Aerospace

This Photo Of An F-16 High Over Arizona At Sunset Is Mind Blowingingly Stunning

We are blessed with a constant flow of great aviation photos in the digital photography age, but once in a while we come across an image that is truly spectacular and totally unique. Case in point, Keith Meachem's photo of a Royal Netherlands Air Force Block 20 F-16A MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) popping flares high over the Arizona desert at sunset. Not only is the photo striking in its composition and timing, but its exposure in a very challenging lighting situation is absolutely perfect. Simply put, it couldn't be any more marvelous, it truly represents flawless execution.

The image was taken during a photo shoot organized by our good friend and contributor to The War Zone, Rich Cooper, owner of the Centre Of Aviation Photography. Flying in a Short Skyvan that is usually used as a skydiving platform for Skydive Arizona, Keith pointed his Sony A7R IV DSLR with a Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM lens out the open rear ramp as the RNLAF Viper flew in formation behind it, grabbing the iconic fighter at a unique angle just as it popped a flare. The shoot took over the desert expanse southwest of Tucson.