This is a post about shooting female models on the beach and what issues i have faced. Like in my last post i mentioned the model is everything so if she is confident and has a rocking body this is 90% of the image.
When its just myself and the model and i have arranged styling then the photo-shoot will maximum take one hour to complete.
TIPS FOR SHOOTING FEMALE MODELS IN BIKINIS
- This is a given..but the model having a good body kinda makes the image so its more of a challenge when the model is not exercising or in shape. Now i am not saying that if you are not a model going to gym that you cant post in a bikini all I'm saying is that the model is the main focus of the image and it will be easier to shoot someone who is well defined/toned. If the model doesn't feel she is in shape then its probably better to have her shoot in a monokini as they are less revealing.
- If the model is a bit shy/new its better to shoot a more commercial vibe than a ""hot/sexy" shoot because you will immediately see the model is not fully into the mood and cant pull off the look you want.
- BODY OIL/BABY OIL/COCONUT OIL..ANY OIL.Oil is so important for shoots or a lotion that glows/shines as the sun will give a beautiful glow on the skin
- We all know the good old "hand on the hip" pose.. now everyone does it because it really does the trick with making arms look more toned.. There are many ways to do this without that over done hand on hip pose. You can get the model to turn her hand around on her hip (like the image in this post). You can have one arm going out with her elbow on her hip and the other hand holding the arm. Usually when a model has her arms against her body it gives the impression that her arm is bigger than it is just because her arm is actually pushing against her body. When using your arms you need to make sure when you hold your body that your hands are on your hips and have your body 3/4 to the camera.
- Self tanner or bronzer as no one wants to hurt there eyes and plus.. a good tan makes any one look good ;)
- The light... I once did a photo-shoot at 10:30am because the model was 2 hours late (cant believe i waited). I cant even explain to you how bad the light will look on any model in this situation. The light is making black shows and this is very unflattering. You want light coming from the side which would mean a morning shoot or an afternoon shoot. I have done a shoot at midday with a stunning model named Lera but we couldn't just shoot at any angle on the beach, we would find shaded areas with a little bit of light hitting the back of her head.
- make sure there are no people walking behind the model as thats extra work and that being said.. find a beach that is more quiet. There is nothing worse than a packed beach trying to find a gap and people making childish comments and then the model feeling uncomfortable.
- Making the model standing on her toes to elongate her legs and shows muscle definition
- The models face should be more up than facing down because of shadows that will show under the eyes and no woman wants that!
- Having a swimsuit that fits is also a biggy! You dont want the model wearing a bikini that is 10 times too small and things going wild!
- Its never the best idea to shoot the model from above as you are making her look short and just..unflattering
- If the model is having issues looking towards the bright sun, have her look away, down or close her eyes every other shot or so, until she can get used to the brightness of the sun. The closer the sun is to the horizon, the easier it is for the model to look towards the light (not into the light directly mind you!)
- if you can take props with then that is also cool! Like a Coke bottle with a funky straw, a towel to wrap around her head or a cool watch.
And lastly.. Stick your booty out to accentuate your curves. Be conscious of the 'S' shape you want to be producing.
