Beach Photography With Asian Model at Sunrise

On the East side of Oahu, Sandy Beach Park is a favorite local Hawaiian bodyboarding and sunbathing spot, away from the way too crowded tourist trap called Waikiki Beach.

It is fantastic to view the sunrise from here, some people do their morning yoga as the warm trade-winds are blowing, the waves are crashing and the sun is emerging from the Pacific Ocean.

Sandy Beach Park is a great spot not only for the above reasons but for photography as well. The beach is both rugged and beautiful, decorated by lava pools, lava rock walls and even a low cave.

Sunrise Beach Photography with Beautiful Asian Model

I have done morning, daytime and night photography here, both model photography and sports / action shoots: taking pictures of bodyboarders. Sunrise or sunset in Hawaii is a great time for photography but these magical light conditions only last a few minutes. So one has to be quick to make the best of this short window of opportunity.

The beautiful Asian fashion model featured in this post is Christian so I came up with the idea that the soft light of the sunrise could be used to add a heavenly, spiritual, glowing feel at least to the first few images of our photoshoot. With the lens aperture set narrow enough it is possible to create a sunburst effect with rays shooting outwards without having to cheat in Photoshop.

So I placed the sunburst in a spot where it looked most fitting behind the model’s head.

Model In Beautiful White Dress On Sandy Beach At Sunrise

Due to those low clouds there were just a few seconds to capture the model in front of the sun rising out of the ocean. I like the serene spiritual look of the model, an over the top pose would really cheapened this special moment of the day.

Asian Model Photography On Lava Rocks

While the sun was rising behind the clouds we took more photos in a completely different light this time. It’s always fun timing waves to create as big of a splash on the image as possible. The lava rocks have fantastic texture and add so much story and character to the photos wet or dry; they are one of my most favorite elements of Hawaiian photography.

Beautiful Female Silhouette Photography

As the sun passed the clouds it was time for silhouette photos. Well, I did not really have much choice as I had to have the model backlit unless I was in the ocean with my back to the sun.
Graceful models, especially dancers can bring that extra elegance to photoshoots that cannot be substituted by common posing. I was happy that these silhouette images were delivering on my Christian theme promise.

Intimate Sunny Portraits Of Beautiful Asian Model

Changing shooting angles allowed me to remove the sun from behind the model and take some really nice sidelit pictures while the sun was still low close to the horizon.

The self embrace pose was not my idea, as usual I let the model improvise as much as she wishes, it allows me to capture more natural and intimate moments. Some of the image details are the result of luck, some are of instinct.

I really like how evenly split the bright and shadowy areas are on the model’s face. Almost like there is an angel and a devil sitting on each shoulder … and she is holding down the devil … the more I look at pictures the more stories emerge!

Different poses and compositions are photographed from every promising situation; it’d be a shame and wasted opportunity just to take one or two pictures of each setup. Small details or mistakes can render a good image useless so it is a great feeling during the editing process to be able to fall back on other versions.

The sunlight is still “weak” enough so the model can fully turn her face towards it which will be impossible in a short while when the sun will be way too bright forcing the photographer to resort to other techniques until it is sunset time. This is a nice casual lifestyle type photo; simplicity is always goal number one.

Asian Girl Gets Wings In White Dress

Perhaps angelic, Christian or heavenly theme can be attached to this photo, depends on the viewer. The white dress and white fabric are perfectly complimented by the white clouds. The graceful arms of the model are like wings of an angel and there is no ground visible.

This is one of my favorite photos from this day, there are always a few images (if lucky) when all comes together effortlessly. I really like that the sky reappears in the lava pools breaking up the dark mass of the lava rocks.

This is quintessential fashion model photography at sunrise, there were no compromises, this sums up my style and how I was effected by the stunning location that morning. With this image I feel the photoshoot achieved its Christian theme objective which is not something I have ever attempted to accomplish.

Fashion Model On Rugged Lava Beach

After a quick wardrobe change the light also has changed as expected. Once again I am capturing the model’s natural grace which is enhanced by a sparkling silver dress which is meant to be in harmony with the glistening reflection coming from the ocean and wet lava rocks.

Amazingly the sky and clouds have been changing almost in complete accordance with our changing themes throughout this morning. The dramatic clouds here are also perfectly fitting for this photo.

Oriental models have the most amazing faces and bone structures in my opinion; because of the slick back hair, strong jaw, lighting and shooting angle the model here embodies a classic androgynous look. The silver dress is complemented by the surrounding lava rocks and sand creating a harmonious color scheme. The model’s pose was achieved without any direction; less interference means more natural images.

Model Kneeling In Ocean And Striking A Pose

This classic Hawaiian beach photography is not really my cup of kava and these pictures are seldom found on this website. It was probably not very rewarding for the model either. There weren’t many pictures taken of this concept, I am only including it to demonstrate what does not work for me and why.

Close-up Portrait Of Beautiful Model With Cat Eyes

In contrast close-up intimate portraits are some of my favorite images and no photoshoot is without them. By this time the sun was high and very bright so the forearm creating shade is not accident but necessity.

The light that bounces back from the golden sand acts as a giant reflector, which is the only one I have because I shoot alone without assistants. It is the best kind, biodegradable! :)

I love the eye contact and how the neck is tense creating lines which the eyes can follow towards the model’s face. Another line is created by the model’s strong jaw which is probably the number one most important facial feature for me!

Asian Model Crawling On Beach

We had to do a beach crawl photo, we were already there .. is that a good enough excuse? The strong beautiful face of the model is really perfect for this angle as well. Once again this is not our bread and butter so we took one or two photos and moved on.

Sunny Portraits With Pink Cowboy Hat

One great piece of wardrobe or prop can save the day and this pink cowboy hat was the savior of the day (just to squeeze in one more Christian reference). One can imagine after seeing the above photos how great the stunningly beautiful face of the model will photograph while being framed by the hat.

Of course there is more to great models than a pretty face; confidence, intelligence and personality are essential to create compelling images. Needless to say those small diamonds of light on the model’s face elevate the impact of the photo tremendously.

A beautiful smile with perfect white teeth and the diagonal lines introduce a different emotion and movement.

I am leaving my favorite image from this batch for last. It was one of those times when all things came together. I happen to prefer confidence, strength and drama to cuteness so this portrait could be my photographic signature.

I remember the model’s fingers were carefully separated evenly and I did ask her to tilt her head in a way that her lips would be illuminated by the sun. The lens aperture was set wide enough to completely blur the background which is a must. The attitude was all her … I could not have prayed :) for this photo to be any better.

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