From Tarmac to Print: My Journey into Aviation Photography

From Tarmac to Print: My Journey into Aviation Photography

If you know me, you know I’ve always had a thing for airplanes.

There’s something about the precision, the sound, the history — that unmistakable blend of power and grace that you only find in aviation. It’s not just the machines that fascinate me — it’s the stories they carry, the people who flew them, and the way they command the sky with a kind of effortless authority.

Over the years, my camera has become my co-pilot in this passion.

I started shooting aircraft simply because I loved being around them. Whether it was the roar of a radial engine at a local airshow or the quiet silhouette of a vintage taildragger in a private hangar, I found myself compelled to capture those moments — to freeze time in a frame before the plane banked, landed, or vanished into the clouds.

These aren’t studio-perfect, polished setups. They’re real moments, real machines, and real emotion — captured from the flight line, through fence gaps, on hot tarmacs, and sometimes from just feet away during special access visits and behind-the-scenes opportunities.

Chasing Warbirds, Jets, and Hidden Gems

I spend a lot of time at airshows — both local gems and major national events — always chasing that perfect shot. Whether it’s a thunderous B-17, the smooth arc of a P-51 Mustang, or the brutal elegance of a modern fighter pulling vapor in a vertical climb, every plane has its own character. And I’m there for all of it.

Beyond public shows, I’ve also had the privilege of photographing rare and unusual aircraft behind the scenes — in hangars, on runways, and during early-morning prep. These quieter moments often produce the most compelling images: close-ups of riveted panels, reflections in polished aluminum, or an old cockpit glowing in the golden hour.

Turning a Passion Into a Collection

Until now, these images were mostly just mine — shared with fellow enthusiasts, printed for myself, or posted on the fly. But recently, I’ve launched a dedicated aviation photography gallery on Fine Art America, where I’ll be adding my favorite shots for collectors, pilots, veterans, or anyone who simply loves aircraft the way I do.

This collection isn’t about mass uploading everything I’ve ever shot. I’m carefully curating the gallery with images that speak to me — ones that carry history, beauty, and presence. Some are bold action shots. Others are quiet tributes. All of them are crafted with care and a deep respect for the machines that have shaped aviation history.

 

Want to Follow Along?

I’ll be adding new pieces regularly, so if you’re an aviation buff, a collector, or just someone who loves powerful visuals, I invite you to check out the gallery — and subscribe or follow to see the new releases as they go live.

You can find it here: 👉 Aviation Photography by Dave Koch

And theres more aircraft art

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