For plane spotters, capturing an aircraft in action is always the priority, but a beautiful view that complements the livery is a nice bonus.

Blake Cannell (@cannellphotos) brought this Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 into focus with the blue water backdrop serving as the perfect companion to the airline’s cerulean tail. He snapped this shot just as it took off from Runway 28R at Portland International Airport.

Back at Pittsburgh International Airport, plane spotters have a chance to catch an Alaska Airlines aircraft in action every day: the airline offers nonstop service twice daily between Pittsburgh and Seattle.

Meanwhile, Connor Ochs sent Blue Sky News something rare. We see a lot of beautiful sunset photos from airplane windows (and trust us, we love them!), but it’s not often a reader captures the sunset from the cockpit.

Ochs was able to catch the sun over Lancaster, Pa., just before it disappeared. With the screen on the plane at the front of the photo, we get a behind-the-scenes look at a pilot’s life in the sky.

Thanks, Blake and Connor!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming — you can click here for submission guidelines.

A pilot’s view of a sunset above Lancaster, Pa. (Photo submitted by Connor Ochs)