The Story

I cannot remember a time when aviation was not part of my life.

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, I was introduced to the world of aviation almost before I could walk. My father, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, took me to airshows throughout Ontario from a very young age, and what began as his passion soon became my own.

As I grew older, simply watching aircraft was no longer enough.

I wanted to understand aviation from the inside.

That ambition led me to study aviation, earn my Commercial Pilot Licence and build my flying career in some of Canada’s most remote regions. Flying in the Canadian North taught me professionalism, responsibility and respect – qualities that continue to shape both my flying and my editorial work today.

Photography became a natural extension of that journey.

It allowed me to document military aviation from a perspective that combines operational understanding with visual storytelling. Whether visiting major international exercises, documenting frontline aircraft or exploring aviation history, I have always believed that every photograph should contribute to a larger story.

Throughout the years, aviation has taken me to remarkable places around the world. Every assignment offers a new opportunity to learn, meet extraordinary people and better understand the organisations and professionals that keep military aviation operating every day.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife, Brittney, whose encouragement has allowed me to pursue this passion across continents.

Joining the CHECKSIX Editorial Crew represents an opportunity to contribute to a publication that shares my values.

Together, we believe that authentic photography, professional journalism and genuine respect for military aviation belong together.

I am proud to help tell those stories.

Shawn Clish, CHK6 Canada