Ways Of Seeing Like A Non-Fashion Model Photographer

For some time I have been looking through my camera as a fashion and model photographer.

There are different ways of seeing as a landscape, sports, still life, product, documentary, travel, etc. photographer.

Because it is time to widen my photographic horizons and experiment with different styles I have been practicing to unlearn some previous rigid ways of seeing and to learn some new ones.
Photographing boogie boarders on Waikiki Beach has always been a fun exception from the structured model photo shoots.

I Am The Best Photographer In The World!

I Am The Best Photographer In The World title might sound catchy or conceited but the real reason is far from me being full of myself.

So who is the best photographer in the world?
I am! … and if you are a fellow photographer … you are too!

Lately I have been experiencing serious doubt regarding weather or not I should continue with fashion and model photography.

Photographing My Muse And Favorite Model Sylvia

Why is Sylvia my muse? It is probably best to ask my pictures not me but one thing is for sure I could not ask for a more enthusiastic model.

Or one with more incredible lips, deadlier eyes, depth and drama to her look and her personality.

Also because she trusts me, even if the setup or concept does not seem very promising she always have faith in me and the final pictures. We both know that not all ideas turn into gems but it is great to have the chemistry and support of the model from start to finish.

She also happens to adore me and I cannot seem to do wrong in her eyes – the inescapable result is that we end up with photos we both love.

So it is just natural that we took my most favorite photo together: shadow of a hand over model’s face in Album 3.

Big Winter Waves In Waimea Bay – North Shore Hawaii

Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu during every winter becomes the Mecca of professional surfers, boogie boarders and wave watchers.

Waimea Bay is not only famous for its huge waves but it is where the legendary icon, the late Eddie Aikau saved many lives as the first ever lifeguard of the Hawaiian Islands.

These pictures were taken on a stormy day on December 28, 2006.
I prefer to photograph on these moody darker and more dramatic days on the beach. Winter is great in Hawaii, I love it!
It is still warm enough to be in a t-shirt and shorts but the weather gives different character to the sky and the ocean.

Become a Better Architect Of Photography DVD Suggestion: I.M. Pei

I.M. Pei is a world famous Pritzker Prize-winning Chinese American architect, regarded as the last master of high modernist architecture.

Night Photography With Chinese Japanese Mixed Ethnicity Model

The streets and night lights of Waikiki Beach, Hawaii provided the urban backdrop for my second photography session with Chinese Japanese fashion model Cassandra Loh.

Many thanks to BERTA – sprkl(at)hawaii.rr.com – for creating the makeup of Cassandra and for her assistance with lighting!

My super high tech lighting system was made of alley lights and one Nikon SB-800 Speedlight flash on a Nikon SC-29 extension cord which was held away from the camera by BERTA.

Become a Better Photographer DVD Suggestion: Contacts 1 2 3

I am watching 3 great DVDs: Contacts, Vol. 1, 2 and 3 in which the world’s greatest photographers talk about their contact sheets, about their favorite images, life philosophies, approaches to photography in short, personal and intimate films.

Nice Models Belong To Sears Portrait Studio

Attention photo models!
How to keep your photographer happy?
My advice on how not to frustrate your dramatic and already over sensitive photographer – yes, you know the kind! :)

Amateur Chinese Japanese Fashion Model Photography

I had my first chance to test out my new Nikon D80 digital SLR camera during a fashion photoshoot with amateur Chinese Japanese model Cassandra Loh

Besides a previous agency test shoot this was Cassandra’s first modeling photoshoot.

It is always exciting to photograph new faces, you can read more about this subject in another post here: Why I Love First Time And Amateur Model Photography.

Having good chemistry between model and photographer and a relaxed set are key ingredients to produce effortless natural photos like the first image. Of course it is equally important to have an open minded, intelligent, confident model. This portfolio photoshoot with an amateur model turned out to be a great success!

