Spectacular night photos of aircraft fuel Kreider's passion

Born at a US Air Force base in France during the Cold War years Richard Kreider jokes that his first breath probably had a liberal dose of fumes from aircraft engines. And that exposure continued living under the flight path to Heathrow in his teenage years and he joined the joined the Air Training Corps.

Richard Kreider. Credit: The West Australian/Sunday Times

That passion for aviation has continued alongside his other love soccer, where he is a member of the Football Hall of Fame WA and part of the FFA National Panel of Football Historians.

Cathay Pacific A350 looms out of the fog to land using Perth Airport's new CAT111b ILS on runway 21. Credit Richard Kreider

“I enjoyed the challenge of shooting night flight,” said Mr. Kreider. “It is a hobby that does have its challenges since you have to respect the security of the airport and immediate surrounds.” READ: Qantas announces shortlist for a pilot academy Mr. Kreider says that night flight photography is a great adventure.

Qantas 787-9 VH-ZND takes-off on the Perth to London non-stop. Credit Richard Kreider

“The thrill of the chase, accounting for the contrast in weather conditions and resolving the technical issues of correct lighting, focus and framing are some of the testing factors of this style of photography.” WATCH: Qantas 787 Quokka air-to-air video

IL-76 of Volga-Dnepr Airlines on approach to Perth. Credit Richard Kreider

“When all of these elements come together and a great shot is achieved, that is when getting up at 3 am is totally worthwhile.”

Qatar Airways A380 on approach to Perth. Credit Richard Kreider

And the results are worthwhile with Mr. Kreider’s night pictures being used around the world. In fact, the creativity of many of Mr. Kreider fellow enthusiasts is being published.

Emirates B777-300ER on approach to Perth. Credit Richard Kreider

Perth Airport is also helping to facilitate better access for special events such as the first Qantas 787 to Perth and the 2016 visit of the giant AN225. It is also planning more viewing areas in conjunction with the building on the new parallel runway.

Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F on approach to Perth. Credit Richard Kreider

“Aviation has been incredibly evolutionary in such a short period of time and we are now seeing aircraft that can travel longer and are more fuel efficient,” said Mr. Kreider. “What shape aviation will be over the next say twenty years, only time will tell. However, you can be sure it will still be worth recording, and there will still be insomniacs willing to do it.”