WHAT INSPIRED THIS SHOOT?

This shoot was very important to me because I had the opportunity to capture my friend, Lima Hossain’s first swimsuit fashion shoot. Although the images captured made for beautiful shots, I firstly want to commend her for her extreme bravery. As long as I’ve known Lima, she’s made it her business to stress her strength and independence as a Bangladeshi woman. She successfully embraces what to others can sometimes feel like two opposing sides. Therefore, it was crucial that I incorporated that same confidence into these images. Too often Middle Eastern woman are type casted, as timid and excessively conservative but, as far as I’ve known her she’s done well at emphasizing both the importance of her spirituality and physical beauty. In no way, shape, or form was this shoot uncomfortable for her or the team.

Which leads me to the inspiration behind these beautiful tones. These tones are highly inspired by the traditional red Benarasi Saree worn by a lot of Bengali women on their wedding day. It caught my attention because it portrayed the bride (Nababadhu) as a lavished goddess. By replicating the maroon (red), gold and black tones in that wedding gown, I was able to keep this lavish depiction, while also remaining culturally accurate. I knew it would be best to shoot during sunset. If captured correctly, those warm golden hour tones could be manipulated in a way that could result in reddish tones. As can be seen in the image to the left. As for posing, that was all the model’s doing. I made sure things like posture and expression were fixed but, that confidence in her poses were inspired mainly by slow hand movements found in various Bengali dances.

Much of this shoot was inspired by Indian film actress and producer, Deepika Padukone. Post marriage Deepika decided to do a swimsuit photoshoot for GQ India and these shots were phenomenal. Her shoot featured a white one-piece and a blue two-piece with a beautiful black coverup tied at the hip. This allowed for the covering of her upper body but, the exposure of her long legs. When Lima told me those were the looks she was trying to obtain, I was excited. I knew we were on the same page. The black swimwear was an innovative attempt to “recreate” Deepika’s GQ look but, the red one-piece was actually inspired by “BayWatch”. I’ve never actually watched the show but, when thinking of themes for these shoots I couldn’t get that image out of my mind. Lifeguards, running in slow-motion to save someone on the beach. As silly as that may seem, those red swimsuits do stand out more, contrasting with the sand and making it easier to see help from a distance. The show still has an impact on today’s society. So much so, that a lot of lifeguards still use the bright red color ‘til this day. I thought it would be cool to incorporate that iconic look into this shoot. Now, looking back I think it was the best decision.

I am somebody and yet at the same time some body is not all I am. I am also a space and a soul and a bit of matter among the scatter of other bodies some other somebodies.

-KM

Ēkaṭi guhāẏa ḍrāgana

She is looking for a boy. A boy who is a prince. A boy who will one day be a king. Who could save her from this cursed cave. These four walls that don’t allow her to spread her wings. That hold her back from soaring and flying. She doesn’t want someone who will tame her mind, but someone that will understand the fire in her heart. She is a beautiful creature deserving of admiration. You should marvel at her beauty and her acceptance should be celebrated.

Ēkaṭi guhāẏa ḍrāgana

This phrase above means “Dragon In A Cave” and the poem to the left tells that story. Often, people think of women as damsels in distress needing a prince to save them but, I’ve always known the opposite to be true. I think that a lot of women would instead identify with the dragon that princes must battle to test their worth and bravery. Women already have the power and the fire; they are just looking for that person to accept them and not slay them. That prince that they can be free with and not tamed by.

This is probably the most simplistic preset I’ve created in this Lightroom Preset Travel Pack and it’s named “Bangladesh”. Why Bangladesh? Honestly, I saw their beautiful garbs and connected with them instantly. Also, the name is pretty cool. This preset draws from that lack of absolute colors found in VOGUE’s edits. As you can see in the image, both the blacks and the whites are not absolute or blown out. This makes for an even, film look that allows for all colors to blend into each other. While still making the model stand out from a well exposed background. To purchase this preset, do not hesitate to click the link below.