How to work with swimsuit models, Part 2 of 3

When shooting models, the photographs can center on the model with very little attention drawn to her surroundings, or your photos might use the environment to create a complete affect or mood.

This photo of Anastasia was taken on a rainy day. The skies were sullen, and a very uninteresting grey with little character. She had this amazing bright pink bikini that was such a great contrast to the grey day and the green surroundings. I stuck a light stand with a speedlight, and weight on the stand in the middle of the river.  I had her sit on the rock and I waded into the stream. Her pose is very introspective and private. She is not communicating with the camera, so shooting the scene with her in it, makes the whole thing come off as if we are just catching a glimpse of a private moment. And, to me, the image is beautiful and serene.



Charolett below is in a cluster of trees in a modest swimsuit, with bright cheerful colors and polka dots. The spot is very shady and the sun is coming in low to her left. I set a speedlight with umbrella on a stand in front of her and to her right. I made sure there were tree branches and leafs in front of the umbrella to act as a gobo (go before the light) to create more shadows from the other direction. The low ambient light, the trees, and the lighting coming from her sides creates a play of light and shadows that define the muscle tone and give shape to her shoulders, legs, and helps show her cleavage.

A couple of other things that help give this piece form and dimension are the branches and leafs in front of the model, and the tree trunks behind her. The fact that only the side of her face is well lit, gives this photograph a sense of mystery as it does not fully reveal the girl.

Kelly had this amazing long blonde hair and reminded me of a Barbie doll. I put her behind this tree, peeking out from behind it. The knobby gnarled tree adds a lot of visual contrast to her smooth skin and shape. The sunlight coming from behind her lights up her hair. I added some fill flash for this to compensate for the bright background. Even though she is a very beautiful girl this swimsuit photograph is about the whole environment. The tree seems to have a face, almost as if it is looking at her. Kelly looks out at us in her pale pink bikini and all the elements create a whole effect making the bikini not be the central or sole focus of the photograph.

These are some examples of swimsuit photographs where the swimsuit is part of the photo, but not the sole star of the show.

My next post will be on using light and perspective to create a more sensual look in swimsuit photography.