SI Swimsuit Issue 2005
Every year Sports Illustrative produces a swim suit issue with top models and photographers.
Ah yes the 2005 Sports Illustrative Swimsuit edition is in bookstores this month. My wife allowed me to pickup a copy the other day for “research purposes” only. Isn’t she great! As a photographer the swim suit edition provides excellent insights into challenging photo shoots. As a man…well I think you understand.
This Sports Illustrative crew has been to 8 different locations and photographed over 20 different women. As I turn the pages I notice some of the pictures are not about the swim suits at all. One picture featured a model with shells covering all the sensitive areas and a very expensive necklace around her neck. To many photographers this might be a dream job but from what I know these people really work hard for it.
The day often starts at 4 am meeting with models and makeup artists. Then they travel to the beach and setup the first shot to capture the warm light of the rising sun. Constantly fighting the elements, contrast, and not to mention the lack of resources in remote locations. If you forgot your tripod on these remote islands you might have to live without it. But these photographers make it work and come back with some amazing images. I noticed that many of them still shoot film; at least they look like film in the final image. One magazine candid captured an assistant holding a 4x5 Polaroid back.
If you have ever taken pictures at the beach you can appreciate how hard it really is. The light bouncing off the sand and water can cause many problems with lens flare and extreme contrast. It is possible to filter the light on the model and bounce light back into the shadows areas of the models face. Also be sure to use a long lens shade to avoid flare. 
One tip I picked up from the magazine was to use sunscreen on the models not baby oil for that wet look. I guess hours in the sun can cause major burns if you don’t use the right product and lobster like models are very hard to color correct not to mention grumpy.
More images can be found on the SI website.
If you are a SI Photographer wanabe then please send us a copy of your work and we will let the readers critique your work. Send all inquiries to USA@fotolia.com
The image below was from a series of photos taken underwater. I love the soft flowing fabric and hair.
