Fashion Photography 101

Shoot4

This shoot was a bit difficult, think we just didn't have the sun on our side, so it was a bit hard to get perfect shots, but this is what we managed.

Photo credit: Gcebile Matsimbe

Location: West Lake estate, Hartbeespoort South Africa

Quick tip:

This outfit will suit all body types as there are details to take the attention off the hips and waist area. 

My experience:

Hmmm, can't say much about this shoot just that we had trouble with lighting but had to have the lake in. This was truly a beautiful location, so had to make it work somehow.

Fashion Photography 101

Shoot2

This was the fastest and easiest shoot we did, we already had something in mind, so when we went outside it took us 15minutes max and the results were so much more amazing.

This is what it's like working with someone who loves fashion and photography, after years of careful study and paying close attention to detail.

Photo credit: Gcebile Matsimbe

Location: West Lake, Hartbeespoort South Africa

                         

                         

Quick tip:

This outfit was just for the different contrasts, so every piece can be worn individually.

I would say, an hourglass, inverted-triangle, rectangular and pear-shaped figure would best suit this complete look. Although it can be manipulated to fit all body types by either wearing a loosely fit blouse, for the apple shaped figure and making the skirt's waistband fitted under the bust, not calling attention to the bigger waist area.

My experience:

This shoot was nice and easy. We knew what we wanted and we did just that and this was the result. We didn't add more ideas to it, we just went straight into it and to be honest it was really chilled and worth it.

These are proper fashion shoots ;)

Fashion vs Nature

Day 17

Today was just a day out in town at the touristic areas, sooo spotted the Christuskirche, which to be very honest is the major tourist attraction in Windhoek, so I had to take my next picture there.. When you google "Windhoek"- you're bound to see the church, so I included it.

Outfit is more a street style type of wear, not too over the top or too casual. I also decided to add some african print to make it stand out a bit more, just for flavour :)

Location: center of town, at the Christuskirche

Jewellery: earrings- NamiPend

                  ring: Michael

Quick tip

This outfit will suit an hourglass perfectly. This outfit cannot really be worn by other body types as it won't suit those who have either bigger hips/bust/waist as much attention will be drawn to those areas, so it's best to avoid longer pencil skirts or fitted tops. If the top is loose, then an apple- shaped figure will be able to pull this outfit off. We can make the skirt a bit flared for a pear-shaped figure. Will send pictures of that outfit soon.

My experience

Walking around my country, taking pictures as if I'm a tourist, called attention alright :D but it was nice just showing some appreciation to a landmark known by tourist who come to see our country. 

Had to bring some fashion into that too :) just to add to the amazing things found in our country :)

Fashion vs Nature

Day 16

No, no, no, no! I changed locations so left my boots at home..but that didn't stop me..walked through some kind of trail to, I don't know where, with my flip-flops, of course couldn't shoot bare feet ( those thorns...haha! Not even for fashion would I risk getting attacked) sooo had to force those heels on because I couldn't resist taking pictures with that beautiful view.....man! :O

This was something else..really

Ok, so this outfit. I had to have a camouflage military dress somewhere, I'm in the bush..you can't be a soldier without something in camouflage military green. Therefore, you probably saw this coming.. hehe! :)

/Parka Jacket: Cotton on

Quick tip

Firstly, the pencil dress suits an hourglass and inverted-triangle figure perfectly, as it is tailored to the exact measurements of the body. The bust, waist and hips are measured to the body, so those areas will be emphasized. Although, with the Parka jacket or any coat that's long enough to cover the hips, makes it suitable for everyone. The pear- and apple shaped figure will look beautiful in this outfit as well. Those coats/cloaks/jackets are gifts to us ladies :)

My experience

I love my country! 

Took the wrong turn and ended up here, in search for Avis dam :D but this place. I can't believe I didn't know about this place..so here I am, with or without heels :D

 I'm soooo glad I found this place <3

Was a great experience, made me sooo excited...almost spent the night :D jokes! 

It was really great though, no doubt.

Fashion vs trapped inside

Day 15

I am trapped inside again:)))

Sooo, the outfit I am wearing is for those who have those statement pieces, which in my case is my skirt and can't really wear it often because people will know that you're wearing it AGAIN, so how to make something that's already busy look classy and fashionable.

Location: Gathemann restaurant, Windhoek

Quick tip

Soooo, this is a bit tricky but will be a bit specific with this tip, where feathers are concerned. If you have a sequins skirt too, this will apply, but will post some sequins soon to show the difference. I just had this skirt that was pretty out there, for an example for those who have that one thing they can't wear often because it already called attention before ;)

To be honest, it doesn't even matter what body type you are because you can cover anything with a blazer, so this I added to neutralize the craziness of the skirt and take away a few feathers too :D I added a cute diamante belt to make the outfit a bit formal. Basically, everything else worn with a busy skirt/pants should be calmed with a mono-coloured top/blazer/blouse to balance the outfit out a bit.

My experience

I did a shoot at  Gathemann restaurant before, so this blast from the past was soooo much fun, so had a very memorable day. It's a very vintage restaurant, with amazing food ;)

Had to do this shoot in the afternoon because it was going to get busy later, so had a relaxing shoot, just had some quick shots to give some advice, which is alwayssss a good idea.

I love this place, because everything in there is vintage, so this place takes you back alright :) to those old black & white movies <3 love love love

Fashion vs Nature

Day 14

As I am on pants these days, I made something different today. 

