One photographer managed to capture the moment a stealth bomber flew over the stadium. That might not sound that remarkable, but the difference was: he caught it from above.
It was during the 2018 Rose Bowl college football game between Georgia and Oklahoma that Mark Holtzman managed to document the fleeting moment. Pictured is the B-2 stealth bomber passing over the stadium, the US flag prominently seen on the field below. But this wasn’t a drone shot as you may assume it to be. Holtzman is an aerial photo enthusiast with years of experience flying his Cessna 206 under his belt. He tells The Atlantic he took this particular image whilst nearly hanging out the window of his plane, as an experienced pilot friend flew the aircraft: “The plane is my tripod, and it is a moving tripod."
Another of Holtzman's flyover images
In an age of illegal drone flying, it’s worth noting Holtzman had clearance for the journey and was speaking to the B-2 throughout the flight during which he took the picture. The bomber was flying at 1,000 ft, whilst Holtzman was at 3,500 ft - above the restricted area. He guided the plane into the right position, then used the rudder pedals to swing it back and forth for different angles and shot the image using a Canon 5D Mark III and 70-200mm lens.
I’m moving the plane around and sticking my head out the window. And then I’m moving the plane, kicking it around left and right to get what I want. It’s not like I’m in a blimp right above it, waiting for it to fly.
Find Holtzman at his website and Instagram.
Update: This article has been edited to reflect that Holtzman was not piloting the plane when the photo was taken.
Images used with permission.
[via PetaPixel]
What incredible coordination... I can't believe he was piloting the Cessna and shooting. Amazing shot.
I agree I'm properly impressed with this one.
"He tells The Atlantic he took this particular image whilst nearly hanging out the window of his plane, whilst an experienced pilot friend flew the aircraft"
Unless the article was edited, it's pretty clear he wasn't piloting the plane and shooting at the same time.
If you read to the bottom, it does indeed say it was edited.
Didn't see that when I read the article. Not sure when it was added. At least there is finally no more confusion.
This is stunning, amazing shots as well as planning. Well done!
Wow that is freakin sweet!!! I was watching this game!
And the American flag is perfect!!
Whoa, that's pretty nuts!
Excellent project, apparently he's done a few. Brilliant. However those things always remind me of this...
I have literally tripped over my camera bag and fallen to the ground while shooting a landscape on a tripod. This guy is piloting a Cessna, talking to a B-2 pilot and capturing a shot of the bomber over the G-D Rose Bowl. That's some next level stuff!
No, he wasn't piloting the plane. Someone else was. It's as if all FS staff don't read their articles.
"Update: This article has been edited to reflect that Holtzman was not piloting the plane when the photo was taken."
"Shoot, everyone in section 14 blinked... Can we try another pass?"
What in incredible shot! Great find Jack.
Beautiful images! Referring to Mr. Holtzman as an enthusiast is really not issuing proper credit. He is a professional aerial photographer with exceptional planning and photographic skills from years of experience - way before "drones" came into the mainstream. Bravo, Mr. Holtzman!
What about the FAA temporary flight restrictions (TFR) that prevent overflight of over the Rose Bowl game as well as other games? Your photo looks to be within the typical 3 nautical mile limit imposed by the FAA
The photo with the B-2 with the fighters is understandable as they flew a fair distance from the Rose Parade prior to their fly-by, well outside of TFR limits.
I would be willing to bet that he had prior approval for this from the FAA, being that he was on the radio coordinating with the B2 as well...