Hawaiian Lingerie Modeling and Portraits in Black and White
I love photoshoots that produce memorable images with minimal effort. It was such a day when I photographed an amateur Hawaiian model at Sandy Beach Park, Hawaii.
On location photography without assistants and lights will have its limitations but only in comparison to bigger budget productions. This should not intimidate amateur or traveling photographers without much gear.
With great cameras and flashes being so affordable what really matters more than gear are having a viewpoint and something to tell, plus location and model choices.
Black And White Portrait Of Local Hawaiian Girl With Beautiful Face
When amateur photographers work with amateur models and beginner make-up artists (no MUA was present at this photoshoot) the only expense is the gas for the car. The set is a lot more relaxed which can bring better performance out of models with little or no experience.
I was walking around in high grass with my model when I jumped up on a large lava rock and asked her model to lay down and look up at me. The composition with the high grass framing her face turned out much better than I could have visualized.
The real height of the grass cannot be seen from this vantage point but she kind of disappeared which made her laugh. At that time I took this picture, no set-up, no directions, just a spontaneous moment.
I like the composition which was created “on the fly” in a split second. If I would have spent more time thinking about conventional rules of photography I would have missed the moment.
It is recommended to create more room towards where the subject is looking or facing.
I believe having more room on the right side of the frame would not have looked good so I am happy I took this picture on autopilot trusting my subconscious and prior experiences.
Casual Black And White Photography Of Beautiful Hawaiian Girl
It is important to respect the boundaries of first time and amateur models. Starting with wild make-up, oiled body and racy bikini modeling concept will not suite most.
The first (few) sessions are best spent with casual fashion and portrait photography. For most of these free test shoots the model will bring her own clothes so she will most likely not be intimidated wearing them.
A nice location that is void of onlookers is a good idea, preferable with some personality so the surroundings will inspire the model.
It is also not a bad idea to use a longer lens so there is some distance between model and camera. I would not go as far as recommending 200mm focal length where directions need to be shouted over the distance.
If the camera is too close the model may be intimidated but if it is too far it can jeopardize communication and establishing chemistry.
Beautiful Smiling Portrait Of Amateur Hawaiian Model
A relaxed shooting environment will greatly enhance the model’s confidence. That is how beautiful natural portraits can be created like the photograph above.
The viewer of the photo will undoubtedly recognize any discomfort, nervousness or hesitation on the model’s face. I think chemistry between model and photographer are mostly automatic and happen naturally. A casual pre-photoshoot meeting can lay a foundation to establishing chemistry though. Discussing shoot ideas, wardrobe, locations, themes will help discovering any incompatibilities.
Beautiful Black And White Hawaiian Sunset Portrait
Hawaiian sunsets are famous for their beauty but for a selfish reason I decided to turn my back at such sunset to take advantage of the few minutes of magical light for this portrait.
In a way the viewer is looking at a beautiful Hawaiian sunset .. in the models eyes.
The sun was about to disappear beyond the horizon so its light is soft and diffused. There are no unpleasant shadows on the model’s face. The still bright sky creates catch light (highlight / sparkles) in her eyes which is a sought after visual enhancement with portrait photographers and filmmakers. Catch light is so important that if it is not created naturally or by the use of lights, it is often added in Photoshop.
Exotic Black And White Lingerie Model Photography On Hawaiian Beach
I love this black and white lingerie modeling photo. Much credit is due to the model who really stepped up on her second photoshoot ever (both shot with me). It takes intelligence, confidence, personality, open mind and adventurous personalty to be able to produce such a great photo while on the beach at night in lingerie while the camera’s flash is bursting.
The sand and lava rock would have already provided enough story but I was glad to find this bundle of dry branches. The mangroves near Sandy Beach provided this great source of texture which is so important for black and white photography.
This exotic surrounding inspired the model which in turn inspired me. The temperature of this lingerie modeling photograph is a true 180 turn from the sweet and smiling girl laying in the high grass.