How to Create a Swimsuit Model Photo on the Beach

I set out with local model Austin Graham to a nearby Sarasota beach (Coquina Beach) to create some swimsuit model photography. It was a very bright day and I knew my strobes where in for a workout to produce f/16 light all day. The sun was camera right, just past mid-day by one hour. After deciding on the placement of my key, I set up a diffusion panel on a boom to shield the model from the strong sunlight. Though light was allowed through the diffusion panel, it was "diffused" and reduced by a stop and a half. My camera angle had to be low in order to thin out the shadow caused by the diffusion panel.

Next, I prepared the key light which was a 22" beauty dish and set it to f/16. The beauty dish was feathered and aiming just slightly in front of the model. By combining available light and strobe, I created this image (above) and a few others scattered on my Facebook Page.

BTW, if you look carefully on the models right foot, you can see where some sunlight made it past my diffusion panel. This is preciisely the effect I set out to avoid, but this one gat away from me.

Below is a quick video I captured with my iPhone of what I would call behind-the-scenes. During this one-on-one class, I explained how to use a beauty dish and a small diffuser for a high-impact look. If you are interested in learning photography skills such as the ones you see in this blog, send me an e-mail using the links in the sidebar. I also offer group instruction on many topics of photography.



Photos by Angel Navarro 

Portrait Photography - Sarasota | Bradenton | Tampa | Clearwater | Venice

Angel Navarro Photography

(941) 538-6804

Website:  www.angelnavarroblog.com 
Blog: www.angelnavarrophotography.com

Model Photography Shoot - Koreshan, Estero, Florida

Today, I headed for Estero, Florida for a fashion model shoot. The exact location was the Koreshan State Historic Park, just South of Ft. Meyers, Florida. Having never visited the park before, I scouted the area and found a shaded exterior wall adjacent to a very old water pump house dating back to the late 1800's (or so the sign said). After discussing wardrobe and poses with the model, I began the lighting set up.

Because the area was in shade, I decided to use a 5' Octagonal Soft Box with both of its baffles. The soft light from a modifier this size provides a wrap-around effect of light. While working in shaded areas, I personally try to avoid harsh lighting as a key. I also set up a 4' x 8' scrim with a 1.25 stop of light. In addition, a translucent oval reflector was used to catch a few stray leaks of light falling on the model's dress camera left, just outside of the scrim's reach. Last, I set up an accent light with a 20 degree grid to skip along the paneling behind the model and add a small splash of light on the model's left side. A couple of test shots later and one custom balance, and there you have it.



Equipment used Nikon D4, 70-200, f/2.8, Pocket Wizards, White-Lightning 1600s, CreativeLight 5' Octagonal Soft Box, Lastolite Scrim. Exif: ISO 200, 1/125th, f/5.6

Photos by Angel Navarro 

Model Photography - Sarasota | Bradenton | Tampa | Clearwater | Venice

Angel Navarro Photography

(941) 538-6804

Website:  www.angelnavarroblog.com 
Blog: www.angelnavarrophotography.com