Chasing the Light: Photographing Two AW109 Helicopters for Saxon Air in Bicester

There's something special about photographing aircraft. The combination of engineering, power, and elegance always creates opportunities for striking imagery, and our recent shoot for Saxon Air at Bicester was no exception.

The brief was to capture two AW109 helicopters, showcasing their sleek design, premium finish, and operational presence. What made the day particularly memorable wasn't just the aircraft themselves, but the ever-changing weather conditions that transformed the look and feel of every image throughout the shoot.

We arrived to glorious sunshine, with clear skies providing the perfect backdrop to highlight the polished surfaces and sharp lines of both helicopters. The bright conditions allowed us to create clean, vibrant imagery that emphasised the luxury and sophistication that the AW109 is known for.

As the day progressed, the weather began to shift. Clouds rolled in, softening the light and creating a completely different mood. These conditions allowed us to capture more detailed exterior shots, with reduced contrast revealing subtle textures and design features that can often be lost in harsher sunlight.

Then came the dramatic skies.

Dark clouds gathered across the airfield, creating an atmospheric backdrop that photographers dream of. The moody conditions added depth, drama, and character to the images, helping to tell a broader story about these incredible machines. Against the darker skies, the helicopters stood out with real presence, producing some of our favourite photographs from the day.

One of the advantages of working with changing weather is the variety it brings to a shoot. Rather than a gallery of images that all feel similar, we were able to create a collection that ranged from bright and aspirational to dramatic and cinematic, all within a single day.

The AW109 remains one of the most impressive helicopters in its class, combining performance, versatility, and luxury. Having the opportunity to photograph two of them side by side for Saxon Air was a privilege, and the constantly evolving conditions made the experience even more rewarding.

A huge thank you to the team at Saxon Air for their support throughout the shoot. We look forward to sharing more imagery from the day and collaborating again in the future.

Looking for commercial aviation photography, corporate imagery, or content creation for your business?

Get in touch with The Clikk Agency to discuss your next project.