#TBT Model: Menakshi | Leighton DaCosta, Dubai Boudoir Photographer

With any portrait, I've always felt the emotion of the eyes reveals everything about the moment. I loved how the natural light from the window, just fell on her face, and created a moment in the eyes that just captures you!

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Back around 2014 I had the pleasure of meeting Menakshi while visiting Dubai. A lovely British model, Menakshi was just absolutely amazing to work with. 

I had sent here a vision board for doing a boudoir themed photo session with the details that I wanted to emphasize at the time. Items from metallic flash tattoos, to a loose-end fishtail braid. I wanted to emphasize not only the beauty of the subject, but also how the subject embraced the light. 

Like with most of my boudoir shoots, I've never posted them online, because they are intended to be printed in an album or an image display box, but I am sharing with you on this throwback Thursday.

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Menakshi as the subject, beautifully framed by the window light around her, with the light in the room reflecting on the metal tattoos enough to make them stand out.

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As a photographer, you want the subject to have fun during a boudoir shoot and to be able to capture it. It is beautiful when the subject becomes comfortable in their vulnerability. 

Tips for your boudoir sessions:

1. RELAX. Don't force the session. This is a vulnerable time for some, but really should be fun. Boudoir and fine art should not be about the sexuality of the subject,but the ESSENCE of the subject. That "hidden room" of their personality that very few are able to see, masked by the physical facade.
2. Conceptualize and plan. One of the things that makes awkward situations more comfortable, is a sense of familiarity. Knowing the intended looks, direction, themes, props, accessories and other things will make the time not only fly by, but make it more fun for the subject.
3. The light is in control. Whether artificial or natural light, the light should set the mood. Use as much, or as little as needed to set a mood. Find ways to shape it, bounce it, color it, and let the light do most of the work for you.
4. BONUS: Remember, the photographer and subject are teammates working with the light. 

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Also, don't be afraid to experiment. While I was loving the braid, by the end of the session, I wanted to try a "messy" look with her hair, and I think it worked. What do you think? Please leave your comments below!

Tips for Travel Photography While on Vacation | Leighton DaCosta Photographer

“The best camera to have on vacation is the one that is with you! Don’t get so caught up in getting the picture that you miss the experience. ”

— LD

The little touches add to the experience. Remember vacation is about relaxation, not work! 

I often get asked one of two questions:

1. What kind of camera should I buy/bring while on vacation?
2. How do I take great shots while I'm on vacation?

1.  What camera should you buy/bring. 

Well here's the truth. The best camera for vacation is the camera that you have with you. Honestly, that could be your iPhone, a point and shoot, or even a high end DSLR. The actual camera doesn't matter as much as the experience that you are enjoying while you are on your vacation.

For ME that breaks down into two categories. Quality and Functionality. When it comes to quality, MOST digital cameras on the market today will give you GREAT images. So really, I look for functional differences. 

These are the things that I would look for.

1. Easy for me to carry around (accessible)
2. Can fit in a pocket or a small bag (size)
3. Can get banged around and wet (durability)
4. If lost/stolen, it's not the end of the world (affordability)

For point and shoot cameras, my two recommendations are the Nikon AW130 and the Fuji Finepix XP90 which are both under $500 and will give great images. They can even go underwater. For those that want a little more control, and willing to invest a little more, look at that Nikon AW1 Series. These are just my suggestions based on what is on the market at the time of this post. 

2. How to take better photos. 

The above images (unedited) were taken in Dubai with a SONY NEX-6, now replaced with the PHENOMENAL SONY a6300. These photos are pretty much the same photos I took, straight out of camera. Most are done with a 16mm f/2.8 or the 50mm f/1.8 E-Mount Lens. When it comes to to travel photos on vacation, here are some tips. 

1. EXPERIENCE FIRST, PHOTOS SECOND. Remember it's best to have an experience to remember and then a photo to bring you back to THAT memory.
2. Pay attention to your lighting. Some times of day are far better than others. Morning skies in most places of the world, have more clouds than evening sky. The clouds can provide a dynamic contrast to your subject(s). When photographing food, I prefer for my lighting to be coming slightly from behind so that I can see shadows to the front and give the food a more appealing texture. 
3. Go to extremes. I prefer very wide, or very tight. so usually I am photographing with a wide lens like a 16mm or something that has a tighter perspective or can give a macro effect. 
   
   #BONUS when possible, with outdoor shots, consider using a Circular Polarizer Filter on your lenses to reduce glare and reflections.

One last thing. Remember HAVE FUN! You're on vacation...not work!

LD

The Awesome Hyatt Regency Dubai!

The Hyatt Regency Dubai surprised us with a honeymoon/anniversary card, and my wife surprised me with a set of monogrammed cuff links. 

For those who travel for a living, it can be really rewarding seeing different places and meeting new people. Sometimes though, duty requires you to be away from home during some of the most important times of your life. This year for me, I had to miss my anniversary and Christmas, which is always the risk, because they are only 3 days apart. My Christmas present though, was finding out that week that I would have to go to Dubai on business over the New Year's holiday. 

This is one of the busiest times of the year in Dubai, and because of the travel arrangements, I would find myself being there for about 3 or 4 nights. So I surprised my wife with a ticket to come join me for New Years as a "late" anniversary gift. Having been together for almost 10 years, we had yet to do a REAL NYE party. Only some house parties or time at home, but doing a roof top party was always on the bucket list. As a matter of fact, we really wanted to be celebrating NYE in San Diego atop the Andaz' rooftop. As luck would have it, we still ended up being on top of a roof watching the world record for fireworks being broken. But I digress...

Here is the focus of this blog. When we travel together, EVERY trip is a honeymoon for us. We enjoy celebrating our time together and I always want it to be special. So usually, hotel brands like Hyatt, have a box that you can check on your reservations that says "Honeymoon Couple." (I do wish they had an anniversary block though.) Often the hotels may give you a nicer room, like at the corner, or higher, or even a suite upgrade as a congratulatory token of appreciation. Well The Hyatt Regency Dubai went above and beyond this time. 

After spending all day out and about, we came back to the hotel and went to the Regency lounge for some refreshment. When we arrived back in our room, on the table was a BEAUTIFUL cake with a sign made of white chocolate! We were absolutely floored. The cake was so good, and as you see, my wife presented me with a set of cuff links with the initials "LDP" on them representing "LDPhotography." That woman spoils me. She also presented me with a case for my cuff links, inscribed: My Friend, My Lover, My Knight. 

“My Friend
My Lover
My Knight”

— Tiffany DaCosta

I love dealing with brands that go the extra mile to make you feel appreciated. What is something great a company has done for you unexpectedly? 

Travel Anxiety

Those who know me, know I LOVE to travel. Whether for business or pleasure. While 2013 has been fairly good to me, allowing me to go to Dubai several times (YAYYYY I get to go again next month), I haven't gotten to travel as much as I would hope. 

2014 looks to change that though. With places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Jamaica, Curacao, Atlanta, maybe even see the Smokies... and that is just the first three months! I am getting excited just thinking about it. And you know I will definitely have photos to post!

LD