140716-F-TJ158-005

by SrA Christopher Calloway

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division plan their next move during a training exercise on Camp Rudder, Fla., July 16, 2014. The Soldiers parachuted in to begin a two-day exercise that the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron HAVE-ACE helped conduct. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christopher Callaway)

Photographer's Narrative

 

This image was one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding photos I have ever taken. I was trailing the middle solider for some time after more than 100 paratroopers filled up the sky, when he suddenly stopped between these two groups to determine his location. As soon as he stopped, I already had my camera attached to a tripod, plopped down in a sand dune and adjusted the camera settings. I took it three tries before the middle guy stayed still for the photo. This image is one I am most proud of, and it taught me that patience while following one person can pay off.