The video is a behind the scenes shoot of the new swimwear collection for Mar y Limon.  For this production I worked with stylist, Sofia Restrepo, who helped create a concept with props, location and color theme.  Working with a stylist allows the photographer to focus on his/her craft of photography and speeds up the process.  The swimsuit collection was 22 pieces and with our team of make-up artist, stylist and models it took about 10 hours to complete. 

One of the opportunities of joining me on a Tag Along is to experience a production.  My next Tag Along is in South America August 16-22.  Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want full details.  Also,  be sure to click the "read more" below if you want to see the shots and some details on techniques used during this session.

Notes on each shot are above the photo.  If you want to learn my unique approach to lighting and photography be sure to check out the Vbook here.

*** CLICK READ MORE FOR THE PHOTOS AND NOTES ***

For the shot below:  I used a speedlight with a grid attached (tight circle of light) to light up the face and upper part of the body.  I then bounced light spilling from the grid and the light coming in from the window camera right to fill in the shot so it wasn't too contrasty.  Combining ambient light and light from a flash is crucial for complete control.  Post production note:  I added the gold texture to the wall in photoshop (I do this a lot and there is a tutorial in the Vbook)

Below:  I used a Ray Ring Flash.  The Ray allows you to use a speedlight.  A hell of a lot cheaper than buying a $1,500 ring light from Profoto.  I like how the ring light softens the shadows.  It also allows me to get in close with the model;  have a little banter.

Below:  I had a bird feather and shoved it in front of the lens to get a gradient effect.  I'm showing you these tips so that you can step outside your comfort zone and be creative.  I also let the models know that sometimes I am simply playing or experimenting.  If the idea isn't working,  I stop and move on. 

Below:  Pretty much right out of camera.  There are three main things that make this photo special.  Okay, four!  The model is awesome. 

1. I used a neutral density filter so that I could shoot with an extremely wide aperture of f 1.4.   I dial in the exposure using the varying ND filter.  A lot of people ask me if the ND affects color and the answer is NO.  

2. A grid spot was used for the face and body.  This was shot around sunset (you can see the natural rim light from the sun in her hair) and she would have been a complete shadow if I hadn't used off camera flash for the face/body. 

3.  I also used a reflector to reflect some of the natural light from the sun.  Reflectors and scrims are an essential piece of gear which I hardly ever see photographers use.  They carry them around, but never use them...this baffles me.

I hope you liked this post!  Email me if you have any questions, I always respond, and if you are interested in joining me on one of my Tag Alongs. 

-Michael