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Los Angeles County Air Show

Photo Tour

Photo Tour

Photo Tour

The Photo Tour Tickets will go on Sale October 20th, 2019

The Los Angeles County Air Show Photo Tour returns again for it's Sixth year. Passes along with a Three-day Package Deal. The Photo Tour is for Aviation Photographers who are not working Media, but strive for the access that provides for better Aviation images.

Photo Tour Benefits

Unprecedented LocationsUnprecedented locations for Rehearsal Day (Friday, March 20th) and both public show days (Saturday and Sunday, March 21st and 22nd).

Early Morning AccessEarly morning access, before the general public for both days of the show (Saturday & Sunday only) starting with a briefing at 6:00 a.m., and then off to the ramp for some sunrise shooting and some uncluttered early morning images. Note: There is no early access on Friday.

Admission IncludedPhoto Tour membership gives you admission to show grounds and a daily parking pass along with a Photo Tour badge and lanyard which grants you access to the private Photo Chalet tent.

Lunch & RefreshmentsLunch and refreshments will be provided in the Photo Chalet during your time at the airfield.

Reserved Shooting LocationsShoot from three (3) reserved locations closer to the aircraft than the general public is allowed, along with the option to shoot from anywhere inside the general public crowd line, so you can capture the excitement and spectacle of the airshow performers.

Meet Other Aviation PhotographersThe pleasure of being with other aviation photographers and enthusiasts locally and from various other countries.

Photo Chalet BenefitsPhoto Tour participants receive exclusive access to our private Photo Chalet, a covered, walled-off tented area that provides shade and refreshments near show-center. The Photo Chalet provides seating, but participants are welcome to bring their own seating as well. Electrical outlets with surge protectors are also provided in the Photo Chalet, so participants can charge phones and batteries as needed. Please note that these outlets are provided on a first-come first-served basis and fill up quickly.

Other Photo Tour Inquiries

For all other questions regarding the Photo Tour, please contact us at .

What to Expect from the Photo Tour Experience

The Photo Tour is designed to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the airshow and provide unparalleled photo opportunities. On each public show day, your morning begins well before the gates open to the general public. After checking in and receiving your badge and lanyard, you will attend a mandatory briefing where the Photo Tour staff will outline the day’s schedule, highlight the designated shooting areas, and review safety protocols. This briefing is your chance to ask questions and get tips from the coordinators.

From there, you will be escorted onto the ramp for the early morning access period. This is the golden hour for aviation photography—the low sun angle, the quiet airfield, and the lack of spectators allow you to capture clean, dramatic images of the static aircraft and the morning preparations. You’ll have time to explore the flight line and find your preferred angles before the crowds arrive.

Once the show begins, you’ll have access to the three reserved shooting locations, which are positioned closer to the action than the general public areas. These spots give you a clear line of sight to the runway and the aerobatic box, allowing you to photograph takeoffs, landings, and low passes with a unique perspective. You are also free to move along the public crowd line if you wish to capture the energy of the spectators or shoot from different vantage points.

Throughout the day, the private Photo Chalet serves as your home base. It’s a place to rest, recharge your equipment, and review your images. Lunch and refreshments are provided, so you don’t need to leave the airfield or wait in long concession lines. The chalet is also a great place to network with other photographers, share tips, and discuss techniques.

Preparing for Your Photo Tour

A successful Photo Tour experience starts with good preparation. Since you’ll be outdoors for most of the day, dress appropriately for the weather. The Lancaster area can be warm and sunny, even in March, so lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be on your feet and moving between shooting locations. In the early morning, temperatures can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Your camera gear should be ready for fast action. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto zoom lens (at least 200-400mm) is ideal for capturing aircraft in flight. A wide-angle lens is also useful for static displays and ramp shots. Bring extra memory cards and batteries; you’ll likely take hundreds of photos throughout the day. The Photo Chalet does have electrical outlets for charging, but they fill up quickly, so portable power banks or extra batteries are wise. A sturdy camera bag that you can carry comfortably is important, as you may be walking some distance from the parking area to the chalet and shooting locations.

