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Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
COAP is pleased to be returning to Tangmere Military Aviation Museum on Saturday 20th February for an exclusive afternoon & evening photoshoot!
A return to this cracking museum on the South Coast with a focus on their Phantom FGR.2 (XV408) with the opportunity to capture other aircraft from across the museum site over the day.
This will be the last opportunity to capture the current externally displayed aircraft in the open air before the development of a new additional museum building to bring those exhibits out of the coastal weather.
Currently the outside display features 1969 Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race participant Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 XV744 in No 1 Squadron markings, Westland Wessex HU5 XS511 with rotors stowed, Sea Harrier FA2 XZ459 Falklands veteran (then an FRS1 version serving with 800 NAS onboard HMS Hermes) and finally a de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2 XJ580 - a mighty fine offering!
The event will be limited to 40 photographers and usually tickets sell out fast for this excellent collection, steeped in historically significance, so keep your eyes on your inbox to see when this shoot goes live for bookings.
Exact timings, itinerary and joining instructions to follow.
Final aircraft shoot plan will be confirmed once the museums winter engineering schedule concludes.
Timings: This is an afternoon and evening photography event, with exact arrival and finishing times to be confirmed. Please plan to stay into the evening to make the most of the changing light and illuminated scenes.
The photography: We will work through the available afternoon light, dusk and darkness, with lighting arranged for the evening photography. The final aircraft line-up and photographic arrangements will be advised ahead of the event. Aircraft availability and positioning remain subject to museum requirements and conditions on the day.
Camera equipment: Bring a camera with manual exposure controls, plenty of memory cards and fully charged spare batteries. A wide-angle and standard zoom will be useful for aircraft portraits and wider compositions; a short telephoto can help with details and tighter framing. You do not need a large aviation telephoto lens to enjoy this event.
Tripod essential: A sturdy tripod is strongly recommended for the evening sessions, when longer exposures will be required. A remote release or your camera’s self-timer will help keep images sharp. Please position tripod legs considerately and keep access routes clear.
Clothing & footwear: February afternoons can turn cold quickly after sunset. Wear warm layers, a weatherproof outer layer and sturdy footwear with good grip. A hat and gloves are recommended, particularly for periods spent standing beside your camera.
Weather: Please come prepared for an outdoor winter event. Rain protection for your camera bag and equipment is advisable. We may adjust the sequence of photography or lighting arrangements to suit the conditions.
Moving around the site: Expect some walking between photographic positions and periods of standing. Surfaces may be wet or uneven, and visibility will reduce after dark. Bring a small torch for moving around safely, but avoid shining it towards cameras or into a scene during exposures.
Photographic etiquette: Our team will coordinate positions and shooting opportunities so everyone has a fair chance to photograph the scenes. Please follow the lighting team’s instructions, avoid stepping into other photographers’ compositions and allow space for others. Please do not use flash or additional lighting during organised sessions unless agreed with the team.
Aircraft & museum exhibits: Please do not touch, lean equipment against or climb onto aircraft or exhibits. Remain within the areas opened for our event and follow instructions from COAP and museum staff.
Accessibility: If you have mobility requirements or would benefit from regular seated breaks, please contact COAP before booking so we can discuss the planned arrangements with you.
Refreshments & facilities: Details of refreshments, toilet access and any indoor space available during the evening will be included in the joining instructions. Please do not assume the museum café will remain open throughout the event.
Arrival & parking: Parking, check-in and entrance instructions will be provided before the event. Please use the designated arrival point and wait for the team’s briefing before entering the photographic areas.
Final information: Confirmed timings, aircraft details and any last-minute practical updates will be sent to booked participants ahead of the event.
Strictly limited to 40 photographers.