My location is at the golf course, so very laid back and all attention on the pants :)

I chose this location for this shoot as the golf course has an amazing open space, so went there for a quick shoot, just to show the pants and explain it.

Location: Country Club Golf Course, Windhoek

Necklace by NamiPend Namibia 

                       

Quick tip

This pants will suit an hourglass, apple figure and an inverted-triangle shaped figure. These bootleg pants are perfect for those who have long slender legs, not too much hips as pear- shaped figures hips will be very evident, but can wear this pants if there will be a blazer that falls on the hips, hiding the hips a bit. Although an apple figure needs a loose chiffon type of top that wont call attention to the waist area.  This pants just needs to be styled correctly, so that the imperfections can be out of the way and still have you looking amazing.

A bootleg pants isn't really what I am comfortable in. Haven't worn one since high school, so this was just to demonstrate what and how bootlegs can do. When it's on the waist it elongates the legs for those who are short, will give extra length.

My experience

This was a quick shoot just to emphasize this type of pants. I haven't been to the golf course in a while, so was good going back to see how green it is. 

Was a brief visit but we all remember the Country Club from way back when;) was just soo much greener, which is beautiful.

Fashion vs trapped inside

Day 11

I am still in Windhoek, need to come up with some inspiring casual looks, things out of the norm so that those who like dressing up can come up with ways to make their outfits more fashionable.

I haven't done anything with pants, so I took the closest pants I could find and just made a top that is flattering.

I have a thing for Kimonos, think it's cos it's a lazy but beautiful concept, I added some African spice to it ;) justttt to show that Japanese and African cultures can make something beautiful.

Location: Stellenbosch restaurant and the Tasting Room, Namibia

Quick tip

Soo, this outfit it perfect for an hourglass and inverted-shaped figure. If however, the shirt is a bit longer a pear shaped figure will also be able to perfect this look, as the hips will be hidden because of the longer top. The belt can also be placed above the stomach when you have an apple figured body, pulling attention away from the stomach, although the belt width will have to be thinner.

My experience

I was looking for a great setting for a smart casual outfit, as it was raining..I couldn't really be outside and that was my initial idea, so had Stellenbosch in mind. The Italian villa setting made it very classy and romantic, also the outfit worked here. It was an amazing setting for what I had in mind, also it is a unique location, so trapped inside a villa is always a good idea :)

Fashion vs trapped inside

Day 9

I am in Windhoek now and had to scout for a venue indoors, soo came across the Executive Lounge at the Hilton, Namibia.
Needed something classy, as the dress was something different, so venue had to be a bit serious :)

The dress I'm wearing is more a "black-tie" event kind of dress, so had to choose a venue accordingly, also didn't want the room to overpower the dress, so the Executive lounge was the perfect location.

Location: Executive lounge, Hilton, Namibia

Quick tip

This dress will look flattering on an hourglass and pear-shaped figure. Emphasis is only on the waist, so all slim waists will look beautiful in this dress. However, if you shift the waistline to under the bust, it will be perfect on an apple figure too.

My experience

This was a very serious shoot :) only because the people who came into the executive lounge all had suits on, so had to be very serious and act like a real professional :D

It was fun though, different location with its different ambiance, but it was a great experience and the outcome of the shoot was exactly what I had in mind, so the pictures came out perfect. 

Fashion vs trapped inside

Day 7

This shoot was very unexpected...

I literally stepped into The Delight (Gondwana collection), Swakopmund and I immediately knew what dress just blended, literally, into The Delight's reception. I promise. It was as if I had the exact fabric of the couches...I couldn't resist...sooooo, this shoot is different, because it's indoors :)

Jewellery sponsored by NamCrafts

Location: The Delight (Gondwana collection) Swakopmund

Quick tip

This outfit will suit an hourglass, inverted-triangle and a pear shaped perfectly. All body types will be able to wear a dress like this, although an apple shaped figure will have to shift the waistline to the smallest part of their waist area in order for attention to be shifted away from the bigger part of the waist.

My experience

The Delight is beautiful. I loved the interior and how modern it was compared to the other lodges. 

I liked it here. The colours...everything. I think it was just very different, not a lodge setting, more a beautiful bed and breakfast. Swakop is generally a relaxing place, so The Delight made it a happy, relaxed venue.

Fashion vs Nature

Day 5

New day:)
This morning, I went for a boat drive at sunrise...don't recall ever just relaxing the way I did when I stepped into the boat.

Sooo, my outfit was a bit different..as I was thinking of ways to make normal comic t-shirts more jazzed up. I added a long skirt to make it a bit more fashionable.

This trip was wayyy too fun to be in a body-hugging dress, so Spider-man came along :)

Jewellery by NamCrafts

Location: well, I was on a boat on the Kavango River.. and Hakusembe River Lodge (Gondwana collection)

Quick tip

This outfit can honestly be worn by all  different figures. My skirt sits on my waist, but when you have an apple figure, you can shift it above the waist, to the slimmest part of your abdomen. 

This is a fun outfit. Plus, you're never too old for comics :)

My experience

To describe this shoot..jeez, I couldn't have had more fun, really.

The boat ride was amazing. The scenery. The sound of the water :)

This was an amazing experience. One I would do over and over again.

The people were friendly, the service was exceptional.
I really had a great time here.

Was honored to have met the Governor of the Kavango East too, on my way out of town, Amb. Dr. Samuel K. Mbambo, who spoke to me about how Namibia isn't recognize internationally as it should be and how our own people aren't aware of how beautiful our country really is.