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Taking place over the long weekend of Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September, this exclusive event offers photographers a rare opportunity to capture some of Britain's most iconic military aircraft in a series of carefully curated after-hours photographic scenarios.
The photographic sessions themselves will take place on Friday and Saturday, with special use after the museum has closed to the public, allowing photographers exclusive access to the collection in atmospheric conditions that simply cannot be replicated during normal opening hours.
Across two spectacular evenings, aircraft will be positioned outside the historic T2 hangars and presented using authentic re-enactors, period vehicles, specialist lighting and effects - all in carefully staged scenes designed specifically for aviation photographers.
This collection is incredible!
Featured aircraft will include:
Phantom FG.1 XT865 "007"
Shorts SB.5 WG768
Tornado GR.4 ZG771
Jaguar GR.1 XZ389
Harrier GR.9 ZD465
Canberra PR.9 XH191
Hawk T.1A XX260 (Red Arrows)
Tucano T.1 ZF378
Vampire T.11 WZ549
Jet Provost T.3A XM414
Buccaneer S.2B XV361
Spitfire Mk.IIA Replica with Bedford QL Fuel Bowser
No doubt for many the highlight of this event will be the opportunity to shoot Phantom FG.1 XT865 "007" outside of its usual hangar home. Presented in full Royal Navy markings, with canopies open, access ladders in place and the nose oleo extended to recreate the unmistakable appearance of a Phantom ready for launch. Widely regarded as one of the finest preserved examples in Europe, XT865 promises exceptional photographic opportunities across both evenings.
Other key highlights for the weekend will be:
Shorts SB.5 WG768
One of the most historically significant aircraft in the collection, this unique experimental aircraft played a vital role in the development of the wing design for the English Electric Lightning and will feature in a specially created late-1950s/early-1960s themed scene.
Tornado GR.4 ZG771
The opportunity to photograph a frontline RAF Tornado GR.4 in very close proximity is also an opportunity few will have had before.
This promises to be one of the most interesting and memorable COAP Heritage Wings events we have ever staged.
Due to the unique cost structure and logistics of running this overseas event, the ticket cost covers both days but your travel and accommodation is your responsibility. We will be staying together as a group wherever possible, and this will likely be in Belfast City Centre (see "What You Need To Know"). Please contact us if you would like to stay in the same hotel as us (once fainlised), in the area and enjoy the social side of the weekend too.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Friday 18 September
Morning: Participants arrive in Northern Ireland.
Lunch/Afternoon: Begin your shoot with an afternoon visit to the museum, or take the opportunity to visit local attractions and enjoy some traditional Irish hospitality.
Evening/Night: The evening will see the first exclusive COAP Heritage Wings photoshoot session at the Ulster Aviation Society museum, followed by a post-event social gathering.
Saturday 19 September
Daytime: Explore area attractions such as the Titanic Experience in Belfast or spend time discovering the city, or the famous Giant's Causeway a little further north.
Evening/Night: Our second exclusive Heritage Wings photoshoot session featuring additional scenarios and lighting setups & the customary post-event social gathering.
Sunday 20 September
Daytime: A further return to the museum, or local exploration ahead of your return home.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Belfast is straightforward, with flights available from numerous UK airports into both Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airport, both around a 30 minute drive from the Ulster Aviation Society Museum. For those preferring to bring their own vehicle, several ferry routes provide convenient access from the mainland.
For those travelling to the country for the first time, Belfast and Northern Ireland offer plenty to enjoy beyond the photoshoots. Visitors may wish to explore attractions such as the world-famous Titanic Belfast experience, the spectacular Giant's Causeway, or simply enjoy the city's vibrant waterfront and historic districts.
Your event ticket covers both Friday and Saturday evening photography sessions. If you are only able to attend one evening, please contact us directly at events@centreofaviationphotography.com.
Getting There
The Ulster Aviation Society is easily reached from either of Belfast's airports.
Belfast City Airport (BHD) (Recommended)
Approximately 20-25 minutes by car.
Usually the most convenient option.
Excellent choice if you're arriving from many UK regional airports.
Shorter transfer time means more flexibility on arrival and departure.
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Approximately 35-45 minutes by car.
Often offers a wider choice of airlines and competitive fares.
A good option if flight times or prices suit your travel plans better.
Car hire is available at both airports, while taxis and public transport are also readily available
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included with this event.
There are numerous hotels to suit every budget in Belfast city centre, which is approximately 20-25 minutes from the museum by car. Staying in the city also gives plenty of choice for restaurants, pubs and sightseeing after each day's photography.
Group Size
To ensure everyone enjoys plenty of uninterrupted photography time, numbers are strictly limited.
This allows participants space to work around the aircraft, plenty of access to the re-enactors and the opportunity to compose photographs without large crowds.
Experience Level
This event is suitable for photographers of all experience levels.
Whether you're attending your first aviation photoshoot or you're a regular COAP Heritage Wings participant, there will be opportunities to create everything from straightforward record shots to more artistic images.
Photography Equipment
The aircraft will be positioned to allow a variety of photographic opportunities, from full aircraft portraits through to detailed cockpit and re-enactment images.
For most photographers we recommend:
24-70mm – Ideal for full aircraft shots, group scenes and environmental images.
70-200mm – A great all-round lens for portraits, cockpit details and isolating features of the aircraft.
100-400mm (or similar) – Useful if you enjoy picking out fine details, markings and close-up compositions, although it won't be essential for this event.
Wide angle lenses can produce some dramatic images inside hangars or when shooting around the aircraft, while a macro lens may appeal if you enjoy capturing badges, instruments and smaller details.
As always, bring spare batteries, plenty of memory cards and a tripod if you intend shooting at slower shutter speeds or experimenting with creative lighting.
Clothing
This is a museum-based event with both indoor and outdoor photography. Please wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Even in dry conditions you'll spend long periods on your feet.
Places will be strictly limited due to the exclusive nature of this event. Early booking is strongly recommended to secure your opportunity to participate in what promises to be a truly unforgettable aviation photography experience.
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