Working with broncolor to showcase their Para collection, we set out to produce a new set of images worthy of the slogan “broncolor Para - The choice of legends”!
We wanted to create a set of exciting and varied images that we could use to demonstrate the versatility we get from the Para range. Inspired by vintage aircrafts, we opted to take our wonderful model, Peony, out on location to two working airfields.
We had three incredible aircrafts to play with, so for our model's wardrobe, we teamed up with a local vintage fashion collector to piece together, three unique outfits, each designed to complement its partnered aircraft.
For our first set of images, we travelled to Gloucestershire Airport. Based just off the runway, we were treated to an amazing show, as various commercial and private aircrafts took flight beside us.
The first shot features a fun, modern, aerobatic plane. We paired the aircraft’s frivolous nature with a playful, leather-look mini dress. We wanted to shape the light around the model’s face as much as possible whilst also exposing the entire outfit evenly and fighting the ambient light. To do this, we used a Para 177 aligned with the camera to avoid harsh highlights on the plane. Using a 2x2 negative fill, the combination of the Para and the negative fill made the model really stand out against the background.
Our second aircraft looked and felt much more commercial, so we opted for an overly stylised jumpsuit and classic aviator glasses. Given the size of the plane and how wide the framing was, we used the Para 222 to keylight our model and bring some fill light to the front of the frame. This light is truly stunning and gives subjects an incredible depth with shadows. It’s hard to find a light source of this size that allows you to sculpt the light quality in this way. To separate the subject from the background we opted for some Siros L monolights with L40 reflectors and a Flooter (with a Fresnel lens) light shaper.
Before leaving Gloucestershire Airport, we couldn’t resist getting one last image next to the hangar. Using the Para 88 for a much closer and controlled light, this shot was all about the flares. Having the Para 88 at 90 degrees from the model, and turning her shoulders towards the light, you can get some amazing shaping. Then, by changing the focusing tube inside the Para, we could control the spill of the light and the shadow depth. Although we lit and shot this in just 5 minutes, it is one of my favourite shots using a Para.
We then moved on to our second location at Oaksey Park Airfield for the final shot of the day. Our third aircraft was a real vintage masterpiece. We paid homage to the aircraft with a classic, military-style outfit featuring a pilot's jacket, lace-up leather boots and military webbing.
The lighting on this needed to feel like golden hour. To achieve this lovely evening sunset look, we used the Para 133 to keylight the model and then shaped the light around the frame using the compact monolights Siros 400 L and 800 L with various light shapers. The light quality from the Para 133 meant we didn’t have to bring in a fill light as well, as we were getting an amazing depth rendered from the light out of the Para 133.
Having used all four Para models, what stood out for us was this incredibly consistent and contrasty light that still allows for great control of depth and focusing. broncolor have really nailed creating a product that is truly a parabolic shape in 4 different sizes. These light shapers are very versatile and capable and guarantee great results every time.
