California Capital Airshow Announces 2011 Photo Tour!

From state-of-the-art military aircraft and gravity-defying aerobatics, along with jet-propelled trucks, vintage aircraft, and a huge roster of displays and activities, a day at the California Capital Airshow is a fantastic and memorable experience, whether you're an avid aviation fan or just love a spectacular show.


The 2011 Airshow will be full of explosive excitement that will thrill photographers and literally leave you begging for more. You will not only have a front row seat to the future of aviation, but also the opportunity to experience the past eight decades of aviation history.

And for photographers, we are pleased to offer once again an amazing opportunity for unprecedented access to airshow grounds and hospitality generally reserved for our VIPs -- the 2011 “Photo Tour.”

Arrive early each day and get your desired spot in the ‘Photo Tour’ area for a day filled with historic and modern aircraft, refueling assets, transports, and fighters from all over. The action will be fast and furious as large numbers of aircraft arrive for the weekend’s show. Stand mere yards away from the planes as they land via the Photo Tour’s exclusive location adjacent to the runway apron of 22L/4R. As the arrival and recovery operations conclude, prepare yourself to walk the static ramp and take uncluttered shots of the aircraft once they are parked and secured for the weekend.

You will be able to capture those early morning shots as the morning dew glistens off the skin and canopies of the jets. As the morning progresses and the airport wakes up, make sure you get on the shuttle and over to your spot in the exclusive ‘Photo Tour’ location as we clear the skies in preparation for our heart-pounding aerial display. Please note that Thursday, Friday and Monday, the airport is not open to the public, and access can only be granted through your membership to the ‘Photo Tour’. Departure day you will witness dozens of aircraft take to the sky and bid Sacramento a fond farewell. The enthusiasm of the pilots will be prominent as they pass so close that you can feel the heat.


Back by popular demand, Tyson V. Rininger, the official California Capital Airshow photographer, will be conducting a seminar on techniques used by professionals to capture those jaw-dropping photographs that make us stare in awe. He will cover lighting and exposure, different modes of shooting, and give a briefing on equipment used by the professionals in the field of aviation photography. This seminar will also feature the latest in state-of-the-art camera bodies and lenses for attendees to look at and ask questions about. This seminar is for both the hobbyist and professional alike!

Distinguished ‘Photo Tour’ membership gives you:

Five days of access, before and after the general public for both days of the show so you can capture those sunrise, sunset, and uncluttered shots, admission to show grounds, VIP parking, refreshments provided during your time at the airport, as well as the pleasure of being with other aviation photographers and enthusiasts from around the world. You will enjoy locations close to aircraft taking off, landing, performing and taxiing over five days to capture those once in a lifetime photo opportunities. Space is limited – so send us an email today! executivedirector@californiacapitalairshow.com.