Black And White Photos Of Simple Life From Battambang, Cambodia

Battambang is described by Cambodia guidebooks as an attractive sleepy town with a few attractions nearby.

After the tourist hell of Angkor Wat and not knowing how touristy and commercial Thailand (my next stop) will be I decided to stop over for a few days.

They were not lying, not a whole lot going on in Battambang but it is an OK place to relax and even take some low key, practice photos (no, not trying to save face with that comment, really).

True Mekong Delta Experience In Chau Doc, Vietnam

As seen on the photo below Chau Doc is alongside the fantastic Mekong River, it is a popular border crossing town to Cambodia and a recommended stop in Vietnam.

I get weary of any place which is highly popular with tourists, yes it might have scenic reasons but usually some annoyances are also associated with these must see spots.

The photo below was taken off of a modern high bridge. There weren’t too many vivid colors in and around town and it was an overcast day so I think black and white photos work best for this post.

Street And Kids Photography On Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Some people plan more than others when traveling or in life in general and some plan only a few days ahead (yours truly).

Not ahving plans has its obvious advantages and drawbacks. Most drawbacks work themselves out so this short term planning shall remain the way of this trip for now.

I have met someone who had all her 6 weeks of Vietnamese vacation planned out every step of the way to the minute. That would be too much work, too much stress and not enough freedom for me.

Photos From The Shadows Of Death – Photography Of Rays

Underwater photography is one of the most dangerous activities.

But the photos that emerge from the dark abyss are the most unique and most breathtaking (literally).

So take a dive with me and experience the monsters of the deep sea from the comfort of your living room or office.

True Self Portrait Of A Lying Photographer

This photo is a self portrait (or snap shot) of me.

It shows exactly who was in front of my camera but it is not even close to who I am. Quite possibly a complete lie.

“There is no truth in photography. There is no truth about anyone’s person. My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.”
Richard Avedon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Portrait Of Local Hawaiian Beauty In Tropical Rainforest

Once again I was back in the Hawaiian Pali rainforest which has become one of my most favorite photoshoot locations. This time it was a special occasion because of who I was photographing.

The model’s name was Iris a non-model actually since this was her first photoshoot. She is a lifeguard and a “just a regular girl” which I love because my most intimate an real photos have been taken of non-models or first time models.

Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Iris has natural pure beauty and pride which shines through her photos.

The rest of the photos are in color but I had to start with this black and white conversion to set the mood. Soft light from the overcast sky provided perfect lighting conditions for portrait and beauty photography.

Two Halves – Japanese Beauty Glamour Photos In Hawaii

The location for these slightly unusual portraits was lava rock walls near Hanauma Bay a famous half submerged volcanic crater on the East a.k.a. Windward side of Oahu.

There was plenty of soft light in the open shade on a very bright day when shooting in the midday sun was too blinding for the model.

Jen has a very symmetric face, great skin and beautiful hair. She may not look “obviously” Japanese nevertheless she is and her exotic look perfectly compliments Hawaii as photoshoot location.

I say unusual portrait because I am not a big fan of chopping heads in half but I actually used this photo on web promotional graphics, it is simple, beautiful and eye catching image for that purpose.

On Tropical Location: Black And White Bikini And Fashion Model Photoshoot

I love black and white bikini and fashion model photos which are taken in exotic and dramatic locations. The lack of color brings out shapes and textures adding much drama and class to these photos.

The Pali rainforest is one of my favorite Hawaii locations, it has provided me with a wide variety of photographic opportunities due to its diversity landscape and lighting wise.

The Pali rainforest being up in the mountains means there is often soft light from overcast sky because the rain clouds that the Hawaiian trade winds bring in get trapped. This means occasional rainfall especially during morning and evening hours plus a healthy dose of mosquitoes but the end result, great pictures and great fun is always worth it.

Tamara is one of my favorite models, she is truly exotic due to her mixed ethnicity one of which is Hawaiian. She is a beautiful model and a very nice person with self confidence, intelligence without being spoiled.
One might say what is all that got to do with being a bikini model? The answer is everything!
It takes the mix of these internal and external characteristics to deliver such beautiful, nicely posed (but not posy) relaxed, smart, confident set of photos which are listed in this post.

Spite the cold rainforest stream Tamara delivers this gorgeous picture; nice in color as well but a real knock out in black and white:

Rosy Asian Touch – Portrait Photos Of Chinese Beauty In Hawaii

I felt the soft rosy effect added an innocent, sad, pure, dreamy feel to this photo. Perhaps inspired by cherry blossom (sakura) flowers can’t really tell why but it felt fitting.

I just sat from across Sylvia and took about 30 pictures whenever something interesting or nothing was happening.

Minimal directions were given to the model, I usually let the location and the model’s current mood establish the feel of the photoshoot at least in the beginning of every setup.

I believe there are some nice lines in the photo created mainly by the hair and the white shirt collar which leads the viewers’ eyes to the model’s face.

BW Asian Bikini Lingerie Model Photos In Tropical Rainforest

Jen is a beautiful Asian exotic bikini and fashion model who is also a surfer.
Shooting with a surfer / model means she is has an athletic, toned, healthy body and a relaxed, easy going personality which are excellent ingredients for a fun and successful photography session.

