Joseph Friesen

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.

A low-angle, full shot shows aSB2C Helldiver aircraft in flight against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The aircraft is painted in a two-tone blue and white camouflage, with the white on the underside. The US white star insignia is visible on the side of the fuselage and on the top of the right wing. The plane is banking to the right, and the propeller is blurred from motion.

A low-angle, full shot shows a SB2C Helldiver aircraft in flight against a bright blue sky. The aircraft is painted in a two-tone blue and white camouflage, with the white on the underside. The US white star insignia is visible on the side of the fuselage and on the top of the right wing. The plane is angled slightly upwards, and the propeller is blurred from motion.

A full shot shows a SB2C Helldiver aircraft on a taxiway. The grass in the foreground is covered with yellow flowers, with buildings in the background. The aircraft is painted in a two-tone blue and white camouflage, with the white on the underside. The US white star insignia is visible on the side of the fuselage. A yellow and black sign with an arrow pointing right and the letter "A" is visible in front of the plane.

A dark blue historical military aircraft, possibly a dive bomber, with white undercarriage and a large propeller, sits on a grassy airfield. The pilot, wearing a red helmet, is visible in the open cockpit. The plane has a white star insignia on its wing. In the background, a large hangar-like building is partially obscured by the plane. The sky is light blue with some white clouds.

A few shots of the recently restored Curtiss SB2C Helldiver at the National Museum of WWII Aviation, Colorado Springs Airport.

#SB2C #SB2Chelldiver #nationalmuseumofwwiiaviation #planespotting #aviationphotography #wwiiaircraft #wwiiaviation #fujifilm

A wide, low-angle shot of a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft, registration ZZ171, in flight against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The aircraft's landing gear is deployed, and all four engines are visible. The underside shows open gear bays and the large wings.

A close-up, low-angle shot of the front and underside of a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft, registration ZZ171, in flight against a clear blue sky. Its landing gear is deployed. The aircraft's engines and the "ROYAL AIR FORCE" text are visible.

Royal Air Force
RRR6128
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Reg. ZZ171
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
July 13, 2025

#raf #royalairforce #c17 #c17globemaster #aviationphotography #militaryaviation #militaryaviationphotography #planespotting #KCOS #fujifilm

A low-angle shot captures the tail section of a United Airlines A320 airplane against a clear, vibrant blue sky. The plane's white fuselage is visible, adorned with a red,white, and blue cheat line that runs along its side. The prominent tail fin is also white, featuring the "United" logo in black script near the top within a stylized red and blue stripe. A white border frames the shot.

The United Airlines “Friend Ship” retro livery A320 for #TailTuesday.

United Airlines
UAL594 DEN-COS
Airbus A320-200
N475UA
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
July 2, 2025

#united #unitedairlines #N475UA #aviationphotography #planespotting #airbus #a320 #KCOS #fujifilm

A horizontal photo of a large rock formation in the foreground with a hole that frames a view of Pikes Peak in the background. The rock formation is red and takes up most of the left and right sides of the photo, with a jagged hole in the center. Through the hole, Pikes Peak is visible with its grey, rocky summit, and below that, a large expanse of green pine trees. The sky above Pikes Peak is clear and light blue.

Week 27/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Frame Within A Frame.

A natural stone window in the Siamese Twins rock formation in Garden of the Gods framing Pikes Peak.

#52frames #52Frames_framewithinaframe

A Boeing 737 airplane, operated by American Airlines, is captured in flight against a clear blue sky. The aircraft, with registration number N967NN, displays the airline's distinctive red, white, and blue tail livery and "American" emblazoned on its fuselage. Its landing gear and flaps are deployed. Pikes Peak and the airport control tower are visible in the background.

American Airlines 737 on final for runway 17L with Pikes Peak in the background.

American Airlines
AA1170 DFW-COS
Boeing 737-800
N967NN
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
June 21, 2025

#americanairlines #N967NN #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #KCOS #coloradosprings #fujifilm

A low-angle, eye-level shot captures a cluster of vibrant yellow coreopsis flowers in the warm light of a sunset. The flowers, with their bright yellow petals and darker orange-yellow centers, are in sharp focus in the foreground, while their slender green stems and foliage are visible below. Some unopened flower buds are also interspersed among the blooms. The background is softly blurred, transitioning from darker green tones on the left, suggesting more foliage, to a lighter, hazy blue-gray on the right, which could be a path or open space, gently illuminated by the golden light.

