I’ve worked with Shazmin in my previous concept shoot based on the Battle Of Iwo Jima. She was really fun to work with and we have great dynamics. Shazmin approached me to help build up her portfolio because she needed some beach shoots for a Miss Hawaii Tropicanna competition that she was entering.

We did the shoot as the sun set on second beach and were fighting for time because doing the makeup took a bit longer than estimated. Before we knew it, we had an audience watching us along the sea wall as I snapped away. It was great working with Shazmin because she really knows how to move like a model and it allows for the photographer to be able to capture each frame fluidly. Every model should learn what their good angles are and how to work with the photographer to flatter their strengths.

With the sun dropping quickly in the sky I had to think quickly because we were losing light. I decided to continue using the reflector, but fired my flash remotely off that to simulate the sun. It worked really well and I’m really happy with the results.

Since Vancouver isn’t well known for its beaches, I had to do a bit of post production to create that Carribean look and feel for the photos by changing the water and adding beach sand. You can see a before and after of what it was like. Check out the rest of the shoot in the gallery!