Places to photograph planes (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: to rent, college, military)

[JDiPierro]

Hi everyone,

I've just moved to Newport News after finishing photography college in Boston and I love planes, and am looking for a location where I can get some good views of the airplanes and aircrafts that often fly overhead here. I was wondering if anyone knew of any open places where you can see them fly over often?

Thanks!

JD

[mikeIT83]

yep- I love the F-22- check out google maps and look to see which roads have pull offs near Langley AFB. I usually see photogs out there all the time snapping away. Awesome jet!

[xGrendelx]

If you don't mind driving to Norfolk, there's a stretch of Shore Drive where the planes fly over when they're about to land at Norfolk Int'l. It's the stretch between Diamond Springs Rd and E. Little Creek Rd. I drive that way to and from work and they fly over all the time, and they get pretty low sometimes.

[telemonster]

I actually shot video from the top deck of the Norfolk Airport parking garage. Security folks asked me what was up but they were totally level headed and cool. Might want to ping them first just incase.

[BrianLMA]

Welcome to the area! I often see people parked off base by the end of the Langley Air Force Base runway. If you Google "14 Tidewater Dr, Hampton, VA 23666" that will put you right where I always see people parked. Enjoy!

[JDiPierro]

Excellent! Thanks a lot guys, If I get a chance to go over and take photos in the coming days I'll have to post a few here!

Have a great week everyone!

[JeffConn]

Originally Posted by xGrendelx

If you don't mind driving to Norfolk, there's a stretch of Shore Drive where the planes fly over when they're about to land at Norfolk Int'l. It's the stretch between Diamond Springs Rd and E. Little Creek Rd. I drive that way to and from work and they fly over all the time, and they get pretty low sometimes.

If you do that for an extended period of time, you might get a friendly visit from the Little Creek base security. Military police get nervous when people take pictures of the area surrounding a base.

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by JeffConn

If you do that for an extended period of time, you might get a friendly visit from the Little Creek base security. Military police get nervous when people take pictures of the area surrounding a base.

Haha, yeah I guess that's true. I didn't think about that. Although there's that lake right there, and I believe you're able to rent one of those small lake boats at the building sitting at the bottom of the bridge you cross after passing Diamond Springs Rd. The OP could do that and take pictures from the water.

[wsbesier]

Originally Posted by JDiPierro

Hi everyone,

I've just moved to Newport News after finishing photography college in Boston and I love planes, and am looking for a location where I can get some good views of the airplanes and aircrafts that often fly overhead here. I was wondering if anyone knew of any open places where you can see them fly over often?

Thanks!

JD

If you come to Virginia Beach via 264 and take the 1st Lynnhaven Pkwy exit and take the first left at the light (Potters Road). Follow it all the way down until you see Oceana Naval air strip on your right. There's a gravel pull off where you can get a really clear view of take off and landings. The jets practice touch and go's so they are moving relatively slowly here.
Also the back way into Norfolk Int'l has a small parking area near the runway. It's right near the UPS/FED EX air cargo terminals. I can't recall the name of the road.

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by wsbesier

I can't recall the name of the road.

I think you're thinking of Miller Store Rd.