While there is not much to it, but you must keep a few things in mind while taking avaition photos. Because your actions will help or hurt the next guy and that might be you.
No matter where you are at taking pictures, you are a quest while on their property. Be mindful of that. Always, always make a point to find someone their before walking the field of planes. Its best to build up a trust with the airport guys first. Not all airports are you gong to have full access too. But many you will find less stressfull to deal with. Now in the United States, 9/11 changed alot as far as having the freedom. Yes many of these locations are still willing to open the doors to you, but don't be surprised if you feel someone looking at you.
Never open any aircraft doors to get a shot of the cockpit without permission. The owners of these birds don't want strangers in their toys, and do you blame them.
It's like how to win friends and influence people tatics. Make a friend first. I know some of you will have a time to find that bird that you have your heart set on photographing, and if you jump to soon you could end up with nothing and troubles to boot.
Pace yourself, you may not get what you want then. But if you wait you can come back and then have the shot and more that you are wanting.
Now in other countries this all applies as well and sometimes even more so. But I have found that in Germany the owners are more at ease with the Americans. So they may open their doors to you even more so. But still build that friendship. It could mean the diference from taking one shot of an airplane on the field, to them opening the hangers and showing some of the goodies. And once you build this friendship, you will be able to come back, so it works out.
While at these location, you may have thought of all the photo stuff to bring to catch that perfect picture. Did you bring any ID.? Don't be surprised if you are faced with enforcement, and no ID. can bring to many questions. And that brings me to another thought. While at these public places. Don't be surprised if others notice you takiing pictures, like the passengers getting on board. Some of the people are so scarred of anyone holding a camera, that they feel threaten by it. So someone may approach you from the airport. They may ask why are you here, what's your intentions with the photos. Be cool. Explain to them its a hooby and show them where you are a member with a web site like this one and its for other photographers who enjoy aviation, and thats it. This is where the ID will come in handy. You may ask how is it that I know so much of all this? I have been faced with all of this before, so its may be helpful for you. I have retired from Law Enforcement after 10 years and I still get approached from time to time, so be cool. Now if you are taking these photos for any other reason not being mentioned in the above, your hind parts are in deep grass, and the Law is the Lawn Mower.
So just be cool guys and gals. Do mess it up for yourself and others to follow. We photographers at this web location love aviation and always have and always will. Just be cool.
Now how get all these photos like these other guys are gettting. Well some of these guys are in the airliner business and they are always flying so they are going to be in many places. So don't try to compete with them. Go out there and keep and eye on the horizon. Use places like Google Earth, Flight Aware, AirFrames, FAA Registration. Now with the web there is so many avenues to follow, just be mindful of others and their equipment. Don't post any pictures that you have been asked not to post. I hope all this information has been somewhat helpful. Drop me a line if you need help.