Introduction Welcome on Scorpion Aviation Photography, the website of Dutch based, freelance photographer/photojournalist Ramon van Opdorp. Ramon is born, and still living in Heerlen, Limburg in the south of the Netherlands. While he grew up next to the Geilenkirchen NATO base with the impressive and pretty noisy Boeing E3A Sentry, his interest for aviation was triggered. His Scorpion Aviation Photography website was launched in March 2004, and has seen many shapes and topics since, with the definitive and final style in front of you. What was once a casual past-time, is now a healthy, daily obsession. His hopes are such that these photographs will "take you away" for a brief moment...and in that moment, you'll catch a glimpse of the magic experienced that day. By providing a selection of unique & exclusive photographs, all taken in the aircraft natural surroundings. Personal info To date Ramon has travelled to many countries around the globe in pursuit of military aviation photography. From the Arctic conditions of Northern Norway, to the baking heat of Texas, and many countries in between. Both aviation photography & journalism are of interest for him, being a ISAP (International Society for Aviation Photography), a Sony CPS (Sony Alpha Professional) and TFC (The Fighter Collection) member, and last but not least, a addicted aviation book reader. His favourite aircraft can be found in his two favourite aviation interests, jet fighters (60's & 70's) & warbirds (World War II - Europe & Pacific). In the Jet Fighter section he has special interest in the F-105 Thunderchief, Grumman F-14 Tomcat and the A-10 Thunderbolt. And in the warbird section the F4U Corsair, SB2C Helldiver, P-38 Lightning and the massive B-24 Liberator are of special interest. And last, but not least he had the privilege to fly with the support aircraft of his favourite display team, the C-130T Hercules "Fat Albert" of the United States Navy - Blue Angels, over the Kennedy Space Center facility in 2008 during a 45 minute rehearsal flight. Main Objective Photographing military aircraft and warbirds during unique circumstances. By exploring and experimenting, post-process the image as far as possible while attempting to maintain the original integrity of the shot, with the crew and aircraft as main subject. Providing and creating photographs in order to tell a story, the photographs have meaning in the context of a recently published record of events. And the research for profiles, interviews and articles. Why "Scorpion"... The "Scorpion" name is chosen due to several reasons. First of all is it a catchy, powerful and strong name. Second of all stands the scorpion for intense, determined, persevering, in control and observing. They often ambush their prey, lying in wait for hours as they sense its approach. Which are the main qualities, and the essence to make original and exclusive photographs. And last but not least is the name "Scorpion" doubtlessly connected with military aviation. One of the first fighter jets after the second world war, was the awesome looking Northrop F-89 Scorpion. And furthermore are some RAF, USAF and Israeli squadrons still carry, or used the Scorpion name and/or symbol in their squadron badge.