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Welcome to my favorite album: photos of black and white photography. These pictures were taken in Hawaii, Europe and Venice Beach California.
The use of color in photos can evoke and manipulate emotions but black and white photographs tell stories in a much more simple way, in my opinion in a more straight forward manner without being overbearing. It does not mean they do not bring out emotions but they do in a more basic way.
I enjoy converting my color digital images to black and whites as much as I enjoy taking them. Sometimes listening to classical music while tweaking settings in Photoshop makes the process an the experience even more enjoyable and the outcome perhaps a bit more dramatic.
This special spot in the Pali rainforest in Hawaii has contributed many of my favorite phtos to my albums. The overcast sky provided diffused light which matches the peaceful, melancholy mood of this photo. The large rock has a slightly rough look against the beauty of the model.
I asked the model to lay on the rock as comfortably and naturally as she could to achieve a not forcefully posed photo. Sometimes I adjust the "natural pose" if something does not look right but sometimes it is good to give up that total control and just let things unfold.
It is a good idea to find out from the model during the first meeting or phone interview which type of photo session she prefers: more or less direction. Some models want to be directed as much as possible regarding poses and facial expressions. I find that a big turn off because it usually means lack of improvisation skills, lack of ease in front of the camera, lack of self confidence, lack of talent and lack of personality.
This photo looks good in both color or black and white but I prefer the BW for its intimacy effect.
Hawaiian model Iris was a good sport doing her first ever lingerie photoshoot in almost complete darkness nearby Sandy Beach on the island of Oahu.
Only the fantastic Nikon Speedlight provided the harsh directional light which used at night I feel always gives the photos intrusive and paparazzi like effect. I thought the whiteness of the bundle of dry branches would look great in black and white offsetting all the darkness in the photo.
This black and white lingerie photo is from my session done in a luxury Hawaiian hotel room with Ghana who is from Panama. Ghana has the beauty and elegance which makes her a great lingerie model.
I like this photo more in black and white because its contrast but the color version is nice as well due the beautiful skin tone of the model.
This is a snapshot of Sylvia or perhaps can be called a casual shot. Minimal setup was necessary, actually photo this was taken between setups. I prefer natural poses and expressions and one way to achieve them is often by taking a photo a second or two after the "official" picture had been taken. Another way is to clearly separate working time and break time. Photos during "working time" can be a bit more posed, planed and structured. When a break time is called photography does not have to stop. A simple direction to the model regarding the relaxed nature of the next few minutes will put her in a less "performing" mindset, at which time snapshot like candids can be taken. Often these photos turn out to be the favorites.
The only compositional effort I put into this picture was an instinctive use of the golden ratio and diagonal lines. Another example of me being only the observer and the photo practically taking itself.
The combination of perfection and imperfection comes to my mind when viewing this photo. The perfection of the model's beauty and the imperfection of the shadow appearing on her chin. The shadow could have been avoided be positioning the head of Celeste differently but directions often have negative undertones to amateur models or non-models.
The shadow stayed there because it was there ad it deserves its place. The model was not made uncomfortable by me suggesting that something was off so a better photo resulted by keeping trust and chemistry constant during the shoot between model and photographer.
The photo was taken during the first few minutes of daylight and because of sunrises and sunsets at the altitude of Hawaii are fast quick action is needed. More intimate, natural and ultimately good photos can be taken during this short window of opportunity by avoiding any factor which might slow down or interrupt the shoot.
The portrait of Iris was taken in the Pali rainforest under overcast sky which gave us soft light. This portrait gets many comments from viewers probably because of the undeniable natural beauty of this first time model coupled with her confidence and inner beauty.
The beauty of outdoor model photography: unlimited backgrounds and setups to produce a great variety of photos. I find it sad plus a waste of time and money when I see a modeling or photographer portfolios consisting of images in front of the same studio backdrop using same lighting.
This great location in the Pali rainforest provides dozens of unique setups with ever changing light within a few steps. Finding a place like this will greatly increase productivity and the variety of photos.
I like connection between the model's arms, leg and the branches, it is a balanced juxtaposition. The soft light from above is very directional and because Tamara has strong features it adds great drama to her face in the form of shadows. Even if I had an assistant with a reflector I would never think of filling in those shadows; some might consider reflectors essential but I like to use natural light especially with black and white photos.
This portrait photo of my favorite model Sylvia is another example of a candid shot, taken between "properly setup" pictures. This is as natural and relaxed as things get during a photo session. The model is comfortable during every moment of the session not waiting to be photographed.
What I mean by this is that some models no matter how much direction is given them to relax, improvise, be themselves, go with the flow and not trying to anticipate the next shot, they just do not know what to do between shots. Photohoots with those models unfortunately will not result in successful candids or any good photos for a fact.
