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It's starts wth energizing the starting motor. You can hear a low moan from somewhere deep inside the radial as something starts spinning up. It rises in pitch and volume , and when it sounds right, the crew hits the starter. The propeller spins slowly, and a watchful crewmember counts the blade turns - one blade, two, three...

When that magical number of blades is counted, they throw on the mag switch. There's typically a cough and a sputter, or it might be cough cough sputter. If the engine's been primed with fuel just right, it catches, belching heavy smoke before the RPMs settle into a smooth growl.

Such is the glorious first signs of life of a radial-engined warbird.

This B-24J, the only airworthy example of the type and possessing a verified combat history, wears the scheme of "Witchcraft". Airframe number is 44-44052, civilian registration N224J. It is operated by the Collings Foundation. Proceeds from the sales of this print will be donated that org...

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...