Day in My Life as an Air Force Photographer
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- From taking photos 30,000 feet in the air, to strapping in the back seat of a fighter jet, when you think of jobs in the Air Force, you probably don't think of being a photographer. But what I will say, is that this career field is one that can take you all over the world, capturing some incredible missions and some gravity-defying aircraft. I hope you guys enjoy this glimpse into my life as an Air Force photographer during my time as a member of the F-22 Demonstration Team.
► 🤖 Join the Discord! - / discord
► ✈️ Sign up for the Flyby Newsletter! - bit.ly/3VJEpfV
Follow Me! ►
INSTAGRAM / sameckholm
TWITTER: / sameckholm
TIKTOK: / sameckholm
Adheres to AFI 1-1, USAF Social Media Policy
Views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.
--------------------------------------------
Email: ✉️
contact@sameckholm.com - Розваги
I hope you guys enjoyed this one! As I always say, there are some pretty incredible career fields available in the Air Force. If you had your pick of any of them, which would you choose?
Are there more women or men in the American army? 🇺🇲sorry for the question🖐
@@tanks6868 Statistically speaking, there are more men, but the number of women has grown substantially! In 1973, there were about 42,000 women serving in the Army, and now there are upwards of 160,000+. Awesome stuff!
Hey Sam,
Big fan😊....Do they teach you how to fly an F25 when you are in the air national guard?
Pilot (B-52)
do you think it is worth it to be a fighter pilot? Like all the years of school and training? (I’m considering doing USAFA) thanks for the help
I swear you have the coolest job ever and honestly, I was thinking about pursuing this career. You’re a good role model, keep it up 🙌📸
Same bro! Am still sm
What is your gear specifically. I enjoy air shows .My longest lens is the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D.
pretty sure flying a jet is cooler than taking photos.
@@erik2494not everyone can fly a jet so why not be an airforce photographer
Finally you did it! Photography is not what I expect from the Air Force, but I guess there is a job for everything.
Literally everything 😁
@@SamEckholm I wanna be a pilot but have never flew a plane, what happens if a start pilot training with the Air Force but end up hating it. Can I drop?? Or is that seen as bad?
@@hail2287 there is a minimum period of service that you must do before you can leave the air force
@@hail2287 I suggest you take flight lessons and try to get your pilots license before you join. That way you get a feel for flying and when you do join you’ll already have a bit more experience and competitiveness. Though you will have to complete the same training whether you have a license or not
You do realise that nobody would know what was going on, or know what the Air Force does (for all parts of it, not just planes/pilots) if it wasn't for public affairs photographers...
Everyone just takes seeing photos and video for granted, so yes, it is actually a worthwhile job
"You a photographer?"
"No, I'm a combat correspondent"
"Oh, you seen any combat?"
LOL! We had air force combat photo come on a patrol one time to take OTW pics of Iraq, and I had to reassure the dude over and over as we were rolling out of the gate that we would not let him get shot. I could not believe how scared he was.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Me: Rolling pallets of Mk 82 bombs onto aircraft while combat camera is taking photos
Right Brain: Lets pretend the bombs are cooking off and run away screaming...
Left Brain: That might cause some undo mental stress to all the parties involved...
Me: Fine. Stupid Left Brain...
I have seen a little on Tv.
That Shot of the Thunderbirds with the F-35 Pulling Up after take off was incredible 🔥 Great Job!
Photographers are important for investigative purposes, if there is a mechanical difficulty or an accident, you need someone on scene to record reasonable evidence. Also relevant for ceremonies, parades, promotions, very useful to have someone who can show higher management what is going on. I'm not in photography or military industry, but just my experiences, people everywhere get very happy and eager to get a free photograph of themselves, and to be able to relate it to your company or your work, makes it even more meaningful.
The military had almost every job you can find in civilian life. Including radio/tv announcers, producers, engineers.
Anyone reading this comment and wanting to look into it. Look for the MOS 25R, 25V and 46S
@@TyeBelcher currently a 46S , not worth it lol
@@maxbass9812 why
I lowkey died inside when I saw u toss the camera gear like that
Dropping the lens next to the camera at 7:04 and hearing the lens hit the the camera was heart breaking. Irrespective you have an amazing job thanks for sharing.
Same here!
I've been a pro photographer for over 35 years and yes I cringed at that also!
I cringed as well.
