Media Approved Photos

An F-22 Raptor from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron returns to a training mission after refueling March 27, 2012, over the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands. During the training, U.S. Air Force Academy cadets received a familiarization flight to get a better understanding of the Air Force's global reach capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Aug. 29, 2017. The F-22 is a component of the Global Strike Task Force, supporting U.S. and Coalition forces working to liberate territory and people under the control of ISIS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Battles)

About the Media Approved Photos Collection

The Los Angeles County Air Show maintains a curated gallery of high-quality photographs that have been pre-approved for media use. These images capture the excitement and spectacle of our event, featuring military aircraft, aerobatic performers, and special moments from past shows. The collection is designed to support journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals in illustrating their coverage of the air show accurately and effectively.

Each photo in this gallery is accompanied by a descriptive caption that includes the subject, location, date, and official Air Force credit when applicable. We update the collection regularly as new images become available, ensuring that media representatives have access to the latest visuals. The photos are provided in a resolution suitable for both print and digital publication, and we offer them free of charge for editorial purposes under the conditions outlined below.

Usage Guidelines and Licensing

All photos in the Media Approved Photos collection are released for editorial use by members of the press. This means they may be used in news articles, feature stories, and other non-commercial, journalistic contexts. The images must be credited as indicated in the caption, typically following the format: “(U.S. Air Force photo by [Photographer Name])” or “(Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Air Show).” Proper attribution is required for every use.

Commercial use of these photographs, including advertising, merchandising, or any promotional material that directly generates revenue, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the Los Angeles County Air Show and, where applicable, the U.S. Air Force. Any manipulation of the images beyond standard cropping and minor color correction is not permitted, as it could misrepresent the subject. Media outlets are encouraged to contact our public relations team if they have questions about specific usage scenarios.

Featured Aircraft and Performers

The Media Approved Photos collection showcases a wide range of aircraft that have appeared at the Los Angeles County Air Show. Military jets like the F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II are frequent subjects, captured in dynamic flight or on the ramp. These images highlight the precision and power of modern military aviation, often provided by U.S. Air Force photographers who have access to unique vantage points.

In addition to military hardware, the gallery includes photos of civilian aerobatic performers, vintage warbirds, and unique aircraft from our static display area. The collection is organized to help media quickly find the type of image they need, whether it’s a dramatic air-to-air shot or a close-up of a cockpit. We strive to include a mix of vertical and horizontal orientations to accommodate various layout requirements.

Military demonstration teams and single-ship demos
Civilian aerobatic champions and airshow legends
Historic warbirds from World War II and Korea
Static displays and crowd interactions
Behind-the-scenes preparations and crew activities

Downloading High-Resolution Images

To access high-resolution versions of the photos, media representatives should navigate to the individual image page by clicking on the thumbnail. There, they will find a download button that provides the full-size file in JPEG format. We recommend downloading images well in advance of any publication deadlines to avoid potential delays. The files are typically between 2 and 10 megabytes, suitable for print reproduction up to 8x10 inches at 300 DPI.

If a specific image is not available in the collection or if a higher resolution is needed, media may make a request through the designated media contact. While we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled, we make every effort to accommodate legitimate press needs. Please note that some images may be subject to additional clearance from the Department of Defense if they feature certain military aircraft or personnel.

Photography at the Air Show

For media photographers planning to cover the Los Angeles County Air Show in person, we offer special media credentials that provide access to designated photography areas. These locations offer unobstructed views of the flight line and are positioned to capture the aerial performances against the beautiful Southern California sky. Credentialed photographers are expected to adhere to safety guidelines and direction from air show staff at all times.

The air show typically schedules dedicated media photo opportunities, including pre-show static tours and post-show interviews with performers. These events allow photographers to capture unique angles and details that are not available to the general public. All photos taken by media at the event remain the property of the photographer, but we appreciate receiving copies for potential inclusion in our Media Approved Photos collection and other promotional materials.

Additional Media Resources

The Los Angeles County Air Show offers a variety of resources to support media coverage beyond the approved photos. Our Media section includes press releases, fact sheets, and historical information about the show. For visual branding, please visit the Downloadable Logo page where official logos in various formats are available. Additionally, our Posters and Program page provides printable promotional materials that can be used in print or online.

We encourage media professionals to explore all available resources and to reach out with any questions or special requests. Our goal is to make covering the Los Angeles County Air Show as easy and effective as possible, whether you are writing a feature article, producing a video segment, or sharing photos on social media. Thank you for your interest in our event, and we look forward to working with you.