For a complete list of what you can and cannot bring onto the show grounds, please review our Permitted/Prohibited Items page. Note that the Photo Tour does not exempt you from the general venue rules, so be sure to comply with all restrictions. Tripods and monopods are generally allowed but can be cumbersome in crowded areas; consider a monopod with a gimbal head for panning ease.

Finally, review the Air Show Tips page for general advice on attending the Los Angeles County Air Show. Many of those tips apply to all guests, including Photo Tour participants, and will help you make the most of your day.

Photography Tips for Airshow Shooting

Aviation photography is challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning images during your Photo Tour:

  • Use a fast shutter speed for jets: Jets move quickly, and even at a distance, you may need 1/1000s or faster to freeze motion. For propeller aircraft, a slower shutter speed (1/125s to 1/250s) can create a pleasing blur on the propellers, but you’ll need to pan smoothly.
  • Practice panning: For aircraft in flight, keep the plane in the same position in the viewfinder and follow its path. Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo for Canon, AF-C for Nikon) and burst mode to increase your chances of sharp shots.
  • Anticipate the action: Study the airshow schedule and know when each performer is flying. Position yourself in the reserved shooting locations well before the performance begins. The briefings will often highlight key moments, so listen for tips from the coordinators.
  • Use the early morning access wisely: During the sunrise period, shoot static aircraft with the low sun at your back. This is also a great time for wide shots of the ramp and the surrounding desert landscape.
  • Watch for heat haze: Later in the day, heat shimmer can degrade image quality. Shooting at a slightly higher angle or using a longer lens can help minimize its effect. If you notice haze, try to shoot when the aircraft is closer or higher in the sky.
  • Protect your gear: The desert environment can be dusty. Consider using a UV or clear filter to protect your lens, and keep your camera in a bag when not shooting. Air blowers and lens cloths are useful for cleaning.

Remember that the reserved shooting locations are closer to the action, so you may be able to use shorter focal lengths than you would from the general public area. Experiment with different compositions—tight shots of the cockpit, wide shots of the whole aircraft against the sky, or creative angles that include the crowd or the mountains in the background.

Getting the Most Out of Your Photo Tour Pass

Your Photo Tour pass is more than just access to good shooting spots—it’s a full experience. To maximize your time, arrive early and be ready for the morning briefing. The briefing is not only mandatory for safety, but it also provides valuable information about the day’s schedule and any changes. Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down times and locations for the performers you most want to photograph.

Take advantage of the Photo Chalet throughout the day. Use it to recharge your batteries (both yours and your camera’s), grab a snack, and get out of the sun for a few minutes. The chalet is also a great place to download and review your images if you brought a laptop or tablet. Sharing your work with other photographers can lead to helpful feedback and new ideas.

Don’t forget that your pass includes a daily parking pass, so you can leave and return if needed, though with early access and the full day of activities, you may not want to. Check the Event Parking page for details on where to park and how to get to the Photo Tour check-in area. The check-in location will be communicated to you via email before the event, so be sure to check your inbox.

Finally, review the FAQ page for general questions about the airshow, including accessibility, lost and found, and other common inquiries. For Photo Tour-specific questions not answered there, the contact email on this page is your best resource.

Photo Tour Etiquette and Safety

As a Photo Tour participant, you are an ambassador for the aviation photography community. Please respect the rules and the other guests. Stay within the designated Photo Tour areas unless instructed otherwise. Do not cross barriers or enter restricted zones, even if you see media personnel doing so—they have special credentials and permissions. The safety of the performers, the crew, and all attendees is paramount.

Be considerate of your fellow photographers. The reserved shooting locations can get crowded, so avoid blocking others’ views. Use a lens hood to reduce flare and be mindful of where you place your gear. If you are using a tripod, keep it low and out of the way. Share the space and be open to communicating with others about the best angles.

Remember that the Photo Chalet is a shared space. Keep your belongings tidy and do not leave valuables unattended. The outlets are first-come, first-served, so be fair in your usage. During the lunch service, be prompt so the staff can manage the meal efficiently.

For more information on general event policies and safety, please refer to the Event Information section. If you have any concerns during the event, do not hesitate to approach a Photo Tour staff member or a show volunteer—they are there to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.