Interesting Photo of the Day: Delta IV Rocket Launch

Interesting Photos

When thinking about aerospace photography, rarely do teenagers come to mind. But freelance photographer John Kraus has begun to change all that. At 16 years of age, Kraus has become one of the youngest spaceflight journalists in the country. Living just 30 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, Kraus grew up watching launches from home. Recently he decided to bring his camera along to capture a few shots, and after almost a year of experience, he became a credentialed media member for AmericaSpace:

Delta IV launch captured by John Kraus (Via Imgur. Click image to see full size.)

Camera Settings: 1/640 of a second, f/8, ISO 200

For many of us, this 16 year old is living the dream. After all, not many people get access to the various launchpads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prior to the launch—let alone a teenager. However, equipped with a Nikon D3300 with an 18–55mm kit lens, and a Velva Pop sound trigger, Kraus has shown time and time again that age is just a number.

The camera setup for the ULA’s Delta IV launch on August 19, 2016. (Via Imgur. Click image to see full size.)

Kraus considered this one of the loudest launches he has ever witnessed. He and other seasoned aerospace photographers set up their cameras eight hours prior to launch. To snap this amazing photo, he placed his camera just 50 yards away from the Delta IV launch (with Kraus’ camera located on the far left with the white bag around it). His amazing image captures the rocket just as it is leaving the launchpad with a bright wall of flames and smoke filling the frame.