I had to laugh - my first thought was well here's a guy with government issued gear! ..But I love this channel, sir. Well done!
meanwhile a army photographer trying to dodge bullet down range
lmao, 55th?
Sniper vs Sniper. Sounds fair to me.
Mean while a marine photographer filming a crayon eating contest.
combat camera ain't no joke
I signed up for that in '86. They made me a nurse. Im still a nurse. Take photos with my cell phone. It was a huge fork in my life.
You definitely got forked.
I didn’t know the chair force needed someone to take Pictures of chairs 🪑 all day 😁
oh word, jt is here?
Flying supersonic chairs
Hater!! Lol
@@tastycows1 In case you couldn’t tell, it’s a joke
talk shit til..wahhhh were pinned down..come save us again
Really love this video!! You're a real inspiration:) Brings me back to the time when I was serving my nation as a photographer in the Air Force media team, it was really a fulfilling experience. When the journey ends you will really look back at the photos that you took and be like "Woah, I really got to shoot that??" Anyways, showing love from Singapore:) Followed you ever since I came across you and the F-22 demo team at the Singapore Air Show!!
Your content is second to none!! You're even a pleasure to watch in front of the camera. You have a very bright future ahead of you sir!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Hey Sam! Just wanted to say that I love your content so, so much! I cannot describe in words how much I love aviation and planes (I plan on taking lessons and actually start flying a little Cessna or something this year), so I'm super excited about that! Someday, just maybe, I could join the Air Force and actually experience the things you do.
But your videos always brings a smile to my face from seeing your positive attitude, the planes, and the great editing. I cannot believe that you only have 30k subs, you deserve a whole lot more!
Keep it up, Sam! Have a great day/night!
I was a 3VOX3 and then 35P ('94-'02). It was a great job with a lot of cool experiences.
I'm currently a STEM teacher. I would like to thank you for your videos I use to bring the modern Air Force experience to my students that are interested. Great work.
I was a photographer on the Thunderbirds and I'm glad to see young Lieutenants picking up cameras now. Especially PAOs. The AF has come a long way. Looks like you got some good shots too. Sorry about your lighting at showtime though haha. Been there. Keep up the great work, you make the AF better with this channel.
Watching your video is a real treat Sam. You are a special part of your career field and the Air Force. That is apparent. You have taken your position as a photographer in the Air Force to another level which many have never seen before or even thought possible! Great job! With the Air Force Core Values as your guide the sky is no limit for you. The stars will gladly welcome you upon arrival. Don't leave others in your con trails as you progress in the Air Force, make them Wingmen.
Appreciate that ☺️
Bro I swear you should have more subscribers than you currently have! This content is sick! Amazing work, man you're one lucky guy I swear! I wish I could be there with you, it's always been my dream to stand next to one of the air force aircraft... so damn cool...
Sam, I was a 23152 as well, AF Vet, 1975 thru 1980. Served at EAFB when the F-16 and A-10 cold weather tested as new aircraft. My 6years was the best experience ever....looks like you’re doing well, only the best of best get selected to serve on these teams.
Awesome video man, very well done!! 👏 Keep up the hard work 💪
Cool! Thank god there is someone like you! A PA officer who doesn’t mess up plane names! Hope you have a wonderful time!
Amazing video! I’m currently waiting to get shipped out at the end of April! I’m extremely excited about heading to BMT and officially becoming part of the 1 percent! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing. I was lucky to work with some USAF photographers when I was active duty on the Thunderbirds, many years ago. The pictures my fellow Thunderbirds took and the the one you take are just great. Keep it up. Us old-timers like to see them!
Former USAF 3V0x2 (still photographer) here! When I was in Photographers were still under Comm and not PA. I was stationed at Langley when the F-22s first rolled out and it was so awesome getting to see them and photograph them! I think out of all of the things I shot the most gratifying stuff was the forensics, and our hurricane rideout photography team helped the base get millions of dollars of recovery money from congress whenever a hurricane wreaked havoc on our base. Love our AFSC!
enjoyed the video , love shooting jets at home here in newcastle australia , thanks for sharing , also i must add your commentary is excellent , clear , precise and informative, well spoken .
Thanks so much!
Great job Sam... Went to that show. Just wishing we had that Friday weather both Saturday and Sunday. I remember seeing "Cabo" shredding the skies as I was driving across the bridge to get to the beach.... Always enjoy your work. Keep em coming.