Dramatic Black and White Photography on Sandy Beach

I believe my way of seeing is most often a dramatic style.
I feel the need to be visually challenged with unique eye catching experiences which in my case is drama.

The definition of drama is: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces.

Like a car accident which people cannot help but stare at.
Many people look at beautiful women walking down the street every day but the visual impact of the twisted metal at the scene of a fatal car accident has a much bigger emotional impact.

Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera Announced

The Nikon D40 DSLR digital camera was officially announced today by Nikon Press Center.

My Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera

I just received my brand new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D80 digital camera!

Hawaii Photographer Again – Same Old New Chapter

Good Bye Fiji, Aloha Hawaii!
Just four short months ago I said good bye to Hawaii to pursue photography in Europe.

Sarah Gerber Fijian Fashion Bikini And Swimsuit Model

The first photo is my favorite from this photoshoot, it simply captures the moment and the face of a beautiful model.

The moment was a natural one, meaning no direction was given to the model, things were just unfolding.

The pictures below were taken for Sarah’s modeling portfolio and website.

Fiji’s Next Top Model: Sarah Gerber

At first look fashion model photography in Fiji does have room for me.

The basic plan about coming to Fiji was to build Sarah’s portfolio and to take travel photos and tropical stock images.

Sarah and I already created a One Model Place portfolio from the photos of our first shoot.

Beautiful Mongolian Model Photography In Budapest, Hungary

I was very happy to have the opportunity to shoot with experienced Mongolian born model named Ocsi who lives in Budapest, Hungary.

I am the greatest fan of Asian models and having lived in Hawaii has given me several opportunities to do Asian themed photoshoots at exotic places.

Using a different location virtually for every project has its challenges and benefits.
We used the most interesting characteristics of this apartment in Budapest, really different setups, the great clothes Ocsi brought and her natural beauty to create a nice variety of photos.

The first photo is my favorite from this session. The quiet beauty, simplicity, the lines and colors all fall into place telling the story. The pastel colored wall was one of our lucky breaks in this apartment, it had no pictures or shelves, just a blank canvas waiting to be used as a perfect background.

The One Month Hungarian Fashion Photography Report

Hungarian Fashion Models

During the past 2 months I have done 1 fashion model photo shoot. During my last month in Hungary none. It is very bad news.
There is another post already about the Belgian model search issues in the first month. Let’s skip to the story of Hungarian fashion models.

Russian Fashion Model At Brepols Factory in Turnhout Belgium

Finding great abandoned places like factories, trains, boats for photoshoot locations is not difficult in Belgium even while driving around.

But I did Google some urban exploration websites and decided on the popular abandoned Brepols Factory in the town of Turnhout.

I have done photoshoots with the exotic Russian model, Angelina a few times in 2005 and she has a truly dramatic look which I love; plus she is a Virgo – the greatest sign! – actually she has the same birthday as mine except the year.

Angelina likes to shop so having a great wardrobe for the shoot was not a problem. The black corset and the fashionable dominatrix look really matches the surroundings. The sharp edges of the broken glass are dominant and make excellent accessories.

Photography Trip In Crisis? First Ten Days And Zero Photoshoots!

The No Model Update

What does an aspiring fashion model photographer do when there are no models to shoot? First of all accept it that it is part of struggling years.
I have heard similar stories from other photographers who are also just starting out.
Lack of quality, professional, unique and interesting models seems to be a common theme.

Hawaiian Photographic Memories

Possibly the last post of Hawaiian photos as I had a chance to sort through some snapshots taken throughout the 4 years.
Hawaii is a great destination for travel photographers not just for surfers or honeymooners.

I have a lot of found memories of the time spent on Hawaii and just like with any other travel destination getting away from the tourist traps is not all that difficult and the rewards are well worth it!

The photo of this turtle was taken on the Big Island on a deserted beach, as soon as it poked its head out rings formed in the water adding a nice element to the picture.

Lingerie, Fashion And Portrait Photography With Feminine Beauty

Feminine beauty was my first though when I looked this collection of photos I took just outside Waikiki, Hawaii at the foothills of Diamond Head Crater.