The peaceful and intimate setting was in the Pali rainforest just outside Honolulu an excellent diverse and exotic location which I instantly became a fan of and have used several times.

This post contains a set of black and white images which I find especially dramatic compared to their color versions.
Black and white conversion often adds class and drama to photos and but when it comes to tropical locations and exotic models in my eyes this added drama is a lot more pronounced.

Not all photos can be automatically converted to B&W and expected to work; without a “certain amount” of necessary shapes and contrast the results will not be acceptable.

The first photo is minimalistic in its concept, taken during the first few minutes of the photoshoot, clearly during the initial period of getting comfortable with the camera and surroundings.
The background is carefully selected complementing the shape and the pose of the model, more specifically the angles of the limbs.

Young Beautiful Fashion And Lingerie Model Photography

Black and white photos have such a profound visual appeal that fortunately none of the latest technological advances could replace what they offer on an emotional level.

Elegant, classy, refined, dramatic, real, powerful, are some of the words that can describe black and white images. I love black and white photography so much that when I designed this website I (quite possibly subconsciously) automatically excluded almost all color.

The following images have all that I love about photography and the process of taking photos: beauty, youth, intelligence, personality, improvisation and originality.

These black and white fashion, lingerie modeling and portrait photos were taken with an amateur, first time Belgian model during a European photography trip in 2005.
Alexandra was a muse at first sight, confident and beautiful:

Creative Lingerie And Fashion Model Photography With A Girl From Finland

I love to photograph original creative concepts. The following photos of a girl from Finland are a prefect example of such a photoshoot.

The session took place in Berlin, Germany at a construction site which was closed for the weekend. I found the girl from Finland at a local modeling agency when I asked them if they had any new faces that needed portfolio photos taken.

This is a great way for any vagabond photographer to find models in their home or in foreign countries. At the time of this European backpacking photography trip I lived in Hawaii.

These shoots for modeling agencies are for free but can yield diverse photos for both the model’s and photographer’s portfolios and can enable photographers to establish good relationships with agencies.

This first photo is actually one of the last frames I took during the photoshoot but it beautifully illustrates how unique and unexpected ideas can come up. There was no way to plan this session because until we turned the corner and saw this construction site we had no idea where we were shooting.

Therefore I could not have anticipated that I would be photographing a blonde Finish lingerie model pushing a wheel barrel at an abandoned construction site .. but apparently that is just what happened.

Russian Lingerie Model Photography On Abandoned Boat

An abandoned boat in the harbor of Antwerp, Belgium was the location for this fashion and lingerie modeling photoshoot.
Industrial locations offer a lot of great backgrounds, props, shapes and surprises making them perfect for creative and never boring photography sessions.

I have done other fashion and lingerie photoshoots with Russian born Angeline before, I love her edgy strong look and we have a good chemistry so our shoots are always fun as well.

I really like this first photo, the model is quite dominating, and the wheel provides a great shape and an interesting visual element.

Black And White Photos With Jennifer Aniston Look-Alike Model

Another “blast from the past” photo viewing experience as I am writing this post in 2009 while going through images taken at the dawn of my model photography adventure.
Several friends and acquaintances were kind enough back then to model for me and let me make all the rookie mistakes which provide invaluable learning opportunities.

Rebecca happens to be a Jennifer Aniston look-alike which cannot hurt any photoshoot.
The location was Diamondhead Beach, a popular uncrowded place for locals and local photographers who wish to get away from the crowds of Waikiki.

A casual but nice and intimate photo; it is great when a photographer finds a non-model, a “regular girl next door” who has personality, intelligence and self confidence so the photos wont have that deer caught in the headlights look.

Black And White Photos Of Italian – Middle Eastern Bikini Model

These photos are from one my first model photoshoots but even that is not accurate because the Italian – Persian beauty is a first time model which actually makes her a non-model.

Now there is nothing wrong with that because I love to photograph people with no prior modeling experience.

Not every time but when things work out amateur models can give the photographer the greatest gift: their intelligence, natural beauty, personality in other words a story to tell.

The location for this photoshoot was Diamondhead Beach, a popular, picturesque and sparsely visited beach just a few minutes walk away from the sardine can like Waikiki beach.

Our model’s figure is the reason bikini was invented, she also has a ton of energy and a great personality without any hint of being stuck up. Therefore the photoshoot was off to a good start.
Everyone knows stretching is good for the body! The exotic look of the model beautifully flows together with the exotic scenery of the bleached roots and the rock wall of the extinct volcano.

Black And White Hawaiian Bikini, Pin Up Model Photography

These images were shot in the “early days” when I started to experiment with fashion, bikini and lingerie model photography. Back then I asked non-models a.k.a. “regular girls” to pose for me for practice and for fun.

This photoshoot took place at Diamondhead Beach just outside Waikiki, Hawaii. It is a popular location with local photographers because it is rugged, beautiful and not too busy.
It is just far enough (a 20 minute walk) for the typical Waikiki Beach tourists who take full advantage of being able to just walk outside their hotels to the beach and not venture further than Burger King.

Diamondhead Beach also happens to be a gay beach which means nobody is really excited about a possibly risque female model photoshoot so there are less people staring than usual.

The pin-up theme was not planned, the model’s hairstyle (she is a hairstylist), features, body type and clothing just naturally swayed the photoshoot into pin-up territory with an exotic tropical twist.