Sion Air Show 2011

The most important air show in Switzerland, the Sion Air Show, has presented this year a truthly dreammy program which has comprised, among other more modern aircraft, flights from vintage models like the icconic Lockheed Super Constellation or the former Swiss Air Force fast jets Hawker Hunter, Dassault Mirage III and De Havilland DH-100 Vampire.
During three days the airshow received more than 62.000 visitors, making this event an incredible success. A four-page photographic report has been published in the November issue of the Portuguese aviation magazine Sirius.

Pedro Monteiro

The Portuguese Panhard AML-60 fleet

The October issue of Motor Clássico presents the operational life of the light wheeled armoured vehicle Panhard AML-60 in Portuguese service. Received in eraly 1960s, these French-built armoured vehicles were extensively used during the colonial war in Guinea, Angola and Mozambique.

This two-page article features some rare archive photage of the Portuguese fleet in real operations in Angola as well as in military exercises and ceremonies in Portugal.

This is the third work from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades.

Pedro Monteiro

Tankograd Missions & Manouevres 7022 - Vehicles of the Modern Portuguese Army

The Portuguese Patton fleet

The August issue of Motor Clássico presents the operational life of the M47 Patton main battle tank in Portuguese service. Received by 1952, the Patton was at the time the most modern tank in service with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Portugal was its first European operator.

This two-page article features some rare archive photage of the Portuguese fleet during military exercises including the tanks of Practical School of Cavalry, at the time located in Santarém, with their impressive unusual three-tone camouflage scheme.

This is the second work from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades.

Pedro Monteiro

The Portuguese-built UMM Cournil and Alter light military vehicles

The June issue of Motor Clássico presents the unknown story behind the development, production and operation of the Portuguese-built UMM Cournil and Alter light 4x4 military vehicles.

Operated by the Portuguese army since the late 1970s, the UMM would become widely recognized by the 1990s international deployments with the UN-led peacekeeping missions in Angola and Mozambique as well as the NATO-led mission of Bosnia.

This is also the first article from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades such as the Portuguese-built Berliet Tramagal truck family, the Panhard AML light armoured vehicle or the M47 Patton main battle tank, just to mention a few.

Pedro Monteiro

Underwater Photography: The Wonders Under the Sea

The world of photography is an amazing one. It's been with us for quite a while now but it is constantly changing. Cameras are changing and improving. Methods of developing are changing and improving as well. We have digital cameras that allow people to take a view of their pictures immediately without traditional developing. Another change in the world of photography is underwater photography.

What do you think brings us those great shots of saltwater fish and movies that film in the ocean and under the sea? What about shots taken in swimming pools? You see those in the movies a lot but may not have thought about how they take those pictures and videos.

You probably never thought about it because for a long time underwater photography was not really an option for everyday people. But now it is not just an option, it's really easy to achieve.

- What is Underwater Photography?

Underwater photography is as the name implies photos that are taken under water. This is pretty interesting since early cameras could not function if wet. But as people started discovering the wonders under the sea, they wanted to be able to share that with others or even just to prove what they actually saw. So we began creating cameras that could work under water.

It is no surprise that underwater photography is a favorite pastime for scuba divers. The idea could have come from those few people that were able to experience the joys and beauty of underwater life and a desire to share that beauty with others.

There are many different occasions where people use underwater photography. As we mentioned earlier, underwater photography is used in Hollywood for movies. You have probably also seen it used on documentaries and national geographic type programs about underwater life.

But it is still most commonly used by divers. There are many websites dedicated to all the ins and outs of underwater photography; which cameras and lenses are best, which film to use, and much more can be found on these sites.

- How to Take Underwater Photography

Equipment is an important factor in taking great underwater photography. Of course you will need an underwater camera but there is more than just that.

You can take some amazing pictures using underwater photography. There are now even disposable use underwater cameras and you can take them on vacation with you and get that great underwater look. Even an amateur can do it. Disposable underwater cameras can typically be developed at your local Wal-Mart or other film developing center. You can also purchase underwater cameras for more of a price but they last whenever you need one. Some people find this more economical than disposables, especially if they want to take these pictures often.

Just like other venues of photography, you will probably start off with a cheaper and less advanced camera and work your way up if you continue underwater photography for a long time. There are two basics kinds of cameras; the underwater or waterproof camera and the encased camera which is inside a housing that protects it.

When taking pictures, you are going to need to be familiar with:

- Your camera

- Your lens

- Your film

- Your flash

There are different things in your environment that will affect the quality of your underwater photography. Such as:

- Depth of water and transparency of water

- Light

- The angle of the sunlight on the top of the water

- The backscatter

- Water has a magnifying effect

These are some things to help you get started in the world of underwater photography. If you are lucky enough to be swimming in the sea, you should get some proof to share with others.