Straight out of Camera Capture of Etienne
Pembroke Pines, FL
Nikon D810
105mm f/2.8 VR at f/2.8
1/400s
ISO 64
Just wanted to share a sneak peek of Etienne's Session.
Model Session in Jamaica with Roseann
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 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 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.
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
Model Session: Autumn in the Summer
Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: 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 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.
Nicole's Test Shoot
Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Model: Nicole
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Makeup: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Last month I had a great opportunity to work with international Hair Stylist and Educator, Shameka Wilcox of the Kimberly Clarke Salon located in the heart of San Marco in Jacksonville, Florida. The purpose of this session was not necessarily for a client, but as a test session.
Normally when we hear the phrase "Test Shoot," normally it is in reference to a model having a session testing her "camera presence" for usually an agency firm. I have always felt that when working with new people, when possibly, to have a test run between all the players. This allows for a more efficient process for clients. The Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, and Photographer are all on the same page, which allows us to provide the client an UNBELIEVABLE experience.
Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair Stylist: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
I routinely work with new MUA's and Stylists for the first time, but there is something special when you walk on set and it there are familiar faces and voices. The energy is there. Our model, Nicole, had worked with Shameka before, and as of late, I have done several sessions with Davianne previously, but this was the first time that all three of us had worked on a project together. With each one, the energy gets better and better. Can't wait until our next session.
Hair Stylist, Shameka Wilcox tends to model, Nicole Snyder's hair between frames.
In the Fashion, Beauty, and Hair industries, test shoots are crucial for all participants as they grow within the industry. It can be anywhere from an agency/firm testing out a model's presence in front of camera, a photographer's ability behind the camera; or even serve as a pre-shoot of sorts to act as a rehearsal before the actual shoot. In a business where time is money, I have made it a staple to get as much practice as possible in between assignments, so that when the actual assignment comes up, it is handled in stride.
Thank you ladies!
Technical talk.
Nikon Df with 50mm f/1.8 lens and one Profoto B1 with a 28" Beauty Dish.
ISO 100; 1/160s; f/8 for most images
My Thoughts on Working TF*
The PAID/TF* relationship.
I am about to expound on this relationship. There are many photographers and models out there who have never paid for a shoot. And that is great! Do what works for you. But my belief in a TF* shoot is this, as the photographer, who has invested thousands of dollars into my craft, the first thing I will ask myself is, "how does this person improve my portfolio?" Which I think a model should also ask his or herself as well before shooting a TF*. But I feel, and I preach, that the TF* shoot is for the benefit of the Photographer and the Model is using "sweat equity" to work off the cost of a shoot. Therefore a photographer or model should never shortchange a shoot.
The paid relationship goes back to WHO is doing the paying. IF you pay me, then I work for YOU. It is my job to give you the best possible shoot that I can for your money. IF I pay you, then you work for ME. Which means that I should get the best possible shoot that you can give. Also, I hate to say this, but if you hire me, you expect me to be ready to shoot with all my equipment, likewise if you are hired, YOU should be ready to shoot at the agreed time.
Even though, during a TF*, no money is being exchanged, it can actually cost a photographer or model more than a paid shoot. Everything from reputation to location/transportation and opportunity costs from doing other shoots. One of the most TACKIEST things I think models and photographers do is to believe that a "paid" shoot takes priority over a TF*. If I have an open dated and decide to do a TF* on that date, that TF* now has priority over everything. If a paid shoot comes up for the same time, then I should contact the other principles and see if its possible to reschedule for another time or date, but ONLY if both can agree to it. I often travel and when I schedule a shoot, it might be JUST for that weekend and time. I think we do not take those aspects into consideration when we schedule. The paid shoots often do, but those who have not invested hard currency sometimes fail to understand because it comes so easy.
Models and Photographers, if someone approaches you for a TF shoot, take it as a compliment. But don't forget that there is no such thing as a free lunch, nor a free shoot!
Nicole Stoddart and Betty Blake
Styled Bridal and Beach boudoir session in Amelia Island and Jacksonville.
Models:
- Nicole Stoddart, Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I.
- Betty Blake, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Makeup Artist:
- Timothy Cabell, Savannah, Georgia
Studio Beau Monde
On Facebook
Hair Stylists:
- Darlene Smith, Jacksonville, Fl
Anthony's et al/Beauty By Darlene
www.beautybydarlene.com - Keisha Melendez, Saint Marys, GA
Dimensions Hair Studio
www.dimensionshairstudio.org
Wardrobe Stylist:
- Beth Sullivan, Jacksonville, FL
Sei Bella Image Consulting
www.seibellaimageconsulting.com
Assistants:
- James Burney, Photographer/Assistant to Mr. DaCosta
- Nicholas Fletcher, Photographer/Assistant to Mr. DaCosta
- Tiffany DaCosta, Assistant to Mr. Dacosta
- Brei Morgan, Assistant to Mrs. Sullivan
Special thanks to:
- Arlington Toyota Rental
- AA Twins Luxury Limousine Jacksonville.
- Love. A bridal boutique
- Beatrice Couture Designs
Model Monday: Angelica Scurry
