Flying high at the Pax River Air Show in St. Mary’s County, Md.
By Jerald Council, CouncilMag.com
I spent Father’s Day weekend with my family at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Show in Maryland. It was the perfect chance to indulge in my main passion: photography. With the Navy’s Blue Angels as the main attraction and clear blue skies overhead, I knew it would be an ideal day to capture stunning photos.
My family's excursion to the 2026 Pax River Air Show in Maryland.
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as the Blue Angels, attracts thousands of spectators with its exciting aerial performances. They consist of elite Navy and Marine Corps aviators who fly advanced Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. Each jet bears numbers on its tail indicating specific pilot roles and positions within different flight formations. While the squadron includes ten jets overall, only six participate in each show.
““Photographing these speed demons is akin to freezing a moment in time””
U.S. Navy Blue Angels - Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet
The Greg Colyer Ace Maker, a favorite of mine, is a Solo T-33 that elegantly soars through the sky, making it a pleasure to photograph. It is renowned as America’s first operational jet fighter, combining both grace and power in its flight.
Greg Colyer Ace Maker
The Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon, also known as the F-16 Viper, was fast and challenging to track in the camera’s live view. Consequently, it was difficult to photograph, so I waited for an optimal moment to capture the Viper, given its speed and size. The vivid colors enhanced its visibility from my position.
French Acrobatic Patrol
I also enjoyed watching the French planes perform. The Patrouille Acrobatique de France, also known as the French Acrobatic Patrol, is a demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force specializing in precision aerobatics. As the oldest military acrobatic flight team, their maneuverability was truly impressive.
Reaching new heights
Elevating your photography involves stepping outside your comfort zone and making an effort to explore new environments. Trying different genres will challenge your skills and deepen your camera expertise. After mastering your unique style and technique, the next challenge awaits.
A variety of military gear was on display for all to see. Spending time with my family at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Show in Maryland was time well spent.
