Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Koch.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story in photography actually starts in broadcast journalism. I moved to Salt Lake City in the early 1990s to help launch what would become Fox News at KSTU 13. It was an exciting time—our newsroom was filled with smart, scrappy, and deeply dedicated journalists who wanted to do things differently. I still have the original editorial “bible” written by Dick Tuniga that shaped how we told stories, framed visuals, and connected with audiences.
That era also brought some pretty unforgettable personal moments. Our lead anchor was Nick Clooney, and yes, his sister Rosemary Clooney would occasionally stop by the studio. She was every bit as graceful and magnetic as you’d expect. And then there was Nick’s son George, who wasn’t exactly famous back then. Just a really charming, grounded guy to hang around with. Looking back, it was a wild mix of newsroom grit and Hollywood sparkle—two very different worlds colliding.
After my time in news, I shifted gears into visual storytelling from a different angle. I founded a real estate photography company that specialized in high-end homes throughout Utah. Over time, we evolved into one of the state’s go-to firms for luxury real estate photography. That’s where I honed my eye for architectural lines, detail, lighting, and the feeling of space—not just documenting it, but elevating it.
But I’ve always been drawn to aviation. There’s something about the shape of a wing, the symmetry of a cockpit, the play of light against fuselage curves—that’s always spoken to me. So, branching into aircraft photography wasn’t a business pivot as much as it was a return to something I’ve loved since childhood. I launched AeroMedia to bring high-end visual production to aviation—starting with stills, then expanding into video, 3D tours, and full-scale branding campaigns.
What sets us apart today isn’t just the photography. It’s our commitment to full-service production. We don’t just shoot planes—we build the shoot. That means sourcing talent, props, and luxury vehicles; arranging catering and timing with FBOs; bringing in lighting, crew, and equipment—even securing permits and managing logistics across the country. We’ve shot in hangars, on tarmacs, and from chase planes—and we’ve done it 2,000 miles from home while staying exactly on schedule.
At the end of the day, I still consider myself a storyteller. Only now, the stories I tell are of craftsmanship, power, and elegance—written in light, shape, and composition. I love working with interior designers, aviation brands, and marketing teams to craft imagery that doesn’t just look good but feels like their brand.
It’s been a long road from newsrooms to jet cabins, but it’s been one of the most rewarding evolutions of my life. And the best part? Every project still feels like a new adventure.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like starting any business, the hardest part is always getting that first client to take a chance on you. Breaking into a niche industry like aviation photography isn’t just about having a camera and a portfolio—it’s about earning trust in a world where detail, discretion, and precision really matter.
In the beginning, proving myself was the challenge. You can have decades of experience and a strong visual eye, but until someone gives you the chance to show what you can do in this specific space, it’s all theory. Fortunately, once I got my foot in the door, the results spoke for themselves. My background in broadcast and luxury real estate gave me a strong foundation—so when the opportunity came, I knew exactly how to deliver.
That opportunity came, in part, through Duncan Aviation at Provo Airport. I was, in a way, recruited by them. They’re an exceptional company—very empowering and people-focused. They let me learn the craft of aviation photography, supported me through the early growing pains, and gave me the room to make a few mistakes and get better with each project. That kind of support is invaluable because shooting airplanes is not as simple as it looks. There are specific rules, expectations, and technical considerations that you simply don’t know until someone shows you. Duncan was instrumental in that learning curve, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
The other challenge has been growing a business while staying deeply hands-on creatively. I’m not just showing up to press the shutter. I’m producing full campaigns, directing talent, managing crews, sourcing props, and crafting visuals that feel cinematic and editorial—yet still laser-focused on the aircraft’s appeal. Balancing all of that with the business side (pricing, licensing, scope control) has been a learning curve. I’m a photographer first, but being a business owner means constantly learning how to protect your time, set expectations, and deliver huge value while staying sustainable.
That said—I’ve always loved photography. Creating strong, story-driven images feels natural to me. Once I had the right tools, the right clients, and the right projects, it all clicked into place. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At AeroMedia, I specialize in luxury aviation photography—private jets, business aviation, VVIP interiors, and the environments that support them. But I don’t just photograph aircraft—I craft visual narratives that help my clients market, sell, or showcase their offerings at the highest level.
I started my career in film at the American Film Institute in Hollywood. Back then, I was one of many in the camera department—focused on executing someone else’s vision. Later, when I transitioned into broadcast news, I realized I had the opportunity to shape the entire visual style. That shift—from executing to leading the look and feel—sparked something in me. I discovered I wasn’t just a cameraman. I was a visual storyteller.
That mindset still drives everything I do. For me, it’s always been about quality. Not shortcuts. Not speed. But real craft. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to luxury—because when you’re working with high-end jets and elite clients, every detail counts.
I often spend two or three times longer on a shoot than others in the industry. I’m not just capturing what’s there—I’m building images with lighting, styling, and direction that elevate the subject to its full potential.
I also take pride in offering full production capabilities. From arranging flowers and catering to casting talent and coordinating shoot logistics, I bring a complete, cohesive vision to each project.
Clients hire me because they know I care—about their brand, their goals, and the final product. I collaborate, I communicate, and I go the extra mile to make sure we create something exceptional.
That combination of cinematic roots, a producer’s mindset, and an obsession with quality is what truly sets me apart.
What makes you happy?
Honestly—and I know it might sound self-serving—but making a great image is what makes me happiest.
Unlike most people who go on vacation to get away from work, I probably shoot more images on vacation than I do when I’m working. That’s how much I love it. I find real joy in the process of crafting an image—framing, lighting, waiting for just the right moment. Whether it’s a jet interior or a street corner at sunset, I can’t not shoot it if I see something beautiful.
But it’s not just the process—it’s the reaction. I love seeing people’s faces when they see an image that surprises them, moves them, or elevates their perception of their own space, aircraft, or brand. That moment—that mix of pride, joy, and “wow”—never gets old. That’s why I do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aviationaircraftphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aircraftphotog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AircraftPhotog
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeromedia/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AircraftPhotog
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Photoslcity
