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About Global Aviation Resource
Morley Lester - Staff Photographer & Writer
Early memories of Lightnings, Phantoms, Vulcan scrambles and formations of Canadian CF-104 Starfighters instigated Morley's passion for aviation.
Taken to the 1978 RAF St. Mawgan Air Day at the tender age of five by his Dad, an aircraft enthusiast, and his Mum, a photographer, the combined parental influences shaping a fascination that would stay to this date.
Living next to RAF Chivenor, he regularly visited the station during school holidays to watch the day to day activities. In 1984, his parents bought him his first manual focus 35mm SLR camera which took his interest to the next level. Regular family holidays to Suffolk in the '80s would allow Morley the chance to capture Phantoms at Wattisham, F-111s at Lakenheath plus the, then regular, flights of the SR-71 `Blackbird’ from Mildenhall .
His interest in aviation photo-journalism grew and in 1988, Morley had his first photograph published in UK magazine, `Aviation News.’
In 1991, he took on the position as Editor on the regional monthly magazine of the `South West Aviation Group’ forging good ties with the local military air stations. In 1995, he had to leave his Editorial duties as he was offered the position of Assistant Editor on international aviation magazine, `Aircraft Illustrated.’ Morley later went on to become a freelance section editor for the magazine with his own column `Air Intelligence’ and to this date, remains a regular contributor.
Over the years, Morley has been privileged to fly with many air arms around the world on various air to air photography sorties. From training aircraft to frontline fast jets, his work has been used for PR for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army Air Corps, United States Air Force, United States Navy & Royal New Zealand Air Force to name a few.
In 2007, Morley proudly joined the team of the award winning Dawlish Airshow, adding a new challenge and dimension to his love of aviation.
Morley has been a staunch user of Canon camera equipment since 1988 and currently uses a Canon EOS 40D, 300 f/2.8L IS USM, 70 – 200 f/4L IS USM, 24 – 105 f/4L IS USM plus 1.4x & 2x Extenders.