Exploring the synergy between aviation and high fashion has long been a vision of mine. Recently, I had the opportunity to bring this concept to life in a creative photoshoot that fused the elegance of fashion models with the raw, industrial beauty of an aviation environment. The goal was to capture the spirit of freedom, ambition and the jet-setting lifestyle to create a visual narrative that would inspire wanderlust and a sense of aspiration.
The photoshoot took place at a private hangar in Collingwood Ontario, where we had access to a sleek Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft and hangar that exuded industrial charm. The juxtaposition of luxury garments against the stark metallic backdrop of the aircraft created a dynamic visual contrast. Each frame was meticulously composed to highlight not only the models but also the intricate details of the aviation environment, from the polished turbine engines to the atmospheric lighting of the hangar.
Achieving this vision required precision and creativity particularly in how we approached lighting. Enter Elinchrom, a trusted name in professional lighting that has consistently helped me bring my artistic concepts to life. For this shoot, I relied on the Elinchrom THREE and ELC Pro HD 500 systems. Their portability was crucial as we moved between the spacious hangar and the jet’s confined interior, while their power and adaptability ensured that every shot was lit to perfection.
The Elinchrom THREE provided the ideal blend of portability and power.Its compact design and integrated batteries allowed us to position lights in tight spaces within the jet’s cabin while still delivering consistent, high-quality illumination and not having to hide power cords. For the larger setups in the hangar, the ELC Pro HD 500 was a game-changer, providing the output needed to evenly light the expansive space while maintaining control over highlights and shadows. The High-Speed Sync (HSS) capabilities of both systems allowed us to balance the natural daylight streaming through the hangar’s open doors with the artificial lighting to ensure that every shot had depth and dimension.
Elinchrom’s modifiers also played a pivotal role in shaping the light to suit the mood of each scene. The Rotalux Octabox softened the light to create a dreamy, cinematic effect for the fashion portraits. The versatility of these tools allowed me to experiment and refine each setup until it perfectly aligned with my vision.
Beyond the technical advantages, using Elinchrom equipment gave me the confidence to focus entirely on the creative process. Knowing that I could rely on my lighting to perform flawlessly under challenging conditions allowed me to push boundaries and think outside the box. The result was a collection of images that not only told a story but also evoked an emotional response, showcasing the beauty of both the models and the aviation world in a way that felt authentic and aspirational.
Their innovative tools not only brought my vision to life but also elevated the final results to help me create a body of work that I’m excited to share. Thank you, Elinchrom, for being an integral part of this creative journey and for lighting the way to success.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leah den Bok is a Collingwood and Toronto-based photographer with a drawing, painting and art history background. After earning her BA in Photography, she travelled globally, developing a bold and innovative style. As an image-maker and storyteller, her work focuses on shape, colour, unusual angles and genuine emotions, resulting in visually striking compositions.