This beautiful feminine model had only a few photoshoots under her belly chain which I always prefer to more seasoned models. Amateur models usually are not acting and posing like models “ought to” which results in more natural and intimate photos. Attention Photographers: beware of proud modeling school graduates! (RUN!)

I have many favorite photos from this day but let me start with an image that was one of the last ones taken. I really like that the pose is not too contrived, the model was not directed to do or emote anything specific, she was let alone to be inspired by her wardrobe and surroundings.
The black lacy bra and panties, the long flowing hair, the slightly parted lip and the perfect female underwear model body shape are all in harmony here.

Japanese Fashion And Lingerie Model Beach Photoshoot At Night

Sandy Beach Park on the Windward side of Oahu was the location for this night photoshoot with a young Japanese model.

Doing bikini and lingerie model photography at night offers a few comforting and exciting elements.
There are no people staring, no hot sun blazing down and casting undesirable shadows, the harsh flash being the only source of light creates drama and paparazzi like invasive feel.

Also the pitch black background makes the main subject really stand out adding an intriguing black space to the photos.

Japanese Fashion Model In White Mini Dress

We started with a cute white cocktail mini dress in front of a lava rock wall; usually minimal direction is given to the model to lessen the chances for fake and uncomfortable poses. I like to have the location inspire the model which in turn will inspire me.

Behind Palm Tree Leaves – Portrait Of A Chinese Girl In Hawaii

As I was shooting with my beautiful Chinese model Sylvia near Hanauma Bay we found some dried out palm tree branches and leaves stacked against the lava rock walls.

Right away it seemed like a great prop worth exploring and experimenting with. In fact it was some leftover “landscaping trash”.
The model’s face was placed behind the leaves and very little direction was given regarding posing or mood.

Sylvia has been my muse since our first photoshoot, she has excellent features (inside and out); I call her eyes in this photo the “silent killers”.

In “real life” this normal smiling beautiful girl can transform into a very dramatic model.

As always I love my photos from this shoot with her, they always have an interesting story and much depth.

Hawaiian Rainforest Photos Of Beautiful Chinese Lingerie Model

What better way to spend the last day of the year than a lingerie photo shoot in the exotic tropical Pali rainforest just outside Honolulu, Hawaii.
The beautiful Asian model is Sylvia, my muse for many great projects.

I tried to incorporate the relaxed and intimate jungle setting with my usual natural photo taking approach which means not trying too hard to portray the model overly sexual, too posed, fake or obvious.

This method also puts the model at ease, along with the untouched beauty of the location.

I use the technique of taking photos through branches and high grass sparingly but I believe it works here. It is not overdone and putting some distance between camera and model created a nice depth of field via the blurred background which resulted in a 3D effect.

Creative Photography: Black And White Rainforest Portraits With Sylvia

Three beautiful black and white portrait photos of my favorite Chinese model Sylvia illustrate three different ways to use natural light to achieve very different looks and moods.

The above photo was taken between “setups” so it is a snapshot in a way.

We just arrived to a new location, Sylvia my favorite Asian model sat down and looked back over her shoulder; the rest just worked out by itself.

The middle of the face is overexposed but it works with the rest of the image. There are several details in this photo which happened by luck.

Wicked Shadows – Chinese Model In Creative Rainforest Lighting

More photos from the exotic, lush and quite accessible Pali tropical rainforest just outside Honolulu, Hawaii where I always find something new or unexpected.
The model once again is my muse the Chinese-American beauty Sylvia.

There is no shortage when it comes to fantastic locations and opportunities in a tropical rainforest setting. Not only the textures, shapes and colors offer endless variety of setups but the lighting as well.

The safest and most pleasing results come if the model is in the shade or if the sky is overcast providing soft diffused light like a studio soft box would.

But when the sun is out one must be careful about unpleasant shadows on the face or blown out highlights where the sun touches the skin.

