Ed O’Keeffe Photography

Alvis Leonides Engine Detail

Engine detail photography is something I picked up from my father. He has some amazing engine photographs, mainly of motorbikes but also of bigger things. I photographed this Helicopter engine at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. This is a British air-cooled radial piston aero-engine and came out of a huge Bristol Sycamore HR14 helicopter. Unfortunately I didn’t have my tripod with me and due to the low light it was difficult to get a pin sharp image. The new 50mm f/1.8 lens helped to give a nice blur in the background and the camera was set to ISO 400, but still it really needs a tripod. Using flash on a subject like this would cause a lot more reflections so a longer shutter speed is the only way to go. The good news is that this museum is free and only a ten minute walk away from both Manchester city centre and my flat, so I will be returning as soon as I can find the time.