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Before the frontline comes the training - the aircraft, instructors and countless sorties that turn aspiring pilots into military aviators.
Join COAP Heritage Wings at Yorkshire Air Museum for a dedicated photography event celebrating three distinctive aircraft from the RAF training story: the BAe Hawk, Short Tucano and Jet Provost.
From the straight-wing jet training era of the Jet Provost to the turboprop Tucano and swept-wing Hawk, these aircraft provide three contrasting subjects linked by a shared purpose. Our event brings them together for an evening of aviation photography, combining aircraft portraits with carefully directed scenes featuring re-enactors.
In keeping with the Heritage Wings approach, we will use the aircraft, human detail and considered lighting to create images that evoke the atmosphere of RAF training life. Re-enactor clothing and scene direction will be matched to the subjects wherever possible, with individual setups giving each aircraft its own photographic story.
Alongside the living-history scenes, we will make time for “clean” aircraft photography, without re-enactors in the composition. Whether you favour an uncluttered aircraft portrait, cockpit and airframe details, or a scene with a human focal point, the programme is designed to offer a varied collection of images.
We begin in daylight, exploring the aircraft and working through the available angles before the changing light brings a different atmosphere. As afternoon gives way to dusk and darkness, our lighting team will develop the evening scenes, revealing shapes, colours and details against the night sky.
Event highlights
Aircraft participation, positioning and individual scenes remain subject to serviceability, museum requirements and weather conditions. Final event timings will be confirmed.
Provisional itinerary... A more detailed itinerary with full timings will follow closer to the time.
1530: Arrive at Yorkshire Air Museum for check-in and a welcome briefing from the COAP Heritage Wings team.
We will explain the photographic plan, introduce the featured subjects and outline how the re-enactor scenes and clean aircraft opportunities will work. The briefing will also cover safe movement around the aircraft and arrangements for shooting after dark.
Daylight photography - Aircraft portraits & details
Our opening sessions will concentrate on the Hawk, Tucano and Jet Provost in the available daylight. Clean aircraft sessions will allow time for compositions without re-enactors.
Living-history sessions - The training story
Re-enactor scenes will introduce the human side of RAF flying training, using each aircraft as the setting for carefully composed photographs. The team will guide positioning and poses, allowing time to capture each setup before changing the scene. These sessions will alternate with aircraft-only opportunities as the programme allows.
Dusk photography - Changing light
As daylight fades, we will adapt the programme to the conditions and begin introducing the event lighting. This transition offers the opportunity to combine the remaining ambient light with illuminated aircraft and re-enactor scenes. The order of subjects will be chosen to make the best use of the light available.
Night photography - Illuminated aircraft & scenes
After dark, our attention turns to the aircraft under arranged lighting, with a mixture of clean portraits and directed living-history compositions.
A tripod will be particularly useful as exposures lengthen.
2100: Event closes. and depart Yorkshire Air Museum site.
This is a flexible photographic programme. Exact timings, breaks, the order of aircraft and individual scenes will be confirmed closer to the date and are subject to the light, weather and museum arrangements.
Provisional timings & plan
Timings: The event will run from 1600hrs - 2100hrs and will include a short daylight/dusk period and night photography.
Featured aircraft: Our planned subjects are the BAe Hawk, Short Tucano and Jet Provost. Aircraft participation and positioning remain subject to availability, museum requirements and conditions on the day.
The theme: This Heritage Wings event celebrates RAF training aircraft, combining aircraft photography with directed living-history scenes featuring re-enactors. We will also provide dedicated opportunities to photograph the aircraft clean, without re-enactors in the composition.
Static photography: The programme is based around photographing the aircraft on the ground. Engine runs, taxiing, cockpit access and other operational activity are not included unless specifically announced by COAP.
Camera equipment: A camera with manual exposure controls will help you make the most of the evening sessions. Bring fully charged batteries, spares and plenty of memory cards. A wide-angle and standard zoom will be useful for complete aircraft and wider scenes, while a short telephoto can help isolate details and re-enactor portraits.
Tripods: A sturdy tripod is strongly recommended for dusk and night photography. A remote shutter release or your camera’s self-timer will help minimise movement during longer exposures. Please keep tripod legs and camera bags clear of access routes.
Help with photography: You do not need previous night photography experience to attend. The COAP team will be available to offer practical guidance on settings and composition. Familiarising yourself with your camera’s manual controls beforehand will help you get the most from that support.
Lighting & flash: Lighting will be coordinated by the event team. Please do not introduce flash, torches or additional photographic lighting into a scene unless agreed with the team, as this can affect other participants’ exposures.
Clothing & footwear: Come prepared for an outdoor winter event, with warm layers, a weatherproof coat, a hat and gloves. Sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended. Standing beside a tripod after dark can feel considerably colder than moving around during daylight.
Weather protection: Bring suitable protection for your camera and bag. The team may change the order of subjects, re-enactor scenes or lighting setups to suit the weather and keep the programme practical.
Moving around after dark: Bring a small torch for safe movement between positions and when packing away. Keep it directed towards the ground and avoid shining it into a scene while photography is taking place.
Fair photographic opportunities: The team will coordinate shooting positions and scene changes to give everyone a fair opportunity. Please be considerate of other photographers, avoid moving into an active composition and follow directions when a setup is being arranged.
Re-enactors: Please allow the team to direct poses and movements during organised scenes. If you have an idea for a photograph, speak to a member of the COAP team so it can be considered within the session.
Aircraft & exhibits: Please do not touch or climb onto aircraft, move museum equipment or rest cameras and bags against exhibits. Remain within the areas made available for the event.
Accessibility: Expect some walking between subjects and periods of standing. If you have mobility requirements or need regular seated breaks, please contact COAP before booking so we can discuss the arrangements with you.
Refreshments & facilities: The museum cafe will be open into the evening for photographers. final closing time to be confirmed. Toilet facilities on site.
Arrival & parking: Confirmed parking, entrance and check-in instructions will be sent before the event. These will also explain whether general museum admission or access to other exhibits forms part of your booking.
Final joining instructions: Booked participants will receive confirmed timings, arrival information, equipment advice and any updates to the aircraft or photographic programme ahead of the event.
