The Introduction

As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot since 2019, I have a special affection for all things aviation. I love being able to capture aerial images for my clients to add sophisticated scope to their portraits. When I found out this engagement portrait session would take place at an airfield, I was so happy.

I couldn’t wait to tell my dad. Growing up I heard awe-inspiring stories from my dad’s time training as a pilot. Although my dad’s career plans took him a different direction, he whole-heartedly supported my hard work becoming a licensed unmanned aerial systems pilot. We still bond to this day studying aeronautical charts and taking trips to beautiful locations to fly my drone for photography.

Knowing that backstory, you can imagine my excitement to share the images from this engagement portrait session. I LOVED being surrounded by vintage airplanes of all styles.

The Airport Engagement Portrait Session

When I first pulled up to the airport, a historical wrap on the control tower immediately caught my eye. A large black and white image of a cadet cloaks one side of the tower near the parking lot. Touring the facility later, I learned this wrap honors the role that Falcon Field had during World War II. If you’re a history buff like me, you can learn more about the inspiring images on the airport’s website here.

Jacob Thompson, the pilot who kindly offered to escort us all day, started off by showing us his personal planes (beautiful!). Then he gave an absolutely fascinating tour of the facility, pointing out the old photos of the airport’s time as a WWII training center. Last, he took us to the original WWII hangar, part of the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum, to see all of the historic aircraft. The area absolutely took our breath away being surrounded by such history. I was thrilled we had arrived early. We had more than enough time to respectfully walk amidst the aircraft, taking in every detail of the space.

As the sun slipped toward the horizon, granting a golden hour glow, it was time for the shoot to begin.

Jennifer and Ben went all-out for this shoot. Their styling choices fit the space perfectly and their confident, carefree attitudes made this session so enjoyable. We spent the afternoon dancing and laughing in the large hangar, then sharing soft, sweet intimate moments in the space. Stepping outside, we captured some of the dreamiest airport engagement photos there ever were. Look at those images!

Special thank you to Jennifer Fouche, Nicole Soucy, Ness Hidalgo, Jacob Thompson, and Falcon Field Airport for collaborating on and permitting this stunning shoot! Hopefully future clients have access to airfields for another airport engagement portrait session soon!

If you want to see more of my endearing engagement sessions, take a look at Dustin and Marissa’s sweet proposal in Sedona next.