Florida!!! | How to Shoot Swimwear

Megan and I have a history of spontaneous beach trips with our kids. On this particular morning, we left the kids with their dads and a promise of donuts, and headed to the beach for early light and pretty photos.

Megan bought this incredible swimsuit from Reiss. Megan has never modeled before, but this is nothing new for me. Here are three tips for shooting swimwear, whether on an experienced model or a lovely amateur like Megan.

1] Start with simplicity; ask your model to walk. Walking is second-nature, and a quick easy way for everyone to get comfortable quickly. For the best visual lines on camera, I ask my models to walk with one foot slightly crossing the other, as though crossing a tightrope.

2] Use all the light. This morning at the beach was ridiculous, unicorn light, perfect in every direction. Try facing the ocean, the shore, the sunrise, the west. Using the light creatively adds variety that a beach shoot can otherwise lack.

3] If a pose isn't working, move along. I asked Megan to try a ballet-inspired pose that didn't quite work with her frame, so we moved on. Later I asked for another one and she struck it flawlessly! Not every body moves the same, so if it doesn't come together within a minute or so, drop it and move on.

I'm in love with the results. I feel they rival Grace Kelly's portraits in more ways than one. :)