20 years ago today!

[Brad]

This forum played a big part in me getting back to photography after an 8 year break. Seeing the1wags, almighty tuna, eomaha, technical disaster, zephyr and others post photos from around Omaha, reminded me of when I first got in to photography in the mid 1990s and how much I liked going downtown and taking photos of the city.



20 years ago today! After studying film photography from 1995 to 1998, I put the camera down for eight years. On January 15, 2006, I picked up my first digital camera—shown here—and it reignited a passion that ultimately shaped the journey I’m on today.


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[nebugeater]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

[Brad]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

Yep! the1wags and I did short 30 min photo flights on 4/29/2027. I basically had enough time to hit Downtown and Rosenblatt. Then you saw those and I did the first one for you on 5/26/2007 and that allowed me to get all over Omaha. I did a second for you on 7/7/2027. The third one on 8/22/2011 when you liked up the Husker Helicopter to photograph the floods in and around you employer at the time.

[iamjacobm]

Cheers on 20 years Brad! I enjoy seeing work from all the talented photographers capturing shots of our fair city but I think it’s safe to say your photography quality and commitment to capturing Omaha’s growth is unsurpassed. Thanks for all the time you put in making Omaha look good it’s appreciated!

[nebugeater]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

Yep! the1wags and I did short 30 min photo flights on 4/29/2027. I basically had enough time to hit Downtown and Rosenblatt. Then you saw those and I did the first one for you on 5/26/2007 and that allowed me to get all over Omaha. I did a second for you on 7/7/2027. The third one on 8/22/2011 when you liked up the Husker Helicopter to photograph the floods in and around you employer at the time.

Forgot about the May one. Do I remember correctly that that was a fixed-wing, and then in July it was the first helicopter? I beleive all the ones that were further process and printed were from July

[Brad]

Cheers on 20 years Brad! I enjoy seeing work from all the talented photographers capturing shots of our fair city but I think it’s safe to say your photography quality and commitment to capturing Omaha’s growth is unsurpassed. Thanks for all the time you put in making Omaha look good it’s appreciated!

Thanks Jacob! I appreciate the kids words.

[Brad]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

Yep! the1wags and I did short 30 min photo flights on 4/29/2027. I basically had enough time to hit Downtown and Rosenblatt. Then you saw those and I did the first one for you on 5/26/2007 and that allowed me to get all over Omaha. I did a second for you on 7/7/2027. The third one on 8/22/2011 when you liked up the Husker Helicopter to photograph the floods in and around you employer at the time.

Forgot about the May one. Do I remember correctly that that was a fixed-wing, and then in July it was the first helicopter? I beleive all the ones that were further process and printed were from July

You gave me 3 hours of flight time. We went up in may and it started to get cloudy. I can't remember why there was over month delay but went back up to finish the 3 hours in July. That was the really old helicopter out at Millard. It may have been down for maintenance in June.

[WorldStreet]

@Brad
In my opinion, your (Brad's) photos stand out because of a combination of being very familiar with the equipment, especially lenses, and creativity in finding some unique shots. As a drone videographer, I can also get into some tight areas to take some pretty good photos, but most drones use a camera that is only equal to a phone camera. Drone cameras take impressive photos for what they are, but photos that really pop out from the screen usually come from someone who has professional camera equipment and the knowledge/experience of how to use it like you do.

[Brad]

@Brad
In my opinion, your (Brad's) photos stand out because of a combination of being very familiar with the equipment, especially lenses, and creativity in finding some unique shots. As a drone videographer, I can also get into some tight areas to take some pretty good photos, but most drones use a camera that is only equal to a phone camera. Drone cameras take impressive photos for what they are, but photos that really pop out from the screen usually come from someone who has professional camera equipment and the knowledge/experience of how to use it like you do.

Thanks Steve. My goal has always been to keep learning new things and getting better and better.

[the1wags]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

Yep! the1wags and I did short 30 min photo flights on 4/29/2027. I basically had enough time to hit Downtown and Rosenblatt. Then you saw those and I did the first one for you on 5/26/2007 and that allowed me to get all over Omaha. I did a second for you on 7/7/2027. The third one on 8/22/2011 when you liked up the Husker Helicopter to photograph the floods in and around you employer at the time.

4/29/2027? I'll get that scheduled, but can we go for longer than 30 mins?

[Brad]

If I remember correctly, it was July of 2007, after we had gotten to know each other a bit on this forum, that we discussed Airial photos. I was wanting some of where I worked, and we worked out a deal for you to take them, and I got the photos and covered the cost of getting in the air. That was great for me and worked out for some future needs too. To step out on a limb, I think it helped you get some shots to open doors for more aerial work. Hard to believe that is basically 20 years ago.

Yep! the1wags and I did short 30 min photo flights on 4/29/2027. I basically had enough time to hit Downtown and Rosenblatt. Then you saw those and I did the first one for you on 5/26/2007 and that allowed me to get all over Omaha. I did a second for you on 7/7/2027. The third one on 8/22/2011 when you liked up the Husker Helicopter to photograph the floods in and around you employer at the time.

4/29/2027? I'll get that scheduled, but can we go for longer than 30 mins?

LOL! Oops!

[nebugeater]

Here is a Helicopter situation you want to avoid. Happened yesterday near Tiffin, Iowa not far from Iowa City.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MAejQ ... tid=wwXIfr

Tiffin Fire Department Responds to Helicopter Crash in Union Township
On July 15, 2026, at 1944 hours, the Tiffin Fire Department was paged to an aircraft crash in the area of 2862 Rohret Road, Iowa City. Initial reports indicated a helicopter spraying crops had crashed and was smoking near a farm. Tiffin Fire responded with a command vehicle, engine company, and brush truck. Oxford Fire Department responded as automatic mutual aid with an engine company and brush truck. As per protocol, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Med One, Johnson County Ambulance Service Medical Director, and Johnson County Emergency Management Director Dave Wilson also responded.
Johnson County Emergency Communications Center updated responding units that a Good Samaritan had located the pilot and moved the pilot away from the crash site to safety to await the arrival of fire and EMS personnel.
Upon arriving in the area, Johnson County Ambulance encountered a downed power line crossing Rohret Road, blocking their access to the farm’s driveway. Tiffin Fire arrived at the scene at 1955 hours. A Johnson County paramedic along with Tiffin firefighters and deputies accessed the driveway and made contact with the pilot near the farmhouse while additional responders shut down Rohret Road. It was determined that the only person on the helicopter at the time of the crash was the pilot, who was treated and subsequently transported via ambulance to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. No additional information is available regarding the pilot.
Tiffin Firefighters and Johnson County deputies searched the cornfield for the crash site. Tiffin Firefighters located the helicopter crash site and assessed the wreckage for hazards. The helicopter was identified as a R44 Raven II. A unified command post with Tiffin Fire Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County EMA, and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics EMS Medical Director was established near the crash site. Firefighters working in coordination with Johnson County EMA mitigated hazardous fluids leaking from the helicopter and other hazards at the crash site. Firefighters also worked with the utility company to mitigate the powerline emergency. Meanwhile, EMA notified the Federal Aviation Administration, which coordinated with responders at the scene. Fire department operations ceased at 2106 hours. No emergency responders were injured.
The Tiffin Fire Department was assisted by Oxford Fire Department, Johnson County Ambulance Service, Johnson County Emergency Management Agency, Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Emergency Medicine Medical Director, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Tiffin Fire Department would like to thank the Good Samaritans for rendering assistance and aid to the pilot and providing critical information for responders

[Brad]

Gotta watch out for those power lines. Glad to hear the pilot was ok.