My coworkers and I could watch the shuttle land from Big Red Button's parking garage, but, even from nearby Douglas Station, shots of aircraft on final approach are not that great

Hoping to avoid traffic, we are taking the Metro Green Line. As anticipated, the station is not crowded.

When we reach Imperial Avenue, we start to see crowds

We should have left the office earlier. We do not have reservations at The Proud Bird...and all the good spots along Aviation Blvd are already taken.

Vibram Five Fingers!

The parking lot of The Proud Bird is closed to anyone who does not have a reservation, so I can not return to the exact spot I tried shooting from yesterday. I am crossing fingers I can find a good alternate spot.

We find a spot just beyond Proud Bird's parking lot at the entry/exit for another. Guards are stopping anyone who tries to go further inside, so staying here is probably our best bet. I test some settings using aircraft on final approach...the shutter speed and ISO seem good, but this shot feels a little soft. More depth of field, perhaps? Should I sacrifice speed or ISO?

Marc has his Canon ready

Just before noon we have our first shuttle sighting. If they stick to the flight plan we saw posted online, we should see them a few times from here

Dayum...that is some serious banking for such a top-heavy big jet!

Even birds are eager to see the shuttle

If only I could be on one of those chase planes right now

That building also has a better view of the 747 during this pass, though I am in a way better vantage point for when she actually lands

First flyby

On the news yesterday, California Highway Patrol urged people to not get out of their cars on the freeway to watch the shuttle...oh well

People are gathered on top of nearby office buildings

Paranoid that I may not have my settings right for capturing the closer flybys, I continue to practice using aircraft on final approach

I flew to Frankfurt on one of Lufthansa's Boeing 747's earlier this year

Shuttle Endeavour from our neighborhood (Photo by Valerie Iwasaki)

Shuttle Endeavour from our neighborhood (Photo by Valerie Iwasaki)

Helicopters circle nearby

Here she comes for a second pass!

Cropped and contrast enhanced

Cropped and contrast enhanced