Vintage Aircraft & Model Shoot
This shoot was one of the most technically challenging I’ve ever done due to the combination of unpredictable weather, lighting constraints, and location logistics. The setting—a small airfield—offered a fantastic backdrop, but the cloudy sky created rapidly shifting lighting conditions. I had to use high-speed sync flash to balance the natural light while maintaining a dramatic look without overexposing the highlights on the model’s skin or the bright red and white plane.
The biggest challenge was working with the wind. The model's hair and outfit were constantly affected by strong gusts, making it difficult to achieve a polished look. Additionally, positioning the model and composing the shot was tricky because I wanted to keep the biplane in focus enough to establish context but still make the model the clear subject. This required careful depth of field management, ensuring the background remained slightly blurred while still showcasing the details of the aircraft.
Post-processing involved enhancing the dramatic sky, refining skin tones, and making sure the final color grading complemented the vintage aesthetic without making it look overly processed. In the end, despite the elements working against us, the result was a powerful, cinematic portrait that tells a strong story.
I work on an airfield in Hawaii for the Army. The changing lighting conditions and high dynamic range are a real and frustrating challenge. You did a great job!
Awesome photograph! I love the bridge between old and new, and appreciate all of the thoughtful details that went into making the image. I wonder how the scene fits into the story. Is she coming or going? I think she's just arrived after a rough flight. The tousled look of the woman is crafted perfectly to convey just the right impression that is often felt when traveling by air. Instead of a windblown open cockpit, we've nowadays got long security lines, flight delays, and crammed seats to produce a miserable experience. And then waiting like we've been forgotten for ground transportation to our hotel. Worth five stars in my book.