Model Session: Shante | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Fine Art Photographer
Exposure and Style | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Photographer
Charleston Wedding Week: The Designer Shows | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Wedding Photographer
The Designer Shows was titled sponsored by jewelers, Diamonds Direct and Henri Daussi. The four showcases were from Mason Hosker Bridal, Lovely Bride Charleston with its 'Made with Love' presentation, Emily Kotarski, and Modern Trousseau.
#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!
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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)
Aquisha - Head Shot Session | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Head Shot Photographer
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.
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:
- NATURAL TREND SETTERS
- DAHIL REPUBLIC OF COUTURE
- ELDIOR SODECK DESIGN
- FABIAN & MOM
- JZO
- RARE HONEY, INC
- WAMUIRU COUTURE
- ADJANIE
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!