Planespotting
My love for airplanes
As a photographer with a passion for airplanes, few experiences can compare to the thrill of photographing aircraft in flight.
I can rarely resist photographing anything that flies or has flown in the past, as you can tell from the photos below (including a greek flag with a fragment from the moon’s surface from the Apollo 11 space flight).
The dynamic interplay of light and the wonders of engineering offers endless opportunities for exciting photographs. However, trying to get some beautiful shots was, to say the least, a challenge at Athens Airport, officially known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
The charm of airplanes and the art of plane spotting
Plane spotting, the art of observing and photographing aircraft, is a hobby that combines technical skills with a love of aviation. It is not just about taking pictures, but about understanding the subtle nuances of aircraft movements, weather conditions, and the delicate play of light. Each photograph tells a story of mechanical prowess and human ingenuity. Of course, as a little boy, I wanted to be a fighter pilot too. Fortunately, I didn't make it.
“We all fly.”
The challenges of aircraft spotting at Athens International Airport
Unlike airports in other countries that have specially designated areas for aircraft spotters, Athens International Airport lags behind in this regard. The airport's design and surrounding infrastructure limit the accessible points for enthusiasts. While photography is allowed outside the airport perimeter, certain areas are off-limits and access to restricted zones can have legal consequences. I am not a planespotter, but I would like it to be easier to photograph planes more often. There are several colleagues who are serious planespotters, and their work is worth your time.
Discovering aircraft observation points at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
Despite the difficulties, dedicated planespotters have identified several spots with good views around the airport:
Burger King Observation Deck: Located on the 2nd floor of the terminal, it offers a panoramic view of the eastern runway and taxiways. You can take photos, but reflections from the glass will make it difficult. Specific viewing angle. (airportspotting.com)
Bridge near the metro station: The elevated footbridge connecting the metro station to the terminal offers a good view of one runway (03L/21R) and the adjacent taxiways. (familyexperiencesblog.com)
Parking lots and commercial park: Outside the terminal, some parking lots and the adjacent commercial park offer views of aircraft movements. However, access to these spots requires careful navigation due to the lack of sidewalks between areas.
Open-air viewing platform: On the second floor of the airport. You can see takeoffs/landings, but you will be limited in what photos you can take.
Sofitel Hotel: A good choice for watching planes take off and land, if you are staying in the right room, but it will be difficult to take photos.
Other spots: This website is a tremendous help, created with passion by people who know everything there is to know about the subject.
Photography tips for photographing aircraft at Athens International Airport
Taking high-quality pictures of aircraft requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of the environment. Here are some simple tips:
Equipment recommendations: A DSLR or mirrorless camera combined with a 70-200mm lens or, even better, a 70-300mm lens (although a 100-400mm lens is probably ideal) for photographing aircraft from a distance.
Optimal lighting conditions: The morning hours, especially before 11:00 a.m., offer the best lighting for photographing arriving aircraft.
Composition: You can incorporate elements such as the airport terminal, runways, or the surrounding landscape to add context and depth to your photos, although I find that airplanes are so beautiful that they stand comfortably on their own in a minimalist composition.
Weather conditions: Watch out for heat haze during the summer months, which can distort (or even take off - pun intended) your images.
Accepting the challenge and capturing the moment
Despite restrictions at Athens International Airport, plane spotting remains a rewarding pastime. Every photograph you take is a testament to the passion of aviation enthusiasts. Photographers (but not only them) can continue to create exciting images that celebrate the beauty and complexity of flight and the awe inspired by these marvels of human imagination and ingenuity.
Conclusion
My journey as a photographer at Athens International Airport was full of challenges. One of them had to do with the fact that, upon arriving at point 2 here, my car ran out of battery, and it took roadside assistance about two hours to find the exact location!
The lack of designated areas for plane spotters reinforced my appreciation for the art and science of aerial photography. I encourage fellow enthusiasts to explore designated spots, respect local regulations, and always prioritize safety. Remember that every photograph is not just an image, but a story waiting to be told.
To get a taste of plane spotting at Athens International Airport, you can find several videos, such as this one.
I think I should go back soon to take some new photos at our airport.
RELATED CONTENT
