Photographic Day Out at RAF Lakenheath – Raptors in the Sun

On a bright and breezy day this summer, four members of the Dunchurch Photographic Society made the journey to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, eager to capture some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets in action. The destination? A front-row view of the legendary F-22 Raptor – a rare treat for aviation photographers in the UK.

The group consisted of David Bray, the society’s resident aircraft photography specialist, along with fellow members Graeme Webb, Ian Maxwell and Simon Coates. All four are keen photography enthusiasts, and this outing promised exactly the kind of high-energy subject matter they thrive on.

RAF Lakenheath, home to the United States Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing, was buzzing with activity. From the moment the group arrived, it was clear they were in for a busy day. The skies echoed with the unmistakable roar of jet engines as F-15s and F-35s flew sorties alongside their rarer cousin – the F-22 Raptor. For David Bray in particular, it was a golden opportunity. Having photographed aircraft at bases around the globe, he was especially keen to capture the Raptor’s aggressive profile in UK skies.

The weather was on their side, with clear skies and good light throughout the day. However, conditions weren’t perfect – the soaring temperatures brought with them significant heat haze, making long-distance shots from the perimeter fence a challenge. “It’s always a trade-off,” said Simon Coates, “We want the sun, but it can make the atmosphere shimmer – which doesn’t help with sharpness at 600mm!”

Despite this, the team captured some striking images.  Between sorties, the group shared tips and compared camera settings, with David offering advice on shutter speeds and exposure compensation to counter the bright conditions and aircraft speed.

By the end of the day, memory cards were full and batteries depleted – always the sign of a successful trip. With plenty of material to bring back to the next club meeting, and a few standout Raptor shots already making their way onto social media, the visit to Lakenheath proved a rewarding experience for all four members.

A day of jets, sun, and good company – what more could you want?

Maybe ear defenders……