Catherine Cook U.S. Air Force

Photographer's Perspective

We met Catherine Cook, Delta Air Lines Captain and Air Force Veteran, at her home in Carmichael, CA. She led us to her favorite room with an impressive display of memorabilia dedicated to the Air Force, flying, and her service to our country. When we asked about her life and military experience, Catherine shared her passion and advocacy for women in nontraditional careers. Her response brought to mind an ideal portrait location. Catherine assured us a single phone call would determine if our location choice would become a reality.

Excitement could be heard in Catherine’s voice when she called a few days later to tell us Delta Air Lines agreed to have Catherine photographed at the Sacramento Airport. Calls and emails to Delta Air Lines and a detailed sketch of the photo layout brought approval and one stipulation: We had 10 minutes between flights to photograph Catherine. On the day of the shoot the weather behaved, the plane landed on time, and the waiting lift truck brought us up to the desired height. James adjusted lights, the camera angle, and took the shot: Captain Catherine Cook, in uniform, her favorite flight jacket draped over her arm, a symbol of her career in the U.S. Air Force, standing before a Delta Air Lines B-757. Her smile projecting the immense pride she feels as a woman pilot and a Veteran.

What Does a Woman Veteran Look Like? She looks like Catherine Cook, U.S. Air Force, Delta Air Lines B-757 Captain, wife, and mother.