This Is What Happens When Flight Attendants Aren’t Working

Ever wondered what it’s like to work in the skies? Or where flight attendants go when they’re finished checking seatbelts and tray tables, done stowing bags or serving meals?

Molly Choma, a Virgin Airlines flight attendant and a photographer, gives a peek into their world through her photo series “The Secret Life of Virgins”. During downtime at work, Molly would take snapshots of her colleagues – some curated while most are candid.

Her collection of behind-the-scene moments go beyond the glamor of their profession.

Her pictures depict friendship, camaraderie and humor taken in the plane’s limited space and dim lighting.

And taking nice photos are all the more challenging when it’s turbulent.

Molly’s love of photography was inspired by her mother, also a flight attendant who carried a camera everywhere.

After graduating from college, Molly struggled to land a job related to her Art Degree.

So she decided to follow her mother’s footsteps and become a flight attendant.

When Molly was still part of the reserve team, she would take photos at the airport while waiting for her flight assignment.

She eventually gained the moniker the “girl with the camera”.

Molly’s portfolio is largely filled with impromptu photos.

And her attractive models? Fellow flight attendants who willingly pose for a portrait or caught by surprise in a stolen shot.

Molly only takes photos of flight attendants during their free time.

Many of her shots are too candid, showing what flight attendants do when not in view of passengers.

Molly flies up to 100 hours every month and is happy to be teamed up with different people every three days.

Not only does she get to take photo of new subjects, she sees lasting friendships as the greater reward.

Through her photos, Molly aims that she can empower more people in her profession by letting them see themselves in a brand new, beautiful way.