A cluster of vibrant yellow coreopsis flowers in the warm light of a sunset.

#flowers #coreopsis #colorado #coloradowildflowers #goldenhour #bloomscrolling #fujifilm

A close-up, vertical shot captures the vibrant details of a pine tree branch, illuminated by the warm, golden light of a sunset. The numerous pine needles are a deep green, contrasting with the many small, reddish-brown male pine cones that are clustered along the branches. The cones are slightly elongated and textured, appearing as if they are in the process of blooming or maturing. The background is a soft, out-of-focus blend of light blue and white, suggesting a clear sky, with some areas hinting at the warm glow on the horizon.

Pine tree branches at sunset.

#pine #colorado #goldenhour #trees #fujifilmXT5 #fujifilm

A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9, registration N37536, is shown head-on, with its nose and cockpit prominent. The aircraft's jet engines are visible on either side. In the background, dark green trees and a building are partially visible under a bright sky. The aircraft appears to be on a paved surface.

A close-up, side view of the front section of a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX, registration N37536, turning on to a runway. The "UNITED" logo and a "Star Alliance" logo are clearly visible on the white fuselage, with blue accents on the belly and engine. In the background, part of a tall, brown control tower is visible, with hazy blue mountains and trees further in the distance under a bright sky.

A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9, registration N37536, is seen from its right side on a runway, with the large "UNITED" logo clearly visible along its fuselage. In the background, a distinctive brown air traffic control tower stands tall, and behind it large, hazy Pikes Peak rises under a smoky sky. Green grass is visible in the foreground.

A United 737 MAX 9 lining up on runway 17L for the short hop up to Denver.

United Airlines
UAL788 COS-DEN
Boeing 737 MAX 9
N37536
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
June 21, 2025

#united #unitedairlines #n37536 #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #boeing737MAX #KCOS #fujifilm

Week 25/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Daily Ritual.

There's nothing like an evening stroll to unwind after a busy day, especially when you can catch a beautiful sunset.

#52frames #52frames_dailyritual

Can we please hit pause on the major historical events for like ten years or so lol. 😓

A low-angle shot captures the underside of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, specifically the "Arizona One" special livery, against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The aircraft's fuselage is primarily dark blue on top, transitioning to red and yellow stripes along its belly, with a large orange star decal visible near the front. The two engine nacelles are also blue and red. The landing gear is extended, showing its wheels and struts.

Southwest Airlines
SWA3140 PHX-COS
Boeing 737-7H4
N955WN
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
June 20,2025

#southwest #southwestairlines #speciallivery #arizonaone #n955wn #statelivery #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #KCOS #fujifilm

A dark grey B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft with its landing gear extended, is captured in mid-flight against a clear, slightly smoky blue sky.

A dark grey B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft with its landing gear down descends against a slightly smoky blue sky. The aircraft is angled slightly upward from left to right, with faint blurred green foliage in the bottom right foreground.

A coupe of pretty far-away pics of the B-1B Lancers that have been hanging out in Colorado Springs this week.

Couldn't land at SFO earlier and diverted to Oakland earlier perhaps?

A vibrant yellow Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, tail number N8655D, is parked on an airport tarmac under a clear blue sky. The aircraft features a large red and orange Zia sun symbol on its fuselage, part of a special livery. The tail of the plane is blue with red and yellow stripes, displaying the Southwest Airlines logo. In the background, airport buildings and jet bridges are visible, along with some ground support equipment. The overall impression is a bright and sunny day at the airport.

Southwest Airlines, New Mexico One livery
Boeing 737-800
N8655D
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, KATL
April 8, 2024

#southwest #southwestairlines #speciallivery #newmexicoone #n8655d #statelivery #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #boeing737 #KATL #atlanta

A white Delta Connection CRJ-900 regional jet, tail number N200PQ, is parked on an airport tarmac under a clear sky. The aircraft has the Delta Connection logo on its fuselage and the distinctive red and blue Delta tail livery. In the background, several jet bridges are visible connecting to airport terminals, with other ground support equipment and vehicles scattered around. The scene suggests a sunny day at a bustling airport.

