Joseph Friesen

A side view of an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 freighter, registration N389AZ, climbing steeply. In the background, arid mountains rise above a city under a clear blue sky.

Prime Air (operated by Air Transport International)
8C3329 PHX-ILN
Boeing 767-300 BDSF
Reg. N389AZ
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

#primeair #ATI #N389AZ #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing767 #B767 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

A ground-level, side-view photograph of a Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 (N245BZ) landing at an airport. The aircraft is painted in the airline's vibrant blue livery with light blue checkmarks on the tail. In the foreground are the airport's taxiways and signage. Behind the aircraft is a large, beige Honeywell aerospace facility, and further in the distance, a portion of the dense skyline of downtown Phoenix, Arizona rises against a hazy blue sky on a sunny day.

Breeze Airways
MX620 PVU-PHX
Airbus A220-300
Reg. N245BZ
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

#breezeairways #breeze #N245BZ #aviationphotography #planespotting #airbus #airbusA220 #A220 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER, registration N815DN, is seen in profile as it taxis across a bridge on a sunny day at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Below the aircraft, blue roadway signs direct traffic to the terminals and downtown. In the background, the John S. McCain III Terminal 3 building can be seen.

Delta Air Lines
DL1447 SLC-PHX
Boeing 737-900ER
Reg. N815DN
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

#deltaairlines #delta #N815DN #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #B737 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration N8759Q, is captured in a steep climb after takeoff. The aircraft's blue, red, and yellow livery stands out against the arid mountain landscape and a clear blue sky.

Southwest Airlines
WN2087 PHX-COS
Boeing 737 MAX 8
Reg. N8759Q
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

#southwestairlines #N8759Q #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #boeing737MAX #B737 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

Faint green and red aurora in a night sky above some typical suburban houses.

A bit further south in Colorado so they weren't as intense. I was just glad to be able to see them where I was.

A perspective shot looking down a straight paved highway that crests a hill in the distance. On both sides of the road, tall aspen trees with vibrant yellow leaves create a colorful border against an overcast sky.

A landscape photo of a two-lane road curving around a hillside in autumn. A yellow sign indicates a sharp right curve as a black car drives past groves of aspen trees with vibrant yellow leaves that cover the rolling hills.

A scenic mountain landscape in autumn. In the foreground, a road curves to the left with a car and a yellow Penske box truck on it. The background features a large hill densely covered in a mix of golden aspen trees and dark green pines against a blue sky.

A view from a highway following a red SUV towards a vast mountain range. The hillsides are a tapestry of autumn colors, with brilliant yellow and orange aspen trees mixed with evergreens. A small ranch is nestled amongst the trees.

Some fall colors on the drive along Colorado Highway 67 towards Cripple Creek, CO.

#aspentrees #aspen #autumn #autumnvibes #fall #fallcolors #Colorado #coloradofall #fujifilm

An American Eagle E175 regional jet is captured from the side as it taxis on an elevated taxiway at Phoenix airport. Below the taxiway, cars drive on a roadway, and signs for the John S. McCain III Terminal 3 are visible in the background.

American Eagle (operated by Envoy)
AA3948 PHX-BUR
Embraer E175LR
Reg. N332JG
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

‪
#americanairlines #americaneagle #N332JG #aviationphotography #planespotting #embraer #embraerE175 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

#americanairlines #N103US #aviationphotography #planespotting #airbus #airbusa320 #KPHX #phoenix #fujifilm

An American Airlines A320 is captured in a full, side-on shot, soaring through a clear blue sky. The plane's landing gear is visible, partially retracted as it ascends. Below the aircraft, a range of mountains stretches across the horizon, bathed in sunlight.

Treated myself to a spotting day trip to PHX last week as an early birthday present. Here is the first of the photos I will be dumping here over the next few weeks.

American Airlines
AA2466 PHX-SNA
Airbus A320-200
Reg. N103US
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, KPHX
October 2, 2025

I hope Lufthansa brings these back to DEN next summer.

Those windows at SeaTac are awesome! My favorite part of that airport.

Personally, I have a soft spot for military stuff. Commercial stuff is cool as well.

A close-up shot of numerous vibrant orange chrysanthemum flowers with slightly darker red centers, densely packed together, filling the frame.

A top-down view of two distinct sections of chrysanthemums: the left half is filled with densely packed orange flowers, while the right half is is filled with light pink/white/yellow flowers. The flowers on the lower half of the right side have more yellow in their centers than the flowers on top.