There are photos of the gorgeous asian model Jenny wearing a trucker hat in the previous color album. The reason why this photo was converted to black and white is because of what was left when color was taken away: beautiful lines.
There is great contrast between the well lit model and the dark background, the curve of the bare shoulder is one good example. The face is beautiful and the expression is cute, definitely a personal favorite.
A pose with an attitude. The photo was taken high above the Pacific Ocean on the cliffs behind Hanauma Bay in harsh midday sunlight. I like the faces of Japanese models most when strong and confident. The exotic eyes and features yield fantastic and dramatic black and white photos.
The perfect asian hair, the flawless skin, the symmetrical face all aid in creating an eye catching photo.
The side lighting is coming from the window of a 100 year old Dutch castle. The antique furniture and elegant lines of the model and her pose give the photo classic elements.
An old castle is a great location for back and white lingrie model photography because of the mood of the rooms and the resulting atmosphere.
This photo was taken towards the very end of our shoot ad because our allotted time was almost up we were in a bit of a hurry. For that reason I probably did not noticed all elements of this photo which now I find quite visually pleasing. I composed the picture quick and relied on instinct more than careful decision making. It must happen often that the photo is created with the help of the subconscious.
I really enjoy studying the lines in this photo especially the ones which lead the eyes to the model: the lines of the hardwood floor, the legs of the chair, the folds of the curtain, the top of the fireplace and the legs of the model. There seems to be a fine balance between the items of the room, their positions and the model.
This photo is "so born to be" black and white, it does not work in color at all.
Photographing Tanja Dexters Miss Belgium in a Belgian brewery wearing designer dress and expensive jewelry is not a typical day in my life. But it happened and I have picture to prove it.
This phto was taken late afternoon and as the sun was setting it was moving outside the plate glass windows of the factory. So I was chasing the sun looking for spots it favorably illuminated for a good photo. This time the sun created a small patch of light on a huge cylinder which acted like a spotlight. We had to shoot this quickly, the spotlight effect quickly disappeared.
I booked this shooot with the aid of a german modeling agency. The Finnish born model was experienced, open minded and adventurous. Being the weekend we were able to sneak into a construction site where we could shoot uninterrupted for a couple of hours.
This huge block of concrete piece had holes on its side and iron rods sticking out on its top while a concrete wall provided a plain background. Because the model's clothes and the surroundings were colorless this photo looks best in black and white.
This dancer model was also found in a german modeling agency while I was looking through portfolios. I love strong german features, I take someone with a defined jaw line before a cute bubbly model any day.
How did this look was achieved is funny; as the model was lying on her stomach on a leater couch in her lingerie I was stading on a chair above her. She felt self conscious having her butt in the photo so I reassured her I will crop the picture at mid back but I want her to project that intensity and perhaps worry she felt having her butt photographed as well.
Yuliya is the quintessential russian model for me; at age 17 she had innocence but great confidence in herself. We took many succesful photos ina few hours!
Because of the mood the photo looks best as black and white or perhaps it would ork with very unssaturated colors as well.
When the model owns a pony (actully two but the other had an even worse attitude problem) it is just a matter of seconds until we decided to use it. I wish I could have shot dozens of photos, the pony was a primadonna and I had to select this photo from a handful of pictures; the shoot was over in less than a minute.
It was close to sunset and the sun was not strong enough to blind the model so I was able to flod the picture with plenty of light achieving great contrast after black and white conversion.
Just a snaphot, we were not even "officially" shooting. I love the spontaity of the photo and the intimate look in the model's eyes.
Absolutely no reason to have color in this picture.
When a model is adventurous and trussts the photographer, great ideas can be actually turned into photos instead of just remaining ideas. I have seen picture of a photographer who shoots women (might be dressed as brides, not sure) as they just have drowned floting in water. The photos are morbid but very artistic.
When Hortenzia I told me she wanted me to shoot her in angel wings which she had for some time, the drowning idea came to my mind. Why shoot her as a cute angel when a twist can be introduced for a more exciting result?
The location was a cold lake in Northern Germany, there was a small wooden bridge which I could look down from but we had to shoot early in the morning before locals started to use the road and the bridge. Once again time was my enemy, cold water and sharp rocks on the bottom of the lake were hers.
Almost immediately the glue of the wings gave away but it presented another theme, fallen angel with broken wings! As I remember the shoot had to end in less than 2 minutes, the water was cold, the slight current kept moving the model out of the frame and the wings away from her plus local traffic started to pick up.
Nevertheless I was able to take a photo we both liked.