Best of all Sam, your position in the military as a photographer is one of high importance as it is related to recruitment. Every year each branch needs new enlistees and new officers, and it is a lot and without new recruitment, the US military would not be the best in the world. These types of videos are very inspirational for a great cause and glad you enjoy the work.
You are such a talented dude, and your job looks pretty sick XD awesome work Sam. Love your videos.
I got to Photograph the F-22 Demo Team back in 2019 and it was one of the coolest things I ever got to witness.
Awesome video! I had the pleasure of working on Nellis AFB in the early 70's. I was in a position to meet and greet many of the Thunderbird pilots. Love your videos!
This is awesome! I’ve been waiting for a video like this!
I remember working on these in the 43d AMU
back in 2007. We were standing on the flightline while we watched the first F-22 certification flight for demo flying. Very cool experience. If you work around these, take the opportunity to experience after burner runs in a fish bowl. It will be the loudest thing your body has ever felt.
I just retired 3 years ago as an Air Force photographer and I have alway said, I literally have the coolest job in the Air Force! I’ve seen and done things people would only dream about! Awesome work Lt!!!
Would you say that being an AF Photographer is a difficult position to obtain? I heard that the position and ones surrounding it are kind of a difficult position to get into. I'm asking because I love to do photography and I'm trying to get good enough with my Sony camera's to be able to try to get this kind of job in the airforce!
@@__Shock__ when I joined I came in “open general” and they gave me photography. You’d have to ask your recruiter. But also the career field is actually public affairs so you wouldn’t just be a photographer, you’d also be a writer. I’m not sure if they’ve combined broadcasting with the career field as well. The job that the Lt is doing is a special duty assignment. You wouldn’t be doing that type of job unless you applied for it once you’re in. Finally, the AF uses Nikon camera gear (unless they’ve changed within the last 3 years that I’ve been out). I don’t think you need a portfolio and they’ll teach you what you need to know so talk to your recruiter and go for it!
@@kokomel23 sorry for the late reply, but I'm planning to talk to a recruiter later this week, and it kinda bums me out to know that it's mainly nikon as a Sony cultist but I'll find out more from the recruiter, thanks!
@@__Shock__ you know what’s cool about our career field... it’s so small, anyone can make major changes. So if you can tell your leadership why Sony is better and more cost effective than Nikon, it’s possible that you can get your shop or even the career field to switch to Sony. I’ve oversimplified it here, but anything is possible. Most major changes are made by the airmen! I hope the recruiter tells you good things and you join! I really miss the Air Force!
@@kokomel23 definitely a better line, not very cost effective compared to Nikon; but to counteract cost Sony has a much larger quality line of both cinema and photography cameras with some great lens combos from companies like Sigma
This is SOOOOO cool! I’m currently in the process of choosing a job, and this job was my first choice, but unfortunately, it’s not available. Anyways, I’m glad you had a chance to photograph this event! Keep up the good work!!!!
ive been watching for a while, and i think youve inspired me to take action to actually join the airforce. my grandpa was a simulator expert in the 70's, but not only that, he was also cleaning guns, helmets, the works. i belive that your job is the right way to go for me, because ive always been interested in photogrophy and video editing. so, im gonna go talk to my requirter this friday and get some more details. i hope i make it whenever i take my ASVAB and my PT test.
I wish the F-22 was a two-seater so you can get a ride with Cabo. That would be awesome! Keep the great content coming!
Awesome video!!!! Love everything you do thanks man!!!
I think I met you a couple years back at the Las Vegas Motor speedway. I was mind blown when you told me about your job and thanks for making a video for more people to enjoy.
I had no idea you had a UA-cam channel. I've been following you on Instagram for the past half year. Keep up the great content as always and thank you for your service.
The Ocean City Airshow was a blast! I'm happy I was able to meet you on the beach!
Bro this is the coolest damn job I've ever heard
Army, Navy, Marines and Coastguard all have this job too!
This has to be the coolest USAF career ever! Thanks for your service. Just stumbled across your channel so I subscribed. USAF veteran here, at FAFB, WA.
I love your channel and insta. You do an amazing job at representing the AF and F22 team. Your work is incredible.
I appreciate that!
OMG Can't believe Ive finally find my favorite UA-cam channel.
I have a huge passion for aviation and the army, and me myself is being a photographer. Jesus, can't believe, really great content.
Welcome to the fam bro!
