Pan Am Pilot Portrait Photography — The Nude and Other Self-Portraits

Bill Travis
Aug 7
2 min read

PAN AM Series — Pan Am Pilot Portrait Photography with a Twist

This Pan Am pilot portrait photography session was part of a larger series I began in the early 1980s, photographing fellow pilots in their uniforms and in the roles and hobbies that defined their lives outside the cockpit. For this entry, the subject was me — complete with a serious uniform shot, a drummer’s pose, and a humorous “nude” inspired by a photo I’d seen years before.

Takeaway Tips for Any Photographer

Whether you’re taking portraits like these or photographing a home, keep these basics in mind:

Exterior Lighting — Early morning or late afternoon works best, depending on orientation.
Interior Lighting — Use two lights on stands with daylight color-balanced bulbs.
Framing — Compose carefully in-camera, leaving minimal cropping for later.
Clutter — Remove distractions before shooting.
Tripod — For the sharpest results, always use one.

Shooting My Own Portraits

For these 1982 portraits, I used my Horseman 4x5 camera. My wife acted as stand-in while I adjusted lights, focus, and exposure, then I’d step into position and trigger the shutter via remote cable.

The concept was the same as with other pilots in the series: to show how personality shifts between roles. It’s why we don’t always recognize people out of context — the police officer in uniform might be unrecognizable when you see him in sports gear or at a rodeo.

The Uniform Photo

The Pan Am uniform shot was meant to capture the composed, professional demeanor passengers expect when boarding a flight. The image here is actually a photo of a framed, mounted 16x24 original — complete with memorabilia my wife arranged around it.

Behind the Drums

I’ve always played drums, but instead of a typical “behind the kit” shot, I went for something different — a tight portrait with drumsticks. Looking back, I might have been too serious in expression, but it still reflects a genuine side of my personality.

The Humorous Nude

For the “nude” shot, I adapted a concept I’d seen before — photographing a reflection in a wall mirror. The result shows my playful side, a wink at the idea of a risqué pilot portrait. As an extra twist, I added a small detail mid-shoot. If you spot it, feel free to comment — you’ll know it when you see it.

If you enjoyed this Pan Am pilot portrait photography entry, explore the rest of my Pan Am Pilot Portrait Series, where I share the people, hobbies, and personalities behind the uniform. Visit my Blog for more.