I went out and met up with Scott and aircraft mechanic, Ricky, 24 hours prior to the shoot, met their awesome and super helpful mechanic, Ricky, as well as his big fixed wing babies he cares for daily. I walked the runway, knowing we needed space large enough to maneuver the aircraft easily, be able to fit them in tightly - I wanted them atypically off centered from each other, staggered and tightly snuggled close, but the area also had to have enough visual space to welcome a setting sun behind them.
For two hours, we configured, arranged, and rearranged the planes, ran test shots, and did a dry run of the various lenses, lighting, and angles I'd been envisioning for the group hero shot, as well as individuals. We marked the planes' positions, and tucked them away until the following afternoon.
With marketing photography like this outside, it's wonderful to prepare and adjust all that I can in the effort of efficiency of time for the day of. Though the parts of any shoot are out of anyone's control always keeps me humbly ready for anything, despite so much pre-planning. In this case, we had gorgeous blue skies, beautiful sunlight, and barely noticeable wind. We expected the same for the next night. I was feeling great within my test shots, confident I'd be able to use some of my light modifiers I was depending on lighting. Thankfully, I also tried shooting without any at all - virtually bare bulb lit, in the event that the following day may bring more wind with storms approaching for later in the week.... and so very glad I did....