I am Dirk Jan de Ridder, a Dutch military aviation photojournalist and founder of Ridder Aero Media. Since 2001, I have documented military aircraft around the world, photographing aircraft both from the ground and in the air.
My work is driven by a genuine passion for aviation and photography. However, producing strong images in demanding military and operational environments takes more than enthusiasm or simply hoping to be in the right place at the right time. Every project is built on careful preparation, a clear photographic plan and effective communication with aircrews.
My photography reaches an international audience through leading aviation magazines, licensing for press and editorial use through specialist image libraries, social media and my FLIGHT series of premium, large-format coffee table books.
25
years of experience
29
countries worked in
38
armed forces
110+
photography flying hours
2765
aircraft photographed
42k
Instagram followers
Magazine Publications
My photography and reporting have appeared in leading aviation magazines worldwide, from cover stories to in-depth features.
Explore a selection of published work below.
Knights of the North
AirForces of the World · Swedish Air Force (8 pages)
Sweden’s northernmost fighter wing is responding to renewed threats by adapting Cold War tactics to a modern operating environment.
Download article (PDF) ↓
Island Hoppers
FLYMAG · Spanish Army (8 pages)
Spanish Army unit BHELMA VI conducted intensive formation training over Lanzarote’s beaches, mountains and volcanic landscapes.
Download article (PDF) ↓
Fire Bosses and Super Scoopers
AirForces Monthly · Croatian Air Force (6 pages)
An inside look at the Croatian Air Force’s highly regarded Firefighting Squadron, battling wildfires under exceptionally demanding conditions.
Download article (PDF) ↓
Lebanese Light Attack
Combat Aircraft · Lebanese Air Force (6 pages)
Lebanese Air Force 7 Squadron operates the A-29B Super Tucano as a capable and versatile light-attack platform.
Download article (PDF) ↓
Behind the Scenes
Step inside the cockpit during an air-to-air photography session with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Flying Experience
As of September 2026, I have worked with 38 armed forces across four continents and logged more than 110 flight hours aboard military aircraft. My experience ranges from supersonic fighter jets and ejection-seat-equipped training aircraft to helicopters and transport aircraft with open cargo doors, during both dedicated photo missions and operational training flights.
10 hours // Fast jets
BAe Hawk, F-5 Tiger II, MiG-21 Fishbed, Saab 105.
60+ hours // Helicopters
AS532 Cougar, AW101 Merlin, Bell 412, Bo-105, CH-47 Chinook, Mi-17 Hip, NH90, S-70 Black Hawk, Sea King, UH-1 Iroquois, etcetera.
10+ hours // Trainers
BAe Hawk, Grob 120, KT-1 Woongbi, P2002 Sierra, Saab 105, T-6 Texan II, T-25 Universal, T-27 Tucano (illustrated).
20+ hours // Other aircraft
Airbus A310, An-26 Curl, C-130 Hercules, C-130J Super Hercules, DG505, EADS C-295, Grob 103 Twin II, KC-135 Stratotanker, etcetera.
Every assignment begins with careful preparation. For dedicated photo flights, I scout locations for suitable backgrounds, develop a plan, brief the aircrews, then agree on formations and manoeuvres, communication protocols and safety procedures.
Once airborne, I continuously assess the light, background and positioning as conditions change. Clear calls and quick decisions help turn a carefully prepared plan into strong images, even when time and options are limited.
After landing, the best photographs are shared with the participating aircrew and unit. From initial planning to final delivery, I manage every stage of the process.
Selected Photography
FLIGHT II coffee table book
FLIGHT II is a visual tribute to military aviation in all its forms by Dutch aviation photographer Dirk Jan de Ridder. As the second coffee table book in the series, it presents a selection of his favourite images from 25 years in the business, taken of aircraft from five continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America – as well as the Middle East.
Get in touch
For assignments, editorial enquiries, image licensing or other enquiries, please get in touch.
Alternatively: contact [at] ridder.aero
Ridder Aero Media
Pelgrimsweg 46
3401TR IJsselstein
The Netherlands
Chamber of Commerce number: 57540500
VAT number: NL001584428B94
Bank account: NL24INGB0684446138
BIC: INGBNL2A