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| “Shot at the Huntington Beach surfing championships. I used an 800mm lens to get close to the action. Studying typical movements of the surfers helps with being ready to get the shot at the peak of the action.”
Nikon Z9 | Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 800mm | F7.1 | 1/4000 sec | ISO 720 |
Alan Randle, known as AJR Images in the forums, has been capturing striking images for decades, with a particular passion for fast-paced subjects. Originally from the UK and now based in Southern California, he has built a body of work that spans airshows, surfing, wildlife and more. Over the years, his photography has evolved from early film experiments to high-precision digital work with top-tier equipment, allowing him to get in close and capture subjects with remarkable clarity and detail.
If you are interested in air show photography, check out Alan’s work below.
This story is part of our What’s in your bag? community spotlight series. The series showcases the diverse gear and photography of our community, and shares their stories of how that gear helped them to capture the perfect shot.
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| “A dramatic shot of a Red Bull display aircraft taking off at a steep angle. The smoke adds to the drama.”
Nikon D5 | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 @420mm (35mm equivalent) | F8 | 1/1600 sec | ISO 400 |
Meet Alan Randle (AJR Images)
Home base: Southern California, USA
“I’ve been taking photographs since the early 1960’s, but more seriously for the last 15 years. I moved to California from the UK in 2000, and am now lucky to have great subject matter and good light. I’ve been fortunate enough to acquire some of the best equipment and now like to get in close to my subjects with the use of long telephotos.”
Favorite camera and lens: Alan primarily shoots with Nikon Z9 bodies. For airshows and wildlife, he relies on super-telephoto lenses like the 400 F2.8 TC, 600 F4 TC, and 800 f/6.3 to capture subjects up close with exceptional detail. For travel or more general photography, he uses a Z6III with a 24–120mm F4. Alan values this setup for its versatility and reliability, allowing him to adapt quickly to different environments.
I love the Nikon Z 400TC. A fabulous lens with the versatility of two focal lengths.
What’s in Alan’s bag
- Primary cameras: Nikon Z9, Nikon Z6III
- Lenses:
- Nikon Z 400mm F2.8 TC (“I love the Nikon Z 400TC. A fabulous lens with the versatility of two focal lengths.”)
- Nikon Z 600mm F4 TC
- Nikon Z 800mm F6.3
- Nikon Z 400mm F4.5
- Nikon Z 180–600mm F5.6
- Nikon Z 70–200mm F2.8
- Nikon Z 24–70mm F2.8 SII
- Nikon Z 14–24mm F2.8
- Nikon Z 105mm F2.8
- Z6III with 24–120mm F4 (for travel)
- Support gear: Spare CFexpress cards and batteries, Gitzo and RRS tripods, monopods, and heads (rarely used; prefer handholding). Multi-tool and water bottles for long shoots.
- Camera bags: Think Tank and Gura Gear roller bags, backpacks, and shoulder bags, chosen for durability and to accommodate large telephoto lenses.
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| Alan’s camera bag
Photo: Alan Randle |
What cameras does a professional aerospace engineer use most?
“I was a professional aerospace engineer for nearly 50 years, so I keep up my interest by attending airshows around Southern California. I’ve been fortunate to acquire some of the best super telephoto lenses over the last few years and have practiced honing my panning skills to the point where I can capture sharp images of aircraft with good prop blur. I look back at some of my older images, and certainly modern equipment has made it easier to get great images.”
Have you changed up your gear since you got started?
“Oh yes. I started out with a Praktica camera and then an Olympus OM2 system, but got serious when I bought a Nikon F4S in the 1980’s. I then moved from F to D to Z systems. Since investing in Nikon Z9s and Z lenses, my output has improved to no end.”
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| “A nice, sharp close-up image of the Patriots display team with the smoke imparting a sense of action.”
Nikon D4S | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED II @420mm (35mm equivalent) | F5.6 | 1/4000 sec | ISO 320 |
Besides impressive aerospace photography, what else do you shoot?
“I also enjoy shooting zoo animals. I like to take portraits rather than the whole of the animal, again making good use of my telephoto lenses. Carrying big equipment around a zoo can be tiring. I’ve even been asked by staff if I want to check my ‘luggage.'”
“Living close to the beach, I shoot championship surfing (people and dogs). You need to take care of your equipment in this environment of saltwater and sand. I’ve seen photographers so engrossed in the action that they miss a rogue wave that drowns their equipment. Electronics and salt water don’t mix!”
“In the past, I’ve shot motor sports, tennis, and cycling. Unfortunately, as sports become more commercialized, it’s getting harder and harder to get good images unless you are credentialed. Not only are you kept further away from the action, but there are often limits as to the equipment that can be taken into a venue.”
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| “The Blue Angels show in near-perfect light, showing the aircraft at speed.”
Nikon Z 9 | NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S @400mm (35mm equivalent) | F5.6 | 1/6400 sec | ISO 900 |
When capturing that perfect shot, what techniques come to mind?
“I try to understand the type of subjects I’ll be shooting, like typical aircraft maneuvers, animal behavior, the way that sports are played, and so I try to get ‘ahead of the game.’ Knowing how the subject will react at any moment keeps my fingers on the right controls. On that point, do learn how to use your equipment. Read the manuals and understand what all the controls do so that setting up becomes second nature.”
Alan really enjoyed writing the content for this spotlight article and would be grateful for you to join him in discussion in the forums. Thanks, Alan, for being featured!
If you’d like to share your photography, tell us about your main camera, lens choices, key settings and strategies. Your photos and story could be featured in the next article!
Editor’s note: This article continues a series, ‘What’s in your bag?’, highlighting DPReview community members, their photography and the gear they depend on. Would you like to be featured in a future installment? Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography by filling out this form. If you’re selected for a feature, we’ll be in touch with next steps.
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Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
Cheers DPReview – thanks for the great work and content that guided photographers, videographers and techno junkies the world over!
How one photographer uses an 800mm lens to freeze split-second action