All this can be used for our benefit of course when “tamed” and used for the appropriate theme.
I noticed some dried out tree branches that I though might provide interesting shadow patterns. They were giving me a spooky vibe.
Fortunately it worked out even better than how I visualized it: the effect of the shadows on the model’s face adds mystery, tension, drama and danger to the photos.

Minimal direction was given to the model, her personality, current mood, the atmosphere and the location naturally took care of the emotion of the photo. Also Sylvia and I have great model – photographer trust and we can have fun exploring a wide variety of themes and have fun with them.

Asian Lingerie And Fashion Model Photos From Waikiki Zanzabar Night Club

Jenny is one of my most favorite Asian models to photograph in Hawaii and because she is a Go-Go dancer at the famous Zanzabar Night Club in Waikiki she arranged for us to get access to do a photoshoot before opening.

Jenny she has an amazing face, just stunning, she can look very different from different angles and under varying lighting conditions.

The night club being closed meant we did not have much light inside so a Nikon flash unit was assisting with illumination.

Having the flash unit attached to the camera has advantages besides it’s obvious disadvantages. I like to utilize the harshness of the light coming from the flash, to me it has a paparazzi like intrusive effect adding realism and drama to the photos.

Here Jenny’s beautiful face is being framed by a vibrant white and red trucker hat and her cascading hair. The professional makeup completes the color palette. The lips are sensual, the look is seductive and because of the shadow under the hat’s visor the photo gains drama as well.

Black And White Photos Of Asian Model Wearing Trucker Hat

These black and white photos were taken at the Zanzabar Night Club in Waikiki where Jenny my beautiful Asian model is a Go-Go dancer.

I selected a few versions of Jenny wearing a red and white trucker hat and a white wifebeater with short shorts just to show how I like to improvise with angles, lighting, composition and how I utilize props and locations.

When forced to use one on camera flash as the main light source the harshness of the illumination cannot be avoided. It can be harnessed though to create paparazzi like invasive look and add drama to the photos.

This photo has several lines created by the trucker hat’s visor, the flowing hair and the fingers which lead the eyes of the viewer towards the model’s beautiful face.
Because the flash is on the top of the camera a shadow is created under the visor of the trucker hat which in turn hides one of the model’s eyes creating an edgy look.

Black And White Nighttime Bikini Model Photoshoot

I decided to experiment with a different mood than what is the norm for Hawaiian beach photoshoots. Intimate, up close and personal dramatic black and white model photography at night. That’s the basic idea.

One can only hope for that the full moon will be out. Otherwise the assisting red laser-like beam of the Nikon flash is the only aid helping to see the model and compose the shot.
There are advantages as well, nobody would be staring at us, no scorching sun, no unpleasant shadows on the model’s face, no squinting to name a few.

The resulting photos are not a perfectly lit studio quality pictures; but what is gained is more important: paparazzi like invasive realism .. and I like that look a lot!

Doing photography in Hawaii offers endless opportunities to turn ordinary circumstances, locations and props (at least by Hawaiian standards) into something extraordinary and visually exciting. And all this is possible year around; these photos were taken on December 12th.
An intimate and not everyday moment captured as an exotic model wearing a wifebeater laying in a nice and warm lava pool at night.

Fierce Black And White Sunrise Portraits With Beautiful Model

The photoshoot with Elise between Makapu’u and Sandy Beaches on the Windward side of Oahu resulted in some of my most favorite black and white photos.
The amazing difference between those color beauty and fashion photos taken at the same location at the same time and the following pictures are a true testament to the power of black and white photography.

Not every element of the photo is planned for example the round edge of the lava rock on the left hand side nicely compliments the curve of the model’s shoulder, also her earring is just at the right place against dark background and perfectly illuminated by the rising sun.

I wish I was that good but regardless, heaps of these lucky breaks occur during every photoshoot.

On this photo the sweet all American girl next door is transformed into a fierce, edgy, strong and beautiful woman: