Black Fashion Model in Honolulu Chinatown
Another test shoot from the “early days” taken in the Chinatown district of Honolulu, Hawaii. I contacted this beautiful black model as I did many others via MySpace, OneModelPlace, ModelMayhem and other sites for free TFCD photoshoots.
Not only practice and shooting as much as possible is important for photographers starting out but to be able to “appreciate” all the throw away images.
In my opinion these non-keepers should be saved in a folder at least for awhile as they provide valuable data on what the photographer needs to improve upon.
Stunning Black Model in Short Cocktail Dress
In the case of the first picture I like the reflection of the model and pairing the colors brown with pastel. The shape of the skirt is in nice harmony with the lines created by the legs of the model.
Overlaying the Rule Of Thirds grid, we can see that the model is too centered in the frame but at lest her right hand, which also marks her reflection is under a grid crosshair. And the bottom left crosshair happens to mark the model’s voluptuous behind, which is another interesting detail, worthy to be positioned prominently.
Black Fashion Model With Engaging Smile
Besides the obviously beautiful smile I like the model’s shadow on the wall especially because it looks like she is bald. It is just a very clean silhouette. The sun was setting so the light was warm which is the reason for the matching color palette of the wardrobe and hand bag.
Overlaying the Rule Of Thirds grid, we can see a typical amateur photographer mistake: the model being too centered. Shy of post production cropping – which may remove important elements – there is not much hope to make this composition balanced.
Playing With Lines And Composition In Honolulu
The Honolulu downtown business district gave me the chance to practice composition and understand the importance of lines. Tilting the image introduces diagonal lines which convey drama, excitement, movement etc. Since then I seriously toned down the use of camera tilt which often becomes too overwhelming with beginner photographers.
Although there aren’t any important details in cross hairs, (the bag is but not really) the composition is dynamic enough to be visually interesting.
Beautiful Black Model Wearing A Tight Red Dress
With the help of the Chinese columns we made good use of the model’s red dress. This location was good for practicing composition, playing with perspective and creating a background that assists with telling the story. And yes, more camera tilt and more diagonal lines.
We can immediately notice using the grids, how off-centering the model creates different sections and slices of interest within the composition.
Color-matching: Chinese Columns and Red Dress
Just exploring different angles here. What happened here I am sure by accident that the curving tale of the dragon is complimented by the curves of the model, creating repeating shapes which can balance the composition.
Overlaying the Fibonacci spiral, we can see that how the viewer can follow curves on the Chinese column, which is one choice, as the model also have her own curves that will command equal or more attention.
Fashion Model in Red Dress Against Asphalt
While the red dress is obviously overexposed due the strong flash, the picture is still interesting to me. I like how the red of the dress pops against the mostly gray background of Honolulu downtown. Also that the red is repeated in the traffic lights and just in the case of repeating shapes repeating colors can also introduce balance.
Shooting from a low vantage point while kneeling down ensured that the model looks tall which is reinforced by the tall building parallel with her torso.
Another centered model but due to the camera tilt and the low angle photography, the composition is interesting any dynamic enough.
In this version the model fills the frame more completely, not a better or worse version of the previous picture, just different. Due to the massive color contrast it always seemed to me like the model is not real but a cardboard cutout.
Although the model’s face is not in a grid intersection, it is along a grid line. But a grid intersection is marking another eye-catching element: the voluptuous hips of the model.
Model Photography In Creative Top Lighting
After sundown, on location and street photography always gets challenging when the photographer works alone without lights or assistants. A public parking garage offered a chance to take a few more pictures before we called it a day.
The light source was above the model which was sure to create dramatic shadows on her. This is of course not ideal for beauty photography but perfect for edgy fashion photoshoots. In this instance the top light is giving the model a very pronounced three dimensional look.
Overlaying the Rule Of Thirds grid, we can see that the tried and tested camera tilt will not only create a more dynamic composition but will place certain elements – even if it is not the face – into key grid intersections.