Wow, you have a great job. Seeing all the planes was very cool. Will you be coming to the Dayton Air Show?
My time on the team actually concluded at the end of last season, so while I won't be there, hopefully the F-22 Demo Team still will!
Sam, your videos are great. They're fun to watch, but also a good source of inspiration for young people who are thinking of life and career choices. It's been such a lame year, so these videos are a wonderful escape!
I appreciate that!
Glad to see life starting to come back to normal, especially for the air show circuits! Curious if you'd be into doing a video about how you work with other PIOs from time to time from other demo teams or even partner nations to make things happen, collaboration or just sharing shots.
Thanks!
Let’s gooo! Can’t wait to show my family this bc I wanna follow in your footsteps!
Awesome man!
That camera bag tour was way too brief! Would love a more in-depth look at the gear you use. Great video, really enjoyed it!
Right! What lenses are you using? But PLEASE treat it kinder!
@@martyscheall9626 As a photographer, I had a heart attack when he tossed the lens on his camera lol
Great video man...it’s easy to see that you love your career...thanks for doing your part for aviation and the armed services...take care!
I have to say Sam along with everyone who watches your channel, you have the perfect job. When you speak about your job, it is so so calming and interesting. This is for sure another fantastic video so Thank you for sharing🤗👍🤗👍
🤗👍
I appreciate that!
Ive been waiting for this video for so long!
Hope it lives up to the hype!
@@SamEckholm seems great to me!
@@SamEckholm It definitely did!
OMG this must be a dream job despite the hard work. Glad I stumbled on this channel.
Great video, Sam! The video angles are excellent!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing all this images to the people who loves aviation.
Respect from an ex-Finnish Navy photographer.
Your job seems sick.
Would that be 'Slick'?
@@alannorthdevonuk763 sick as in cool
Very cool! A few questions!
1 - Did you go through all the boot camp training?
2 - Does the AF supply you with the camera/funds to buy the equipment?
3 - Do you film and photograph at the same time or screen grab from videos?
q2: the way he threw the gear around, I would assume so.
You have probably already found this out, but he did got though the same training as everyone else.
Yes he had to go through basic training, and his tech school was at DINFOS. Gear is provided but you can also use your own if you want to, depending on your unit’s funds. You generally wouldn’t do a screen grab from video because quality of stills would be inadequate.
i rewatched all your videos and still waiting for you to upload more :)
The A-10 will always be my favorite aircraft. Got to see them at work once in Afghanistan, and loved seeing them fly over our base and hearing that relatively quiet, high-pitched engine whine.
Awesome video Sam! Way to "raptor" things up!
Frick - I’m a photographer. And I’ve been pursuing the Air Force for months and had NO idea this was a thing whaaaaattt
Superb piece 🤘🏻
Very cool video! I love watching - and hanging out with - the Raptor team whenever we're at an air show at the same time. Hope you guys will be at Oshkosh this year!
never gone to ocean city (bit too party-like for me if that makes sense) but I live nearby and I really wish I knew about this air show sooner!
Edit: oh hey wallops island! I’ve been there a ton!
You represent the Air Force well. Great job sir.
Kudos for the ability to hold that big lens steady! I have large lenses myself and am unable to hold it for long like that. Love the tripods... but they can inhibit. Wildlife photographer here. Loving your work!
Awesome as usual!! great stuff
"Also if you were wondering this uniform is extremely hot" I was pretty disappointed when he did say it was available on his online shop with a link in description... :(
Ah, the “sound of freedom” is so true!
Nice work Sam, I served in the 94th FS (AFE) many years back when they flew the F-15C.
Pretty cool Sam! Looks like an awesome job to have! I live in SE AZ not far from Tuscon(Davis Monthan AFB). See the A-10's fly over a few times a week. My nephew is in the Air Force stationed in Anchorage. I got to see the Thunderbirds at an airshow in Tuscon in 2019. Thanks for sharing this.
Love your page, and your bf page as well, very entertaining! Thanks!
So sweet! I'll be leaving to BMT April 6th 🤧
Best of luck!
I leave April 27th🤟🏾
Yooo I leave April 6th too
I have never heard if thus job but this is the coolest thing I have ever seen omg I'm jealous! Your really lucky to be doing what you love as you travel the world. Everyone should do what they love whether it pays or not because its better to live your life happy and content than to feel like the money you earn is what defines you. No amount of pressure or difficulties should stop you from pursuing your dream.
