Aviation Photography Night Shoot

The popular Shuttleworth Night Shoot returns in 2023

This popular event will include three aircraft running engines under floodlights on our historic grass airfield. In addition, selected hangars will be illuminated with some creative lighting, and we have vehicles and re-enactors adding some unique atmosphere and photographic opportunities throughout the evening.

The event will be a bit different to our normal format as we will be introducing night taxiing… Each of the running aircraft will start up and taxi down the line for unique image opportunities. The aircraft will stop at different points along the line for long exposure shots, before moving down the line. This will offer a range of photography opportunities, from creative moving shots, to traditional stationary images with engines running. You’ll be able to move around during the runs, meaning you can get start-ups and action shots for each aircraft. We plan to have some interesting props on the airfield too, so it’s going to be a cracking two nights!

This event is open to anyone with a camera, but it is recommended that attendees have a basic understanding of night photography in order to make the most of the event. The use of flash will not be permitted during the engine run part of the evening and it is recommended that you use a tripod if you have one. The official Collection photographers will be on hand to offer advice if needed and there will be a welcome talk from the Shuttleworth team.

Attendees can enter Shuttleworth Collection and Gardens during the day to see our wonderful collection of aircraft in the hangars before the illuminations start. Meet in the Runway Café at 17:00 for a light meal before a chance to enjoy the sun setting, and an opportunity to capture some images on the airfield – with vehicles and re-enactors posing alongside some of our classic aircraft. When the sun has set, we will then be running up the engines on three aircraft each day, with a great opportunity to see the aircraft in an unusual way.

Aircraft Lineup

Friday 6th October

DH88 Comet

Sopwith Triplane

Hawker Tomtitt

(Tiger Moth as reserve)

Saturday 7th October

Westland Lysander

Parnel Elf

Southern Martlett

(Tiger Moth reserve)

Spitfire and Sea Hurricane will be on static display in front of the hangars, and Hangar 1 will be illuminated with mood lights.