Emirates Flight Training Academy - The Photoshoot
It all started on a beautiful April morning when I received an exciting notification on my phone. Pablo Lopez, a producer for Pique production in Dubai, had messaged me to inquire about my interest in shooting the new EFTA (Emirates Flight Training Academy) campaign.
As a passionate flying enthusiast, this opportunity was a dream come true. What Pablo didn't know was that I had recently begun training for my PPL (Private Pilot Licence) just weeks prior, so this campaign had a special place in my heart.
My flight instructor Franc Lampret and me after my first solo flight infront of the Cessna 150M
We needed to shoot 50+ images in 4 days which required good prep and planning. Location recce at EFTA was my first contact with this amazing academy.
Pablo Lopez, producer PIQUE, at EFTA airside recce
Client reviewing SR22 Cirrus potential shot positions at EFTA hangar
As a photographer, I've had the opportunity to shoot in Dubai during the summer season on a few occasions. However, this particular shoot was a whole new level of hot! The sweltering temperatures - reaching over 50C - meant that my camera and computer needed constant cooling with ice to avoid overheating. As a European used to summers that rarely surpass 35C, it was a challenging but exhilarating experience.
Ice, ice baby.
EFTA hangar - a nicely chilled place
In the Embraer Phenom business jet
EFTA / PIQUE photo production team
Below are a few selects from the Photoshoot.
And the best part of this whole experience? I had the privilege of staying at EFTA for two weeks! During that time, I got to hang out with pilots, instructors, and engineers - drinking coffee, chatting about flying, and learning about their unique life stories. It was truly a fairy tale come to life.
Client: Emirates Flight Training Academy
Production: PIQUÉ Production FZ LLC