The air show was definitely awesome in person!
Yo Sam, I'm gonna be a reserve pilot once I'm done with UPT next year. How can I incorporate my photography career with my flying? Can I get permission to travel with my photography gear? The air force Instagram page is a huge source of inspiration for me. Some of the photos you guys capture!!!!
Yah! Lots of pilots also do photography on the side
7:02 Oww
how can I be your apprentice?? literally two of my favorite things in the world, f-22 and photography. great stuff Sam!
My dad was an Air Force Photographer. He loved the job. This was in the 70s and 80s. I remember seeing him in a swing from the bottom of a helicopter taking pictures of the Base. He has folders of negatives with great pictures.
Wow!
How did you land this job? Did you go through a recruiter or what? I am somewhat interested in the same career path. Also, does the air force supply you with the cameras and such?
All starts with contacting your recruiter. And yep they do!
@@SamEckholm former athletic performer and now I'd like to be photographer doing your line of work or film.
This might be the single job I'd take in the military if I were to go in, which I probably won't. Or maybe a pilot for like a tanker (is that what they're called?). I love the US military, but honestly I don't think it's really for me. Photography has always been a topic I'm interested in.
Don’t be a marine than. “Every marine a rifleman” is a literal term
This is such a cool job but, there's lots of hard work that goes into it! All the photos and videos look amazing!
Wow very well done. I was a 3VO72 from 96-2001 and still shooting for the "military" too 30+ yrs great video
man i would kill to be a PAO in the air force.
Become a Air Force photographer, steal all the incentive flights from the crew chiefs who actually do the work😂
lofl... Ive "Stolen" a few as a Controller.. 🤗
I am 20 years retired from the US Air Force...........Lifesupport ..1T171.....and I can tell this guy is cool........keep rocking it Sam...
You deserve way more than 33K subscribers but keep up the amazing work!
That gear cost more then I can earn in 3 years - how could you just trown them like that? My heart broke :(
"Military spec" strength
@@JasonMcClaren if it's hardened gear it would cost even more and still optics are rather fragile :)
@@ghashpl Yeah, just joking around.
Ikr. Definitely not the way to treat all that gear 😬
Two reasons, professional gear doesn't break that easy. There tools, you need to be able to use them you can't work if you only treat them like fragile babys, and for a professional photographer those prices just become normal
Damn I didn’t know you could be an officer and a photographer
Public affairs officer. I was in a unique spot on the demo team
@@SamEckholm that’s so cool! I am an 18 year old avionics guy on the f-16 dreaming in one day becoming a pilot haha
@@SamEckholm Wow I didn't know public affairs was an officer job, thought it was enlisted. That's interesting.
Your job is SICK! I am thinking about joining the Air Force but not being a pilot, and I’m also trying to get into photography, so this seems perfect for me. You might have a bit of competition in 10 years or so ;)
Hi Sam. Grats. An awesome work you do. THE BEST. I worked as a C.Camera for about 18 years. I love the way you capture the heat signature. Love the way you capture the condensation and light trough it. What camera and lenses are you using? Grats again bro.
Not gonna lie, this is sick as fuck. I'm in the Army and maaaaad jealous. If I ever do it over, I would go Air Force hands down cause no sense in being miserable.
Army has this job too. MOS is 25V
US Navy Blue Angels were the stars of this show like all the rest... sorry zoomies, not today!
Not to shabby glad to see photogs doing what they do. Bravo Zulu from a former Navy Combat Photographer
Very cool. Great photography, great jets, and a really interesting insight into different career options.
Shows hotel room stating it’s “pretty nice”
Laughs in motel 6 noises
I am planning to join the air Force once I am out of high school
You should go to college to be an officer my dad's biggest regret is not becoming an officer
@@mr.spaceboy9785 thanks for the advice
Same, I’m aiming to fly Raptors
Be sure to talk to recruiters from the other equal 2 AF branches: Air Force Reserve & Air National Guard, both have active positions & awesome immediate benefits.
@@LauderdaleJoeM I live 30 minutes from a FANG base
Bro you literally live the Ace Combat 5 journalist life. I love how great you're doing at the Air Force. I want to study electronical engineering and get a spot there as well!
Fellow Air Force photographer here. Great video, Sir! I think we have one of the best jobs in the Air Force. Anyway, I just found your channel and will be subscribing for sure. Best of luck out there!
What is the ASVAB score we should aim for??