Each year, Warbird Adventures hosts a special event in South Carolina just for content creators. This 3-day warbird photo event at the American Dream Skyranch in South Carolina (18SC) is incredible, and the next is scheduled for May 16-18, 2025.
Photographers from all backgrounds, whether new or pro, are invited for 3 days of aviation and warbird photography under expert instruction on a private airfield with FAA waivers.
A family-friendly experience with a LOT more than cool photo ops
Attendees are encouraged to bring their RVs or campers, or stay at local hotels, or camp in tents where a shaded area next to a creek is reserved. Pilots are allowed to fly-in as well, as long as organizers give the ok (not all planes can safely land on the grass runway).
Registered photographers can bring their families, dogs, go fishing, swimming, exploring, and enjoy catered food, campfires, drinks, games, music, make new friends and more. There is also a gun range, and attendees are free to bring their off road vehicles.
Photographers can register HERE. A deposit is required, as organizers only want to prepare for people they know are coming. After registering, join the event’s private Facebook page HERE for updates as the event draws near.
Warbird photography, up-close and personal, under expert instruction and planned by pros
In between all of the fun mentioned above is, of course, cool flying and static photo ops. Photogs are brought into the box, under expert guidance, with flying done just for them. It’s all up-close and personal.
Elevated platforms are provided for those who want a higher view. Photogs have free rein to shoot where they want and move around, as long as they stay behind safety perimeters for taxi, takeoff and landings.
The treeline background provides for some fantastic slow-shutter panning, allowing photogs to blur the background and give a sense of the aircraft speed.
Numerous plane types will be in attendance and flying, including a P-51 and various T-6s and aerobatic aircraft and even some helicopters. Other aircraft plans are in works, with hopes of having a Wildcat and a P-40 there too. A horse might even race the P-51 too!
Photogs will be taught how to capture the Milky Way over the planes, taking advantage of the ranch’s darker skies.
Sunset and nighttime engine run photo-ops will be conducted as well. Fireworks and a giant bonfire will only add more photo ops.
Photogs will also have the rare opportunity to purchase air-to-air photo flights with the warbirds in attendance. One lucky winner will win a raffle to do it as well.
Pinup model shoots are expected too, dressed in period fashion posing for photos with the warbirds.
The idea is to give content creators opportunities and angles they won’t get at most air shows, while also learning, networking, getting professional mentorship and a heck of a great time.
The photographers are not just told what to do and where to go either. Many air shows are a turnoff to photographers because they are very limited in what they can do and where they can go.
That’s not the case at the Skyranch. Their feedback and ideas are a vital part of the event’s success. Everything is tailored to what they want, as long as it can be done safely.
Warbird Pilot Thom Richard’s American Dream Skyranch is a Slice of Heaven
The American Dream Skyranch is a little slice of heaven that world-renowned warbird pilot and flight instructor Thom Richard calls home.
He’s one of the most skilled and experienced warbird pilots in the world, performing at air shows around the eastern half of the U.S. every year. He owns several aircraft, including WWII T-6 trainers.
Richard also understands the value of producing quality content, to help promote aviation and keep history alive. How many of you were inspired by photos and videos as kids?
Photographers can register HERE.
