any tips regarding lighting airplanes?

[lukx]

Guys do you have any tips regarding creating good light setups for airplanes in the sky. I decided no to go with HDRI route because they are above clouds so no cloud reflections. But I have problems with getting dark contrast shadows but also good GI. VraySky is just washing off shadows while they should be quite dark I assume when above clouds.

[thablanch]

first.. best reference place... either for models or light and mood
http://www.airliners.net/

I did use both, hdr and classic lighting, and have to say I got better result with HDR, as the sun and hdr were not linked, so I was able to get nice reflections and nice dark crisp shadows