Outdoor portrait photography – Gina

Two weeks ago, Kenn-Wai rang me up and invited me to join an outdoor portrait shooting of Gina. She is a Malaccan working as news reporter of a local TV station in Kuala Lumpur. I was happy to join the shooting, hoping to learn about portraiture photography from Kenn-Wai which he is skillful in.

In the 4pm afternoon of Sunday, after meeting up with Kenn-Wai in Pulau Gadong and picked up Gina who staying nearby, we went to some of the good sites with beautiful landscape. Kenn-Wai always knows where to go for fascinating spots especially in Pulau Gadong as where he lives.

First we reached at a vast paddy field and found that the crop was just after harvest. Without the full-grown greenish paddy which we anticipated, we set to look for an alternative site. Kenn-Wai then recalled a corn farm not far from the paddy field. We then drove to the next destination.

When we were lucky to locate the corn farm, the trees appeared in yellow, russet and brown colors. They were pretty much dead, probably due to drought damage or pesticide over-dosage. Thinking that it might be a new experience, we chose to stay and shoot in this brownish corn farm.

The theme was country girl. After having some short chat with Gina, we started our shooting. Gina was requested to enjoy herself and be herself in the sense doing what she would normally do without the presence of others. Gina understood what we wanted and with her experience, she picked up really quickly and was doing very well and natural. Gina gave us her full cooperation which made the shooting progressing.

The sun was setting over the hill and the natural light source was not that sufficient especially when we moved into the trees. Kenn-Wai is good in with flash units and always creates amazing lighting for his shots. After taking some shots however, Kenn-Wai passed his wireless flash unit to me, sacrificed his time and shared with me his knowledge in flash lighting. I really appreciate Kenn-Wai’s kindness and the credit of the last few shots would go to him.

Two hours later we were worn out and thirsty. The shooting was concluded after we had some refreshing coconut drinks nearby. It was really great and fun outing with Kenn-Wai and Gina. Thanks to Kenn-Wai for inviting me and sharing much of his experience and thanks to Gina for giving in her time and being tolerate throughout the whole session.

May all beings be happy. Some shots taken:

Behind the scene, Gina and Kenn-Wai: