\n With steep valleys and\u00a0scenic backdrops, you will often see training flights by RAF and USAF jets, it offers unique opportunities for military aviation photography.\n<\/p>\n
\n One such photographer is Aaron Christie, who began photographing jets seriously in August 2022, after witnessing an \u201ceight-ship\u201d of F-15s fly low over Windermere during a walk at Claife Heights.\n<\/p>\n
\n Aaron is one of the many photographers who capture military aircraft (Image: Aaron Christie) He said: “I already had a passion for photography before then – picking up my first camera when I was around 8 years old.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I mainly shot wildlife and landscape photography, however the adrenaline I gained from just seeing the jets fly past made me say to myself ‘yeah I want to do that when I’m older’\u00a0and more importantly made me do some research into military aviation and how I can properly get into it as another aspect of photography.”\n<\/p>\n
\n While other locations like the Mach Loop in Snowdonia are popular for low-level flying, Aaron points out that the Lake District offers more diverse scenery and fewer crowds.\n<\/p>\n
\n This means photographers can capture more unique compositions, such as jets flying over water at places like Thirlmere or Ullswater.\n<\/p>\n
\n A standard day for Aaron starts early, usually with a hill climb to be in position by 8:30am. Spring and summer shoots last until around 4:30pm, while shorter daylight in winter means finishing earlier.\n<\/p>\n
\n Aaron usually plays his days ‘by ear’ (Image: Aaron Christie) He said: “As for camera gear – I use my trusty Canon 7D Mark II paired with my Canon 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L Mark II, which is relatively a good, reliable setup and it tends to be all I need for low level.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Many people use the Sigma 150-600mm lenses for more reach however for the majority of the spots I go to, and the sharpness of the 100-400mm Mark II, I find it is perfect lens for me.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n “The most difficult part I find is the lighting (other than climbing up steep hills haha!).\n<\/p>\n
\n “Being sat in a certain spot for the whole day, the light is constantly changing as the sun moves round and the weather shifts.”\n<\/p>\n
\n According to Aaron, part of the attraction lies in the combination of technical skill, patience, and the shared experience with others.\n<\/p>\n
\n He also mentions that military crews sometimes recognise photographers on the hills, and some even reach out via Facebook groups to request photos after their flights.\n<\/p>\n
\n Pilots sometimes get in touch for photos (Image: Aaron Christie) He said: “I have had a few times when pilots have contacted me asking for photos through Facebook.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I upload a lot of my images to certain Facebook groups such as ‘Cumbria LFA17 spotters’\u00a0and airbase groups where the aircraft have taken off from – pilots tend to browse those groups if they wouldn’t mind having photos for a special occasion, or maybe even if they liked the picture.”\n<\/p>\n
\n One day stands out clearly in Aaron\u2019s memory,\u00a0March 18, 2025, when he and others captured a four-ship of RAF Typhoons flying low through Dunmail Raise\u2014something not seen since 2022.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: \u201cI got a shot of all four in one frame, and later that day, we caught three F-35A jets from the 493rd Fighter Squadron at Lakenheath. That\u2019s my favourite squadron, so it was pretty special.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Aaron’s favourite shot (Image: Aaron Christie) He\u2019s also photographed a KC-135 Stratotanker low-level and even captured a USAF pilot\u2019s final UK flight.\n<\/p>\n
\n Aaron offered some advice for beginners, he suggests starting with an affordable DSLR such as the Canon 2000D or Nikon D7200, and a lens with at least 300mm reach.\n<\/p>\n
\n Joining online communities such as ‘Cumbria LFA17 Spotters’\u00a0is a good way to stay updated on flight activity, share photos, and get advice.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: \u201cAircraft usually fly Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. It\u2019s crucial to check the weather and come prepared\u2014there are no facilities on the hills.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Useful tools include tracking websites like ADS-B Exchange, though many low-level aircraft won\u2019t appear on live trackers due to operational security.\n<\/p>\n
\n You can check out Aaron’s work on his Instagram:\u00a0aaronchristiephotography.\n<\/p>\n
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