Model Session: Shante | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Fine Art Photographer
Going during low tide proved to allow for a great photography opportunity.
Shante wearing Lila Nikole
CONFESSION: I don't usually post nude/fine art work online. But since it is a blue moon, why not?
Seriously, I don't like posting nude work and projects online. One, because of privacy and discretion, but two because I honestly feel that fine art work should be printed, savored, and enjoyed. It is intended to live longer than a snap or a gram, but for many years.
Shante wearing the Love fringe tank from Starcrush Boutique and a skirt from the photographer's private collection
So I guess I'll let the cat out the bag. I've been working for the past few months with a model from Jacksonville, Florida. Shante has been a blast to work with as we work through this project, but recently while reviewing the images from a session, one image jumped right out at me.
The call time was 5 am, where I met Shante at her hotel that she was staying in for her weekend in Charleston, SC, along with fellow photographer, Jerrica Smith-McKune of Jerrica SM Photography. We ventured out to an area of Edisto Beach that is well known for its driftwood beach. I was extremely nervous about coming out to this beach, because I had not been since the summer before the hurricanes. I heard there was bad erosion, and the beach was closed. Came to find out that the beach is only closed for the 2 hours before and after high tide.
Shante wearing the Love fringe tank from Starcrush Boutique and a skirt from the photographer's private collection
So with an overcast sky, and temperatures in the 50's, we set out to do an outdoor shoot consisting of fine art nudes, along with a little editorial fashion. Shante and Jerrica were great to work with, and proved to be the ideal team to try new concepts of lighting and looks with.
About a half-mile away from our "camp site," we decided to get a little bohemian type look going. While shooting, I must have made a joke that was so funny that Shante laughed out loud. Reviewing the look on her face in the image below, reminded me on how liberating a shoot like this can be. You're out in the public. Bare for all to see. Cold. Yet you are having fun without a care in the world.
A smiling model is a happy model.
Shante wearing a coat from the photographer's collection
After the boho look, the shoot started to warm up, even with the cold temperatures. We did a few other looks before going to a fully nude bodyscape. I really have to give Shante a lot of credit for she was willing to stand in very cold water, in the brisk air to get the shot.
The experience was great for all, and I can't wait to finish the collection of fine art work.
Shante, wearing her own private collection.