On Aviation and Photography:
"You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky." -- Amelia Earhart
“You don't take a photograph, you make it.” - - Ansel Adams
UPDATED: September 19, 2010
Hi, My name is Bill and I am updating my homepage to reflect a wonderful event in my life...marriage, September 18, 2010, to my best friend Tara...known to many of you as auntietk here on Renderosity.
We "met" shortly after I joined Renderosity in August 2008. We share a love for photography and indeed all types of art.
We live north of Seattle and enjoy getting to share photographic excursions and information with other Renderositians ( is "Renderositians" even a word? ). LOL
As for me, it seems like I've been taking pictures all my life but I didn't get serious enough to purchase my first Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera until May 2008. In May 2009 I upgraded from an Olympus E-510 to an Olympus E-30 with a wide variety of lenses.
My subject areas of interest include absolutely everything but with a frequent return to airplanes, cars, tanks, etc., ...or as Tara says, machines that make lots of noise;-)
If you are curious, I am pictured above in a Grumman Corsair on a taxiway of the Kansas City Downtown Airport. I used to fly and train others to fly airplanes. That will explain my frequent forays into the world of aviation. Last but by no means least, thanks to Pannyhb for introducing me to Renderosity. The moment I saw it I was hooked.
Fine print: Yes, the photo above is a photo manipulation:-)
Comments (29)
RodS Online Now!
Good grief!!! I knew the Goose was big, but geeeeeze..... What a beast! This really gives it a sense of scale with the people next to it, and the other airplanes under it's wing. I remember seeing something on the History Channel some time ago about Howard Hughes - they showed the first time it actually flew. I think it only rose a few feet off the water. An amazing capture of this magnificent piece of history, Bill!
Faemike55
Very good shot of the SG. having those people in the shot really gives us the scale thanks
whaleman
That's simply amazing...one man's vision realized!
kgb224
It is huge indeed Bill. Superb capture. God bless.
62guy
It was only flown once, just to prove it really could. I think Mr. Hughes was at the controls.
ysvry
great foto and planes.
junge1
Great capture Bill and imagine it actually got off the ground (water) even though it was unintentionally!
durleybeachbum
Great Scott! Glad you pointed out the people, amazing.
bebopdlx
I would love to see this.
jayfar
Simply massive and a great shot Bill. Had to zoom to find the people.
blinkings
Thanks Bill for posting this. I have always been fascinated with this story, but have never been lucky enough to see it in real life. Interestingly, it was actually made of birch and not spruce!
kenmo
You are correct Bill, this photo must be viewed full size to get an appreciation of the scale of this plane... Excellent capture and many thanks for sharing....
Maxidyne
Now-Now Bill, you know H.H hated the name Spruce Goose lol. Just look at the size of it though, shame it was never put to good use. Amazing Mate!
EJD64
That is one sweet plane. I have seen film of this plane flying on the DC.
Rob2753
Fantastic shot and an awesome plane
jendellas
Flipping heck, that is BIG!!!
MrsRatbag
Wow, I never realized how incredibly HOOJE it is! It's amazing it ever got off the ground at all! As always, a sterling capture with perfect details!
sharky_
Interesting collection of air crafts... Aloha
helanker
That is indeed a Huge one and out of wood. That is amaxing.
flavia49
excellent shot
auntietk
The size of that thing is just unbelievable. Terrific shot! It gives a great sense of scale.
T.Rex
Beautiful and very well composed photo, Bill. This shows it was higher than a Boeing 747, but not quite as long. I wonder how such a large wooden flying structure could be held together - the frame work must have been phenomenal to prevent the plane from breaking appart from its own weight! Could you go inside? Or have a look in through a door or window? It would be great to see what it looks like inside. Good job! Keep up the good work! :-)
goodoleboy
Now, that is one big MF! Stellar POV to give us the relative size and perspective of this leviathan, Bill. The engines do look relatively small in relation to the size of the aeroplane, but that is deceptive considering their power. And thanks for reminding me that I should look for my old captures of the wooden goose.
tennesseecowgirl
It use to be down in Long Beach in California, I wonder why they moved it. nice to see again.
Richardphotos
to think that it is mostly wood is scary but it did fly if only a short time. outstanding photo
Briney
"Flying Ocean Liner" I think. OMG Is that a teeny-weenie Grumman Goose next to it?
debbielove
Oh my goodness! Unbelievable size.. But it flew! Stunning shot Bill, well caught, great lighting and loads to see in there I see! Rob
danapommet
It looks enormous from this POV - a super shot!
Buffalo1
I saw this big bird at Long Beach many years ago and she looks better now!