Late summer/early fall means chrysanthemums are now in bloom. A couple shots of some of the plants blooming in my yard this year.

#chrysanthemums #fallflowers #flowers #flowerphotography #bloomscrolling #fujifilm #colorado #coloradosprings

Two large, gray U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft parked on the tarmac at an airport. A field of tall, dry grass is in the foreground, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A pleasant surprise to see a pair of C-5M parked at the ADAGC at Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) last week on the 14th.

#C5Galaxy #C5 #USAF #usairforce #KCOS #planespotting #militaryaviation #militaryaviationphotography #aviationphotography #fujifilm

A low-angle, clear shot of a Southwest Airlines 737-700 passenger jet flying overhead against a bright blue sky. The plane's blue, red, and yellow livery is prominent, and its landing gear is down.

Caught Southwest Airlines flight WN4025 on short final into Colorado Springs (KCOS) from Phoenix back on the 14th.

Boeing 737-700
Reg. N487WN
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
September 14, 2025

#Planespotting #SouthwestAirlines #Boeing #B737 #N487WN #KCOS #Aviation #aviationphotography #fujifilm

Looks like it is still up, doing a formation flight with a B-25.

A classic PBY Catalina flying boat soars across a sky filled with dramatic white and gray clouds. The plane is angled away from the viewer, showcasing its brilliant yellow wings, silver body, and US military insignia.

A PBY Catalina flying boat with its landing gear down makes a low pass over an airport runway. In the background, several C-130 military transport planes are parked in front of an Air Force Reserve hangar and a tall air traffic control tower under a partly cloudy sky.

A dynamic, close-up shot of a PBY Catalina seaplane as it banks in flight against an overcast sky. The image highlights the top of its bright yellow wing with US military roundels and its silver fuselage. A person can be seen inside the distinctive bubble-shaped observation blister on the side of the aircraft.

A PBY Catalina seaplane is captured in level flight, showing its full side profile. The aircraft features bright yellow wings, a light gray boat-hull fuselage, and its wingtip floats are extended. The registration number "N427CV" is clearly visible on its side.

September's flight demonstration at the National Museum of WWII Aviation featured their PBY Catalina N427CV.

#pbycatalina #nationalmuseumofwwiiaviation #planespotting #aviationphotography #wwiiaircraft #wwiiaviation #coloradosprings #KCOS #fujifilm

An overhead, symmetrical photograph of a triangular patch of lush green grass set against a patio of light-brown rectangular paving stones. The point of the grassy triangle is centered at the bottom of the image, creating a sharp V-shape where the soft lawn meets the hard, geometric pattern of the pavers.

Week 36/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Shoot From Above.

The corner of a patch of grass combined with the patterned sidewalk caught my eye on a morning walk.

#52frames #52Frames_shootfromabove #fujifilm

A close-up, ground-level view of a curved, red brick silo partially framed by green trees and bushes. In the foreground, a white rectangular sign with a red "DANGER" header reads, "CLIMBING ON SILO PROHIBITED."

Week 33/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Abandoned.

A community garden near me was originally a farmstead. On a hill above the garden is this abandoned brick grain silo.
#52frames #52Frames_abandoned #fujifilm

A wide shot showing a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft flying in the distance above a group of people watching from below. The aircraft is silhouetted against a slightly smoky blue sky with a few wispy clouds. The group is diverse in age and attire, some are looking up, and a few are taking pictures. The foreground includes a dirt mound and a parked pickup truck. Trees and buildings are visible on the horizon.

A dynamic shot of a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft banking in a clear blue sky with some scattered white clouds. The silver aircraft features a black and white checkered cowling, a white star within a blue circle on the wing and fuselage, and black lettering and numbers including "549385" and "WZ". The propeller is spinning rapidly, indicated by the blur. The cockpit is visible with the pilot inside.

A close-up, low-angle shot of a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft in flight. The plane is predominantly silver with a black and white checkered pattern on the front cowling and black and white stripes on the tail. A pilot wearing a helmet and goggles is visible in the open cockpit. The propeller is blurred, indicating motion, and a white star within a blue circle is visible on the wing. The background is a clear, light blue sky.

P-47 Thunderbolt flying by at the National Museum of WWII Aviation's monthly flight demonstration.

