Spotting For Beginners

Can't ever get the right angle? Constant blurs? Feel like quitting? Well, we're here to help with that. Spotting really isn't that hard if you put your mind to it. In this step-by-step guide, we'll help you get the perfect shot.

1. Have the right equipment.

Having the right equipment is key to get the perfect shot. Don't be discouraged if you don't have a super good camera, just use what you have and get what you need later, for now, a phone could even work. Besides that you should also pick up an app called Flightradar24, it's a really handy app that could help you when spotting so you know what you're going to get. Some airports have really high fences, to get a good shot you may need to get a ladder or be able to stand on your car.

2. Check the weather.

Sunny days are always the best, but to get cool takeoff spray shots or even reverse water blasts, it's also good to go when there is maybe some light rain. So always check the weather, you don't want to get sick, do you? ;)

3. Plan out your times.

You should plan what time you're going to go and search what flights are coming in within your times. Don't forget to calculate how long it could take you to get to the airport and check traffic, don't want to miss an important one, trust me, has happened to me a few times. If taking public transport, you want to leave even earlier as unexpected events could happen, be prepared!

4. Locations.

If you're looking for a good spot, I recommend www.spotterswiki.com, they list each airport's locations from where you could spot and also gives you reference photos taken from that spot. Don't forget to try new spots as well to get interesting angles.

5. Last checks before leaving...

Make sure your camera or phones is charged.

Make sure you have proper supplies (food, water, etc)( as advised by Jonathan).

Go to the washroom, you never know where the nearest one is and if it's available to the public or not.

Make sure you have enough space on your camera or phone.

Something to sit on like a towel or foldable chair, trust us, it's very tiring standing up for an hour straight.

If it's summer, you should also bring sunscreen, don't wanna get burned now, do we?

6. At the airport...

Play around with your camera settings to get the best possible shot before your first target plane comes into land. Try using different lighting settings, etc. Don't forget to also go to your desired spot to get the best angle. Run a few test shots with your camera so it doesn't mess up mid-shot.

7. After the airport...

After getting home safely, you want to start organizing your photos. You can transfer your photos onto your laptop or whatever any other device you could use to view the pictures better. Look at each shot and delete the ones that have weird lighting or pictures with the plane cut off. If the picture is slightly on an angle, its nothing a little editing can't fix.

Well, that's it, you've made your way to get the best shot possible! Hope your picture is great. Have fun spotting!