Military Commercial Photography for Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins – Photographing a Military Exercise for Commercial Use
I was commissioned by Rockwell Collins to document a live military training exercise, with the aim of producing a set of high-quality marketing images, both in colour and black and white.
These kinds of shoots are always unique. Fast-paced, unpredictable, and often set in remote or restricted environments, they require a different mindset. There’s no “take that again,” no second chances. You work quickly, respectfully, and above all, discreetly.
The Brief
Rockwell Collins, a global leader in aviation and defence communications, wanted imagery that reflected the realism and intensity of a military training scenario, while still being commercially usable. The final set needed to feel authentic—not staged—but still polished enough for their marketing and internal communications. That balance is key in shoots like this.
They were also keen to have both colour and monochrome outputs. The colour images needed to feel clean and modern, but true to the environment. Dust, shadows, sweat, grit, all part of the atmosphere. The monochrome set had a slightly different purpose: to offer something more stylised, perhaps more timeless. It allowed the focus to fall on expressions, posture, tension, all the small cues that tell a story.
On the Ground
The location itself was vast, wide open terrain, with natural cover and man-made obstacles scattered across the landscape. Soldiers moved quickly and decisively, often with minimal communication. For me, it was about positioning myself where I could anticipate the action without ever interfering with it.
I used two Fujifilm cameras for this shoot, one configured for colour, the other set up with my monochrome profile, so I could work fluidly and keep my attention on the moments unfolding around me. There’s a certain rhythm to these kinds of exercises. A lull, then a burst. You learn to listen for changes in tempo. That’s often where the best images live.
One minute you're crouched behind a tree line shooting through a long lens. The next, you're flat on the ground with a wide lens, capturing the intensity of a soldier making a sprint to cover. It’s physically demanding, but creatively rewarding.
Telling the Right Story
While the images were ultimately destined for marketing use, the integrity of the scene mattered. I wasn’t there to glamorise or dramatise unnecessarily. My job was to document, with intention, with an eye for visual clarity—but without losing the sense of reality.
At the end of the day, Rockwell Collins needed images that showed their technology in use, but also something more human: teamwork, focus, resilience. It was about showing capability, yes—but also trust. These are people relying on each other and the tools around them.
Final Delivery
The final set included a wide range of imagery: wide environmental shots, tight action frames, candid moments between personnel, and detail shots of kit, gear, and comms equipment. All delivered in both colour and monochrome, carefully graded to suit different uses—from web banners and internal brochures to trade show graphics and press release assets.
If You're Commissioning This Kind of Work…
Commercial shoots in military or high-security environments require more than just technical skill. There’s a mindset to it. You have to work quickly, often with limited instruction. You need to know how to stay out of the way, to read a situation instinctively, and still deliver strong, usable imagery.
If your company or organisation is looking for this kind of thoughtful, responsive, commercially focused photography, whether it’s military, industrial, or operational—I’d be happy to talk.
Are you looking for a Commercial Photographer?
Feel free to explore my commercial photography more, or contact the studio.
