Boeing 747-200 (92-9000)

It was surreal! Camera people (photographers and videographers) representing several major television and newspaper organizations all taking photos in the secure media area ... and me, a nobody amateur photographer with a couple of Canon cameras. Absolutely surreal 30 minutes in my life! But I knew I'd never get another invitation like this again, so I sure didn't waste those minutes. Over 750 photos of just one aircraft! And when AF1 came to a stop on the ramp only a hundred feet away, I was standing in a direct line with the front cabin door. Everyone on the platform wanted to be in the space I was occupying. (lol) I grew roots like a thousand year old oak tree; they couldn't have moved me with a bulldozer! (lol) One guy who was using a huge video camera with a mic on a long boom leaned over and asked, "Which network are you with?" I was caught totally off guard and didn't know what to say, so I replied with the first thing I came up with ... RNO. He seemed satisfied and went back to filming the POTUS shaking hands. An amazing morning!!

amazing Gary, what an experience, but never say never in aviation, I believe more opportunities will follow this.
congrats on the photo and the experience of a lifetime

Awesome picture and thanks for sharing the experience, Gary! Well done as usual :)

Gary - this was a well deserved honor for you... as your photo work speak most eloquently to and in a precise manner regarding your photographic skills. Along with that, it speaks volumes about your character as a person and your dedication as a photographer!

Yes... I too would have grown roots "like a thousand year old oak tree"... :-)

I loved your "back story" and narrative... and I'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face!!!

My heartfelt thanks goes to You for sharing all this with us!!!

You, sir, have made my day!

Thanks for sharing this, and all your other photographs, Gary.
Keep your elbows out and carry on pushing the major media guys out of your way lol.

Gary, You get 5 stars just for the story. West of the Mississippi... you should have said KRNO.

nice job Gary know I need to know how I can make it as a screen saver. thank again.

nice god job know I need to figure how to make it as a screen saver

It never gets old to see it land in person. Thrilling! Maybe because there's an erie silence beforehand as every plane arriving and departing is temporarily placed on hold, even at the largest airports. And love the story. If you every listen to the ATC communications, that's always an added bonus. Or getting to see "Marine One" (and company) takeoff for a local destination afterward and practically shake the ground. So cool!

Well done, Gary! I'm happy for you and for the great pics! Thanks a bunch for sharing!

Gary, I'm looking forward to some follow-on shots from your 750 in the near future.
Terrific job!

Allsom Photo of one beautiful 747 & the only one like it.

Another great photo with a bonus of a nose wheel smoker and thrust reversers open. Hope you will show more photos of the POTUS visit.

perfect Gary!!
a wounderfull picture!! i know you enjoy this moment!!

No smoking on the runway please mr. 747

Is this Andrews or Tuscon? Mountains in the back look more like Az. landscape.

Leon, it's KRNO Reno NV

Gary,

What a wonderful experience to be up close to AF ! Glad you had that opportunity. And you will never forget it !!