as you lay your head down on your pillow. Model Severine in our photo shoot. Styling by master Makeup and Hair Stylist Blanche LeBeau. Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.

Séverine

More P-38 Fun

Starting up and rolling out, a P-38 Lightning fighter plane from World War II. One of perhaps fewer than six still flying in the entire world. You can see from my video that the Palm Springs Air Museum visitors get an up close experience like none other. Not as close as I am, but right there to get their hats blown off their heads and get a good whiff of the spray of motor oil. How fun is that!

 

A Scene From WWII

Makes you think that you are looking at a scene from World War II. One of the very few remaining flying P-38 Lightning fighters taking off for flybys at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Photographed just yesterday against the scenic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. Something to see all the time at the Air Museum and special programs and flight demonstrations on Saturdays. Be there!

P-38 Lighning Flyby

P-38 Lighning Flyby

P-38 Flying On Saturday

There might be only six or fewer P-38’s left flying in the world and you can see one of them tomorrow, Saturday Feb 11th. At the Palm Springs Air Museum following the 1:00 PM program. Do not miss this rare opportunity. I will be there and bringing my cameras like I did here in 2015. So if you are the pilot, remember to smile as you go by. See you there!

This one is a Lockheed P-38J Lightning of World War II built in 1943. Two 12 cylinder 1,425 hp turbo charged Allison engines will take this plane to 402 mph and it has a service ceiling of 44,000 ft. It was armed with four .50 caliber machine guns and a 20mm cannon. Some versions could carry two 1,000 pound bombs. The P-38 was the only American fighter aircraft that saw service from the beginning of the war at Pearl Harbor to V.J. Day.

psam_p38_04-11-15__28b0162

psam_p38_04-11-15__28b0162-1

Role Play!

This photograph from our shoot might make you think “role play”. However it really should be “role model”. Stacey Naito as in Dr. Stacey Naito is not only a certified family practice physician but also a fitness professional.  So when you say you don’t have time to be fit or whatever your excuse is for whatever you are wanting to do, check in with Stacey first. She can help you to correct that error. A big shout out to the so very talented Blanche LeBeau for the Makeup and Hair Styling and Wardrobe Styling.

Stacey Naito In Black

Safety Crew

So I came up with this new idea for staffing and uniforms for the Safety Crew at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Professional model Gabriella Muttone was kind enough to volunteer for a few photographs and show us what I had in mind. It is my understanding that the concept is under full consideration and everybody would like to see Gabriella return as soon as possible for further demonstrations.

Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Only the best. And speaking of the best, Gabriella is one extraordinary photographer herself. Check her out at https://gabriella-muttone.squarespace.com

Gabriella Muttone at the Palm Springs Air Museum

That Palm Springs Sun

Modernism Week Palm Springs is coming up. What will you be wearing? The feel of that Palm Springs sun is like no other. Ask Séverine as she stood in front of my camera out by the pool.

Makeup and styling by the ever “Mod” Blanche LeBeau. Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. So Good!

Séverine

The Colonel’s 97th Birthday

Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col. Bob Friend. Celebrating the Colonel’s 97th birthday at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The P-51 Mustang “Bunny” flown by pilot Tom Nightingale doing flybys, restored as a replica of the famed Tuskegee Airmen “Red-Tail” P-51’s.

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Bob Friend Turns 97

Tuskegee Airmen P-51 "Bunny"

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Bob Friend Turns 97

In Person Living History

Today, Saturday you will have an opportunity like none other. A celebration of the 97th birthday of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Bob Friend. Another true guest of honor and Tuskegee Airman, Capt. Rusty Burns will be there too. Do not miss the chance to greet and meet these two American heroes. There will also be an honoring of World War II “Buffalo Soldier” George Edwards who recently passed away at the age of 96. At the Palm Springs Air Museum beginning at 1:00 PM. You will not only share in birthday cake but also see “Bunny” fly. The P-51 Mustang of Tuskegee Airmen fame!

Lt. Col. Bob Friend and P-51 Bunny

Lt. Col. Bob Friend and P-51 Bunny