Overcast skies, a little bit of rain, with the sun trying to shine through. A black and white kind of day.... made me think of this photo of a "Sun kissed Sunday" with Jessica.

Dragon Bikini Babe

Started a new section on my Facebook website featuring models in swimwear. This is Jessica my first Dragon Bikini Babe. It was my first time shooting at the Makapuu Makai Research Pier and I LOVE it there. The natural lighting comes in from the sides, combined with the reflection from the water just makes its awesome shooting conditions. Its already a favorite location among many photographers.

More Dragon Babes

My next featured Dragon Babe will be Jessica. It was shot in downtown Honolulu in the late afternoon with some gorgeous natural light through the trees.

Shanda May-Halloween Group Shoot at Kakaako Park

Group shoots are set up with the idea of having each photographer bring a model with a common theme. The theme for this shoot was Halloween. Depending on the size of the group, several photographers shoot with a couple of models and then switch off after 20-30 minutes. Its difficult to get the "perfect shot" with the limited time. The idea is for photographers and models to be introduced to each other with some test shooting and perhaps schedule another one on one shoot at a later date.

Heather Toshiko Portrait Workshop

Shot at the Heather Toshiko Portrait workshop...with no flash, no reflectors....all natural light. Notice the different looks in each photo achieved with a slight change in her facial expressions. Her arms, legs and body within the time frame of 20-30 seconds stayed the same. No doubt the abilities of a talented and experienced model.

Model: Cassie Fillhart

MUA: Mia Moriguchi

Bikini BBQ Group Photo Shoot

A fellow photographer got a dozen photogs and a dozen models together for a group photo shoot at Magic Island. We were divided into 3 groups and the idea was to have 3-4 models shoot with 3-4 photogs. Every 30-40 minutes the models would rotate and shoot with another group of photogs. The challenge was for the photogs to set up the shot with the model, take a few shots and then take turns with the others in your group. All the photogs were very good about taking turns and helping with technical questions. Some of them had assistants to hold lights and reflectors. Most like myself used on camera flash with no assistants. The models had to keep their energy levels up while working in the warm sun, going thru a variety of poses, some on land and others in the water. With 3-5 cameras pointed at you, which way do you look? The more experienced models made eye contact with each photog. The idea was for the photogs to get a brief idea of what each model had to offer and the models would get a sample of the photogs shots. If all goes well, they would schedule a future one on one shoot. All in all it work very well. Met a lot of talented photogs who were very generous in sharing technique and information and several models willing to set up future shoots.

Behind the scenes-Setting up a shot with Kera Copeland

Some of us who were not ready to get wet

Some of us who were willing to get wet

Model: Kera Copeland

Model: Kera Copeland

Model: Jenn Bautista relaxing between shoots

Model: Leonor Labastida in B & W

Leonor

Leonor

One of my fav shots

Model: Sarah Henderson

Lions-50th State Fair

 One of the hairiest female models I've ever worked with. But she knew how to slightly tilt her head, with the sultry bedroom eyes. Maybe more like the "Hmmmm....dinner" look.

 The lone male among the six females

 She was a little bored and tired after going thru all the poses. Actually she was asking me if she should get some tongue studs.

Must have been something "ono" on that cage.

 She refused to wear high heels for the shoot. She gave the usual excuse, "There was nothing in my size..." Who was I to say no to a 400 pound lioness.

Model-Lovey

Had an opportunity to help Lovey expand her portfolio with some urban/business casual shots. Started off at my secret location in town. Here's a few teaser shots. Let me know what you think of the black and whites.

Above the Clouds

Weather was rainy and foggy but it was still breathtaking to be above the clouds in the Zhangjiajie (Avatar) mountains of China.