As Hawaiian sunrises quickly end and light becomes too harsh a shade is needed for softer themes. We used the back of the model's jeep, the light was great and the model looked peaceful, intimate and absolutely beautiful.
Another creative (make the best with what we have) photo from Hortenzia, the model who did the angel with broken wings picture with me. What she is laying on is the top of her fireplace about 6 feet high while her body is almost touching the ceiling. I am across the room standing on a chair, definitely a fun and unusual shoot.
Angelina arranged a shoot with the caretakers of in a Dutch castle while I was visitng Belgium. After te usual posed modeling photos I recommended to take a break which is often a good time for some candid or natural photos. Because of the mood I decided to lower the contrast of the final photo for a more peaceful feel.
As opposed to the photo before this one higher contrast helps to deliver a more edgy feel. Location: an abadoned boat in the harbor of Antwerp, Belgium. I loved the wheel as a prop, she did a vampy pose and this photo was taken.
The strong features of the model, the stockings, the industrial location and plenty of light compliments the high contrast decision.
Another example of found light, this time in a Hawaiian rainforest. Besides the hardness of the rock and the sun acting as a spotlight shining through a hole in the rainforest canope the model's strong features add drama to the photo.
After the sunrise is quickly over at the latitude of Hawaii it is not time to finish shooting and go home yet. Although many photographers prefer to shoot around dusk or dawn, in Hawaii it is not really practical. When the sun rushes high in the sky for almost the whole day as far as outside photography is concerned the protection of the rainforest or other open shade seem the best options.
Even though the sun in Hawaii is too bright during the day some models have a higher tolerance when it comes to tolerating it. This photo is complimented by the harsh light and would look very different if taken on an overcast day. Since I love drama and black and white contrast thanks to this model's ability I could take this photo exactly how I wished.
I was glad I could take advantage of the brief Hawaiian sunrise to create this silhouette. Fortunately the model loves to dance plus she has plenty of grace and elegance so when we had just a few minutes to hit some poses she came through ... I would say with flying colors but there was very little color in the digital images so the conversion to black and white seemed like a good idea.
I was fortunate to meet this Hungarian traveler in Hawaii who's resemblence to Jesus Christ was uncanny. Super basic setup, hotel room, night light, tripod, camera, making sure right eye is visible.
A great guy and friend in the name of DJ Yume asked me to shoot some photos of him for his website. We roamed te streets of Waikiki for a few hours shootig many themes. This is one of my favorite, an impromptu snapshot as we were walking down an alley looking for the next location.
I like my cropping, not trying to be perfect, not forced, definitely a stretch for me.
An everyday girl from Australia, not a model made this photo emorable for me. A body type from a different area which is a compliment, she is comfortable in her own skin and not obssesed to be a clothes hanger. Completely works for the bathing suite and the photo.
Dora has a wild look, a great body thanks to yoga and a matching energetic personality. Only basic setups are required and all I have to do is capture this model's mind and body on photos.
This photo was taken in Hwaii on Diamondhead Beach a popular place for photoshoots.
As I was shooting for this Hawaiian model's portfolio at the foothills of Diamondhead Crater I noticed a thrown out screen door laying on the ground in other words in the trash.
I love to find unexpected items after showing up on location, it is like a treasure hunt and no matter how much I plan a shoot, most often the best pictures are the result of accidents or improvisation.
Just another day ... actually night as I am in an internet cafe when this girl walks in very intoxicated. She is animated, constantly moving her body and hair. I grab my camera take about 25 photos all very different, many of them very nice. A few miutes later she walks out.
I feel this is the most accurate representation of her and that night.
I spent many days on the Waikiki Beach pier photographing boogie boarders. It is a busy pier so between sets there is a lot going on, many chances for setup or candid photography. I ask two kids for a photo, they agree ... great faces, nice snap shot.
I like silhouettes and I think the outline of this surfer against a bit dramatic sky works well. Pretty good angling as well makes the picture more dynamic.
This is an oldie but definitely a goodie taken on Venice Beach, California before I moved to Hawaii. This photo was an eye opener about how powerful and asthetic silhouettes can be.
I actually took some photos of the skateboarder with the sun behind me but the very busy Venice Beach background (palm trees, shops, signs, people) took away from the real subject of the photo and the action. Shooting against the sun cleared up all the junk including all color. The background transformed into a paralell 2nd story (notice in the middle someone is squatting and taking a picture of another skateboarder ready to jump).
Taking a photo of a sleeping family pet is a recipe for a touching photo which shows my (deeply buried) sensitive side. The backlighting ensures soft dreamlike effect and color is not needed here. There is another photo of this chihuahua which works best in color because the dog is awake and as his big blue eyes sadly look into the camera.