Incredible Photograph Captures 8 Hours of Plane Departures

Self-proclaimed aviation nerd Mike Kelley recently compiled the outdoor activity of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in a single, amazing photograph. The architectural photographer spent nearly an entire day at the south complex of the airport capturing all of the takeoffs and some landings, then spent another eight hours using Photoshop to put everything together. It was worth it. The bevy of airplanes makes for an impressive and dramatic image.

Kelley explains that he took some artistic liberties with the angles of the planes to compose an interesting photo, but that it's mostly how you'd see them appear if you were to watch for yourself. The size and depth difference between the airliners is due to LAX's dual runways. In addition to domestic departures, Kelley made it a point to photograph the large international flights like Singapore, Air France, Malaysia, and Air New Zealand.

Below are a few detailed shots of Kelley's handiwork. Even if you're not a fan of flying, chances are you'll still enjoy looking at each plane's idiosyncrasies.


Mike Kelley website
via [Sploid]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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