#p47 #p47thunderbolt #nationalmuseumofwwiiaviation #planespotting #aviationphotography #wwiiaircraft #wwiiaviation #KCOS #coloradosprings #fujifilm

A close-up, high-angle macro shot of a single dahlia flower with a dense, symmetrical spiral of petals. The outer petals are fully open and a pale orange-yellow, while the central petals are tightly furled and a vibrant salmon-pink. The texture of the petals is smooth and delicate, and the light casts gentle shadows, highlighting the intricate arrangement.

Week 32/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Macro.

A symphony of peach and gold hues from this dahlia. I don't have a macro lens so I set a goal to get as close as I could with my usual lens when taking pictures in my garden.

#52frames #52Frames_macro #fujifilm

Nice catch!

A DC-10 air tanker, with its landing gear down, is photographed in a side profile view as it approaches for a landing. The aircraft is painted white with a vibrant orange and red livery, and the words "10 TANKER" are visible on the fuselage. The number "10" is also visible on its tail fin.

A large, low-flying DC-10 air tanker, painted in white and a striking orange and red pattern, is seen from a rear-quarter angle against a partly cloudy sky. The number '10' is prominently displayed on the tail fin, and the aircraft's landing gear and flaps are deployed.

More air tanker action at KCOS yesterday. Tankers 911 and 914 from 10 Tanker Air Carrier both stopping by throughout the day to top up on fire retardant.

#dc10 #dc10tanker #planespotting #colorado #coloradosprings #KCOS #aerialfirefighting #coloradowildfires #tanker911 #tanker914 #N603AX #N17085

A low-angle, eye-level shot of a white maneki-neko (Japanese lucky cat) figurine sitting on a wooden shelf. The figurine is smiling, with black whiskers and closed eyes, and its ears are red-tipped. A red and white rectangular label on its left side has the kanji characters for "daikichi" 大吉 meaning "great blessing". On the right of the figurine a gold sticker with the kanji characters for "kenkō un" 健康運 meaning "good health luck." In the background, out of focus, are four rows of book spines on a bookshelf.

Week 31/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Color Temperature.

Kept white balance on the warmer side to go for that cozy vibe.

#52frames #52Frames_colortemperature

A couple of the air tankers that stopped by Colorado Springs today while fighting fires out in Western Colorado.

#planespotting #colorado #coloradosprings #aerialfirefighting #fireseason

A panoramic shot of Garden of the Gods shows a landscape dotted with towering red rock formations under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a verdant expanse of trees and shrubs spreads across the lower half of the frame, with sunlight dappling through the leaves creating patterns of light and shadow. The iconic red sandstone formations, varying in size and shape, rise majestically from the treeline, their surfaces catching the warm glow of the sun, highlighting their rugged textures. A faint dirt path is visible at the bottom right, winding through the trees. In the distance, a hazy mountain range completes the scenic view.

Mornings at Garden of the Gods.

#colorado #coloradosprings #gardenofthegods #fujifilmXT5 #fujifilm

A vibrant yellow sunflower with a dark brown center stands in the lower left corner against a brilliant deep blue sky. Scattered white, fluffy clouds are visible in the upper part of the frame, particularly on the right side. The sun is shining directly on the sunflower, making its petals glow.

Week 30/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Unusual Crop.

Sunflower from my garden placed in the corner of the shot to contrast with the sunny, blue sky.

#52frames #52Frames_unusualcrop

A large, grey U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft is seen from the front-right side on a grassy airfield. Its four massive engines are visible, two on each wing. "U.S. AIR FORCE," "0603," and "445TH AW" are clearly marked on its fuselage. The foreground features a field of yellow flowers, and in the background, a light-colored sky meets a distant horizon with some faint structures.

Close-up of the cockpit and front fuselage of a grey U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. The numbers '0603' and '445TH AW' are visible below the cockpit windows. Someone in the cockpit waving is visible.

C-17 taxiing out to runway 17R with a bonus wave from the cockpit. 👋

Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Reg. 93-0603
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
July 19, 2025

#usaf #usairforce #c17 #c17globemaster #aviationphotography #militaryaviation #militaryaviationphotography #planespotting #KCOS #fujifilm

A MAGA neighbor a few houses down from me is moving to Idaho because they feel the area is too liberal now. (My personal observation and only one data point, so take it with a grain of salt).

Springs resident for 20+ years now, city has grown quite a bit in the last few years and the newer residents don't seem to be as evangelical/Republican as the older ones. People move down here from Denver for cheaper housing.