With a growing fleet of interesting aeroplanes, it became apparent that both corporate entities and private individuals were interested in photographing our aeroplanes, either as backdrops to product launches or events or as the point of interest in their own right. An approach from Timeline Events led to our hosting a photoshoot for them on 4 October.
Alvis, Stearman and Tiger Moth (Lewis Hurley)
Our offering for the Day was Tiger Moth G-OOSY and Stearman G-FRDM, both in authentic mid-WW2 colour schemes. Timeline's inventive team produced a 2-part itinerary for the day, starting with an afternoon session of vintage fashion / portraiture, much enhanced by Timeline's choice of models.
'Miss Sugar Rush' and the Stearman (Chris Thompson)
The models did well to brave the Autumn chill and certainly brought some unaccustomed glamour to the Finest Hour operation :-)
'Miss Sugar Rush' and The Tiger (Lewis Hurley)
For the late afternoon / evening session, the theme changed to one of wartime re-enactors. We were fortunate to have the support of Mark Elder at The Motor Shed, another Bicester Heritage - based business, who provided period Alvis and Rolls Royce cars to complete the scenes.
Rolls Royce, Tiger and Alvis (Lewis Hurley)
Re-enactors with the Tiger Moth (Lewis Hurley)
Tiger, Re-Enactor and Rolls (Lewis Hurley)
The Finest Hour Team's main role was to re-position aeroplanes and cars to make the most of the light conditions at the time and also in response to requests that emerged from the participating photographers. With delicate fabric-covered aeroplanes, it was also important for us to ensure that the re-enactors were properly briefed on the aeroplanes' vulnerable areas prior to thir poses.
The Finest Hour Team in a brief moment of inactivity - photoshoot in progess (Lewis Hurley)
Long Shadows in the Late Afternoon (Chris Thompson)
The final event of the Day was a 'night shoot', with the Tiger Moth positioned for the re-enactors to pose for shots enhanced by Timeline's smoke generator, followed by a final scene with the the Aeroplane's engine running.
Night Shoot - Tiger & Re-Enactors (Lewis Hurley)
Night Shoot - Engine Running (Lewis Hurley)
From our perspective, the Day was a resounding success with our team and Timeline's bouncing ideas off each other to make the most of the Day as it progressed. We've already planned the next event with Timeline Events for 2 April 2022; we're collaborating with Thomas Castle Aviation Heritage to provide 2 Tiger Moths, one as seen here in a mid-WW2 colour scheme and another in a mid-30s 'art deco' civilian scheme. To secure your place at this event, book here: Timeline Events