Delta Connection
Bombardier/Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR
N200PQ
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, KATL
April 8, 2024

#crj900 #delta #deltaconnection #flydelta #endeavorair #bombardier #aviationphotography #planespotting #KATL #atlanta

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 aircraft, tail number N978AT. The plane is white with the Delta logo and name prominently displayed on the fuselage. The tail features Delta's red and blue livery. To the left, a jet bridge is visible. In the background, there are other airport structures, including more jet bridges and buildings. Another aircraft, partially visible, is parked behind the featured Delta plane.

Delta Air Lines
Boeing 717-2BD
N978AT
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, KATL
April 8, 2024

#delta #flydelta #aviationphotography #planespotting #boeing #B717 #KATL #atlanta

A close-up shot of a brick wall split vertically by a dark shadow. To the right, the wall is a consistent reddish-brown. To the left, a portion of the brick wall is painted, featuring a colorful mural. The mural features a blue background on top, and below it, numerous stylized tulips are depicted. These tulips are predominantly pale yellow with dark outlines suggesting the petals and stems. The yellow paint is cracked in places giving a weathered look.

Week 24/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Street Details.

Part of a weathered mural on the brick wall of a local bakery. The yellow paint of the tulips in the mural is noticeably cracked.

#52frames #52frames_streetdetails #fujifilm

A close-up side view of the front section of a gray F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet, parked on an asphalt tarmac under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. The cockpit canopy is visible, and the number "083" is painted on the side of the fuselage near the nose. The aircraft's front landing gear is down. In the background to the left, a crowd of people can be seen.

F-22 Raptor on the hot ramp after the 2024 Pikes Peak Regional Airshow.

Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
August 17, 2024

#f22 #f22raptor #f22raptordemoteam #usaf #fıghterjet #planespotting #militaryaviation #militaryaviationphotography #aviationphotography #fujifilm

A low-angle shot captures a United Airlines Boeing 737-9 as it descends against a clear, bright blue sky. The aircraft, predominantly white with a visible grey belly and dark blue engines, is seen from below and slightly to the front.The word "UNITED" is partially visible in large blue letters along the fuselage. Its landing gear is extended, and the front landing gear doors are open.

United Airlines 737 MAX 9
Colorado Springs Airport, KCOS
June 7, 2025

#aviationphotography #planespotting #737max #unitedairlines

A white DG-1000S glider being towed by a tow plane to the right across a clear blue sky with the snow-capped summit of Pikes Peak below them.

A white DG-1000S glider soars on the left side of a clear blue sky, while a small, light-colored tow plane with green and blue markings is visible further to the right. A barely visible cable connects both planes.

A white DG-1000S glider, seen from the side, flies in front of a densely forested, rocky mountainside.

Some glider ops around the Air Force Academy Airfield yesterday morning.

#coloradosprings #pikespeak #airforceacademy #glider #aviationphotography #planespotting

Query successful A white SUV drives on a highway with a U-turn sign on the right and a green sign indicating "EXIT 153 Interquest Parkway" on the left. Beyond the highway, a vast expanse of green trees covers rolling hills. In the mid-ground, a residential area is visible amongst the trees, and further back, patches of reddish-brown earth are exposed on the hillsides. Towering over everything in the background is Pikes Peak, its summit still capped with snow under a clear sky.

Week 23/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Use The Wrong Lens.

Brought out my 150-500 telephoto lens for some landscape shots which really helped compress the perceived distance between the foreground and the mountain summit.

#52frames #52frames_usethewronglens

A monochrme picture of a car's side mirror, with the main mirror showing a black and white reflection of a white pickup truck, and a smaller, upper-right convex mirror showing a blue sky with white clouds in color. The main mirror has the etched text "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" and a heating element symbol.

Week 22/52: This week's prompt from the 52Frames weekly photo challenge: Through The Looking Glass.

A blue sky with puffy clouds visible in the blind spot mirror to contrast with a grey, monotone 'reality'.

#52frames #52frames_throughthelookingglass

To be honest I wasn't really expecting them to actually operate those scheduled flights to begin with. I guess going the Air Belgium route and pivoting to charter ops is better than flopping after two round-trip flights.

A group of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, painted in the distinctive red, white, and blue colors of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, fly in a tight formation against a blue sky with some wispy white clouds.

Managed to get a shot of the Thunderbirds right after they wrapped up their practice during my lunch break.

#usafthunderbirds #thunderbirds #f16 #aviationphotography #militaryaviationphotography #coloradosprings