• For ‘flying’ shots you’ll need a long lens, at least 300mm (equivalent). Fast lenses with a maximum aperture of f2.8 will let you to shoot in lower light levels than would otherwise be possible.

• Set a shutter speed at least as high as the lens’s focal length (i.e. – with a 500mm lens use a speed of 1/500sec or higher).

• In the auto modes your meter will expose for the sky, underexposing the aircraft. Set the meter to spot so it reads off the focus point or set manual exposure, reading off a mid-grey area.

• Set the focus mode to Continuous AF, which constantly refocuses to stay locked onto moving subjects. Only use Single AF for shooting static planes on the ground.

• Set the drive to High-Speed Continuous and shoot bursts to increase your chances.

• Use the biggest media card you can get.

• Monopods are useful to hold big lenses.

• Pan with the subject to keep it in the same place in your frame, and continue panning after the shot for a smooth result.

• Try to get shots with the plane banking towards you, showing the top rather than just the undercarriage. Frame the shot so there’s more space in front of the plane than behind it, so it’s flying into the shot.

• For information on airshows taking place near you visit: www.airshows.org.uk

• Look out for interesting static shots on the ground. They provide more opportunity to experiment with lighting, filters etc, though it can be difficult getting a clean, crowd-free shot.