Lingerie, Fashion And Portrait Photography With Feminine Beauty
April 13, 2006
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.
But let’s continue with the images in chronological order as they were shot.
Most of my lingerie and bikini photoshoots start with a fashion modeling segment specially if it is my first shoot with the model.
Fashion photography is less intimate and lets both the model and photographer warm up, create a rapport and judge chemistry. Even thought the model’s body is covered the photographer can already figure out bad angles, (hopefully) minor physical imperfections and how to hide or work with them.
If this first portrait does not spell feminine beauty I do not know what does. I like how the color of the lava rocks and the metallic dress create a really nice color balance. The model is positioned so her face is beautifully sidelit by the soft light of the open shade.
From another vantage point the lighting slightly changes. The intimate gaze of the model’s engaging eyes are pure personality and self confidence. It is the dream of every photographer to find amateur models who have intelligence and passion that translate to relatable photos.
Here I am incorporating the exotic look of hanging vines. The vertical lines created by the vines elongate the model’s body which is a technique worth utilizing when working with feminine curves. Even the gray color of the vines matches the color of the silk dress.
Photographing through leaves, branches, plants always carries a voyeuristic undertone.
Tilting the camera dramatically upward or downward can create strikingly different looking images taken just a few seconds apart at the same location.
I was glad the colors were still balanced after we moved away from the lava rock wall, the blue sky nicely works with the outfit.
The low cut dress really compliments the feminine curves of the model’s body. The photo is shot in an upward and diagonal angle which creates a dynamic feel (and appropriately here creates a blown away feel).
The warm Hawaiian trade winds acted as a large modeling fan which picked up the model’s dress and hair adding a fashion photography favorite: wind blown look. Due to the combination of the wind, bright sun and the silver color of the dress the skirt area a looks like melting metal (or substitute your interpretation here).
The pose is simple but elegant, the eye contact is engaging and the lips are slightly parted which is one direction I often give if doesn’t happen naturally.
Even though it is a very bright sunny day I am still using a flash (Nikon SB-800) to fill the shadows that are inevitably created. These shadows look less dramatic in real life but can translate to unattractive dark patches on images. Another positive side effect of using flash is the catchlight (specular highlight in a subject’s eye). Catchlight adds sparkle and makes eyes more visible and alive.
This beautiful portrait was taken at the same outdoor location in the open shade of Diamond Head Crater. Open shades provide absolutely fantastic light for beauty photography. The beautiful long brown hair of the model adds warmth to this image.
It is a lot of fun to create completely different looking and themed images just minutes and few feet apart from each other. It is the art of making the best of every situation / location and having a story to tell through pictures.
The second half of the photoshoot was reserved for lingerie model photography. This is when a model with a feminine figure can outshine their industry standard skinny rivals. Aesthetically I am simply not drawn to clothes hanger type physiques so the following lingerie photos represent what I think a lingerie model should look like and in a way celebrates the figure of real women.
There is a nice contrast between the black lava rocks and the white bra. Some barbed wire just happened to be where we had a clearing for the model to lay back and interestingly it covered her wrist which added another possible storyline to the photo.
The white bra and panties symbolize innocence but the pose and eyes of the model is somewhat teasing. It’s subtle enough that the photo does not turn into a trashy lingerie picture.
Same spot as above with a different pose and closer cropping. I wanted to make sure that the beautiful white bra is prominently displayed. The model has a very nice expression perhaps somewhat mysterious with the lips slightly parted which makes a huge difference when it comes to “turning on the heat” while still remaining classy.
Obviously without a feminine and curvy underwear model this photo would not have such a great impact.
Here the feminine body shape of the model pays tribute to the figure of real women. If her body did not have enough curvature the S-shaped curve of her pose exudes even more femininity.
We were still in the shade of Diamond Head Crater so the light was perfect for beauty and lingerie photography, it was even, diffused and soft.
A tribute to one of the greatest inventions of mankind: the push-up bra. The model peaking out from behind the tree has a playful feel to it. Also the color of the bra and the tree bark nicely compliment each other.
Once again the feminine beauty of our shapely lingerie model is beautifully displayed in a lacy black bra. Photographers learn the hard way that armpits can either ruin some photos or can be the reason for a lot of Photoshopping. If you find a model with perfect armpits like this girl here, I recommend to really take advantage of the situation and shoot a lot of reaching stretching poses.
This is a fun casual photo with a Hawaiian twist. Now this model is definitely Haole (foreigner) but asking a girl to take a photo with a flower behind her ear only makes her day and adds some fun to photoshoots which often can get a bit technical and result oriented.
I love natural and casual portraits where the model’s true beauty shines true. The photo has a great ambiance, it’s flooded with sunshine, those cat eyes are looking straight at the viewer, the full lips are slightly parted. A real moment captured without instructions or interference from the photographer which is unmistakable and cannot be faked.
