,

#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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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!

Subscribe
,

Model Nijera's Test Shoot | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Model Photographer

,

Model: Nijera C.
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Assistant Photographer: Geno Porter
Styled by Leighton DaCosta
Location: Charleston, SC

(Cameo by Nijera's Son who braved the chilly air)
 

Subscribe
, , , ,

Aquisha - Head Shot Session | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Head Shot Photographer

, , , ,
Aquisha - Head Shot Session | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Head Shot Photographer

Whatever the reason you have for a new head shot, keep in mind, there is no "One Size Fits All" type of head shot, nor a "One Size Fits All" type of client. 

Subscribe
, ,

Ankara African Fashion Takes Over Miami | Leighton DaCosta, Miami Fashion Photographer

, ,

All eyes were on the runway Saturday night at the Gallery of Amazing Things

I've always had a love for fashion regardless of the source or culture, but fashion often follows art, and art has a tendency to be culturally based. The use of colors, lines, designs, materials, curves, textures and other things has as much to do with cultural persuasions as much as it has to do with function.  Lace, beads, crochet, and even sequins may be used to create a visual look of relief, but will vary in application based on the region you find them.

With African fashion, in my experience, the fashions are VERY culturally based. Often designed for function, modern African designers from Nigeria, to Egypt, to South Africa create designs with message. The art is not just in the prints, cuts and designs themselves, but even to the fabric itself.

I heard about The Ankara Fashion Show last year, shortly after I first relocated to South Florida. I was very impressed. At that time, it was about 3 years old. Essentially a toddler as far as events go in South Florida, but impressive none the less in an industry where events fade away and quickly lose sponsorship. Unable to attend last year, I was given the opportunity this year, its 5th year, to cover the established designers showcase. I must say, I was completely BLOWN AWAY.

This has probably been one of the most FUN shows that I have been to in the past 5 years!

The Venue:

The main area, with hundreds of attendees, was standing room only.

The venue was the famous Gallery of Amazing Things located in Dania Beach, FL. The posh venue was perfect for the upscale event. With a niche gallery of vendors,  a cocktail area, a featured artist exhibit and a beautiful VIP photography area, the the event rivaled the feel of a show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Miami. 

The Show

Ankara's Host for the 5th year, Chello, makes his entrance.

Ankara's Host for the 5th year, Chello, makes his entrance.

While I did not get a chance to see the entire show, or the after party, what I did get a chance to see, I will share with you. The designs, the designs, the DESIGNS! Were absolutely gorgeous. My favorite was the two-piece pants suit pictured to the right. Simple and elegant, yet complex and functional. 

The show was hosted by Marcellus "Chello" Davis, who has been the host for all 5 years of Ankara Miami. Born to perform, he kept the crowd involved between the walks. 

I loved the DJ. DJ Baboo of Phash entertainment was really spinning the music. The vibe was so good, that a few models incorporated the beats into their walks which the crowd LOVED. 

The designs pictured are from Adjanie and Eldior Sodeck Design.

The Designers

The Feature Designers were:

The Looks

Footnote

I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the featured visual artists, Alfrena Moosa. An artist with a strong spiritual identity, she gets her inspiration from God and the world around her. When I asked, "What would you do if you weren't making visual pieces?" Her answer was, "Sing!" The number one thing that impressed me about this talented artist was that she takes pride in finishing her pieces in under a day. That is powerful!

My only regret is that I could not have been involved the entire week with Ankara Miami 2016. This is definitely a great event for people of all cultural backgrounds. I can't wait until next year. 

 

LD

ps. I will be uploading more images to the galleries in the next couple of days. Thanks!

Subscribe

Model Session in Jamaica with Roseann

Model: Roseann LawrenceHair and Makeup: Roseann LawrenceStyling: Leighton DaCostaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Roseann Lawrence
Hair and Makeup: Roseann Lawrence
Styling: Leighton DaCosta
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

What can I say? There are times when being a photographer allows you to work with people all around the world, who make even a bad day, feel like you are living a life better than you deserve! The last time I had been to the Caribbean island of Jamaica was right around 1990, when going to boarding school at Knox Preparatory School in Spaldings, Clarendon. Over two decades elapsed, before I would step foot on the island again. IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!

 

Model: Roseann LawrenceHair and Makeup: Roseann LawrenceStyling: Leighton DaCostaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Roseann Lawrence
Hair and Makeup: Roseann Lawrence
Styling: Leighton DaCosta
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

The second of two sessions captured on the southern coast of Jamaica, in an area known as Treasure Beach, is in the quiet parish of Saint Elizabeth, about a 2 hour drive from Montego Bay, and over 3 hours from Kingston, the capitol city. 

A 3 hour ride that Jamaican model, Roseann Lawrence (Instagram), made with her friend Roxy in order to do a session with me. I am truly honored and humbled to work with such an excellent model and person. I also want to take the time to thank her friend Roxy, who was a great sport and asset to the session while working as a lighting assistant for me. 

Model: Roseann LawrenceHair and Makeup: Roseann LawrenceStyling: Leighton DaCostaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Roseann Lawrence
Hair and Makeup: Roseann Lawrence
Styling: Leighton DaCosta
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

The swimsuit bottom is from Roseann's own collection with the accessories coming from Esmena Florist & Things, located in Southfield, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. 

 

Besides getting to shoot at a great location, right on the beach, this session provided me the opportunity to do a little styling of my own. The shirt came from the Miramar, Florida based clothing boutique, Starcrush Boutique. (Instagram) 

A little behind the scenes and technical information. I have no issues with models bringing escorts, but I do have one rule. Everyone on the set, MUST be ready to work! Roxy was no slacker, a fast learner, and allowed me to take my light off of the stand to allow for more dynamic lighting. 

In her hand is DIFF60 soft box with a Nikon SB-800 inside set to 1/8th-1/4th power. Allowing for an ISO level between 640 and 1250, at f/7.1

Roxy pose while Roseann gets ready for her session. 

Roxy pose while Roseann gets ready for her session. 

The two lenses used for this session was the Nikon 180mm f/2.8D (black and white images) and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro (pictured right).

All images captured with the Nikon Df.

Roxy while working as a lighting assistant

Roxy while working as a lighting assistant

Subscribe

Model Session: Autumn in the Summer

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

I wanted to post about the awesome session that I did back in August with Autumn. A beautiful model based out of Jacksonville, Florida. Autumn, is also an awesome singer!

Autumn was a blast to work with this summer day at Amelia Island beach. I want to thank Michal May for doing the Makeup. Michal is moving to Dallas, but I hope that this isn't our last session together. 

Once again, I got to work with Shameka Wilcox of The Kimberly Clarke Salon in San Marco, Jacksonville, FL. I loved the color and fun look that she added to the session. I always love the energy that she brings to the set. 

This was also the first time that I got to work with Sarasota and South Florida photographer, Carlos Catagena. Carlos added much valued expertise to the set and helped create some AWESOME SHOTS!

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

The Technical: Camera: Nikon Df. Lighting: Natural light, SB800 with a DIFF60 Light modifier, 5 in 1 Reflector, Sekonic 478DR, and Pocket Wizard +III's and X's.

Subscribe