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November 7th is right around the corner, and with it closes 747 service for United Airlines. With that thought comes no small bit of sadness - United was a mainstay US user of the type for almost 50 years!

My memories of UA 747s launching and landing out of my home airport are strong ones. Since 1994, I have had the pleasure of working amongst them, from the -100s to the -400s. I have watched them fly in and out of San Francisco, marveling at their sheer size and surprising grace. My only regret is not being more of a shutterbug prior to 2003; otherwise, I might have had the -100, -200, and -SP in the Saul bass livery in my portfolio. Nope, I started my snapping-habit back in the Battleship livery, and all my camera has ever known is the -400.

This particular photo was taken back in 2016. Sharp eyes will notice no less than five UA 747s in the photo, with two being moved from the maintenance area while one launches for her Trans-Pacific run, something the 747 was prac...

Aviation is a passion of mine... always has been. And photography is a means of sharing that passion with others. If I'm not flying a plane or sitting in one, then I'm likely training a lens towards it. While I've flown planes for only a fraction of my life, I've always considered myself a pilot. And pilots love sharing their experiences with others. It's easy to tell others how to takeoff, but only when I pass on that sense of joy that I feel of breaking Earth's surly bonds do most people understand why I love doing what I do. That's what I try to do with my photos. Besides proximity, I aim to convey a story or stir up the emotions within the viewer when they gaze upon my work. Here's hoping you enjoy your little stay in my...