Have you ever played around with long exposures and ghosted imagery? It is really fun on your own with a timer and jumping in and out of the frame but even more fun with a willing model and a surfboard for added geometry and color.
The shape of a surfboard is so sensual and pretty especially when complimented with the curves of the human body. I thought about the shapes I wanted to create and the way the board would overlap.
Equipment needed:
1. Your camera
2. A wide angle lens.
3. A tripod.
4. A flashlight.
5. Depending on where you are, a bodyguard (A model can serve this purpose as well!)
6. A shutter release extension chord.
How to:
1. First take a few practice shots to determine the length of time the shutter will be open. I usually use the widest aperture but this depends on how many segments or ghosts I want to include.
2. Think about composition and how the ghosts will fit into the frame. Divide up the amount of time accordingly.
3. Play.
4. Try different poses.
5. Vary the time in each pose, longer will look more solid, less time will look more ghost like.
6. Use a flashlight to enhance the subject. Beam light up and down the areas you want to highlight for 5-8 seconds or more.
A big thanks to Olivier Soliz for modeling. Olivier owns and operates the Monkey House Surf Hostel. It sits on a point with incredible views of Playa Gigante to the left and popular surf spot, Playa Amarillo on your right. You can enjoy the views from one of the many hammocks, or the food down the hill at Mama Linn’s Restaurant. You can take a surf lesson with your host, or play with long exposures on the beach at night. I opted for all of the above.
More images from this photo session are posted here.