Portraits of Influencer Kate Knight
Many people refer to influencer, Kate Knight as a mermaid. She’s ALWAYS in the water. Whether the beach or a pool or some body of water, she loves posting images displaying her love for the water. Kate and I discussed doing a shoot that shared the same theme but something more artistic, something anti-swimwear with a “mood” that could be translated to an effortless and whimsical photo shoot.
I called on a colleague and amazing fashion designer Ria Georgina, commissioning her to create a dress for our “mermaid” to wear. Once I explained the vision to Ria, she sent samples of fabric and colors and this glittery, semi cheer golden fabric that was perfect…so much, it was almost like she had read my mind!
One of the things I am a perfectionist with as a photographer is where I shoot. 80% of the time, the client has no idea where to shoot but once Kate explained to me what she wanted to do, I knew the cliffs at Clifton Pier would make for the perfect backdrop. We also chose dusk as the time to capture the shots as well. There was something about the mood of the light around that time that I knew would add to the overall aesthetic.
Kate brought her A-game, moving effortlessly from frame to frame. Our MUA, Y.Aysia placed a palette of bronze and natural colors on the models face that seemed to be barely there. We weren't going for high fashion but a more natural look and she achieved this look perfectly. This combined with the location, wardrobe, and lighting all worked out to be a wonderful shoot.
Please enjoy the images below.
Styling + Photography: Scharad Lightbourne
Dress: Ria Georgina
MUA: Y.Asia MUA
Grips: Stephen McKinney Jr
Signature Styles Holiday ’19: “Lady in Red” Collection
Words by Sherron Young
The product of two authorities stemming from two completely different industries, fuse for an electrifying reveal.
Scharad Lightbourne, renowned Bahamian Photographer has established quite the name for himself, introducing photography in lighting that forces all eyes.
As a pioneer in his industry, Scharad re-invests heavily into budding photographers, mentoring them all while capturing stunning polaroids of some of the largest names in the Region.
While immersed in his work which dictates a rather overwhelming schedule, it leaves very little time for projects of the heart. He says being the creative that he is first, sometimes leaves him famished for a creative project, one that he can call his own and that is born from a pure passion in photography.
This collection was precisely that, a birthing of a veteran photographer's soul; bringing it to life, however, would call for a clothing line that was expansive in its collection yet exquisite, bearing fierce variables and a team whose fashion sense purely distracts.
Mitzi Turnquest, fashion connoisseur and founder of Bahamian Fashion Empire; Signature Styles, partnered with the noble photographer for the capturing of her brand's 4 tiered holiday collection which features bold reds among other holiday looks. As her brand moves to onboard an international line, Turnquest thought it the perfect timing for a peak in the brands look and feel in the changing of the company's entire branding scheme, logo, inter-store cosmetics among other upgrades. This photo-shoot would serve as just another feature to the brands full overhaul and seal her efforts placing Signature Styles in due position as the leading ladies’ fashion brand.
She along with her team collaborated with Lightbourne on a set that looked like we were in Miami South Beach, bearing floor to ceiling glass walls and a memorizing view of the Nassau Harbour. The ambiance alone was a sight to behold, amplified by model and social influencer; Denise Francis.
This campaign showcases the profound power of collaboration but more importantly raises the bar in editorial fashion locally. The collection definitely opens your senses for a better product in 2020 as they have certainly outdone themselves this year. All looks are available within the Marathon Rd location commencing 10:00 am December 3rd with a sip and shop experience. All are welcomed.
Photographer: Scharad Lightbourne
MUA: Y. Aysia
Model/Hair Stylist: Denise Francis
Styling: Mitzie Turnquest
Styling Assistant: Cordero Toussaint
Grip: Tariq Cartwright / Stephen McKinney
Tony & Geena: An Engagement Session
I was just as elated as the rest of you when I happened to scroll social media and saw a video Geena had posted where Tony planned a surprise engagement for her. Tony and I worked together several times and I the same with Geena as she modeled for a few of the brands that I have worked with. I was excited for these two. So much that I called a meeting with them both and talked about gifting them with an engagement session.
In our meeting, I laid out my points for what I wanted to capture. I told them exactly what I felt based on their personalities. With Tony being the quiet, shy and subdued individual while Geena being the social, outspoken and expressive member of the bunch, I had the notion to shoot two looks. One of them being a more chill, homely and casual look, fitting Tony’s speed while the other being more fashion-based which would fit Geena’s personality perfectly. In the meeting, the couple laughed over and over as I hit all my points like a hammer to a nail.
I told Tony that he’d have to dress up because if you know Mr. Williams, a pair of dark shorts, a t-shirt and some tennis shoes are his life. This only made Geena excited because she expressed getting her now fiance´ to dress up was always a challenge. Tony agreed and the planning began.
With the help of Realtor Phillipa Newton of C.A. Christie, we found the perfect home to which would serve as the backdrop for their e-session. TONS of natural light flowed through the home and using my mirrorless Z6, I was able to focus more on creating my shots allowing me more time to manipulate, highlight and create a mood to the photos that simply worked. I used a reflector to help me fill in the dark areas, high ISO to let in tons of light and as I directed the two I felt like it was easy because I’d known and worked with them for some time so it was familiar to both parties.
I hope you enjoy the images.
Clients: Tony Williams + Geena Thompson
Photographed + Styled by: Scharad Lightbourne
MUA: Alexandria Miller
Grips: Dayna Pratt
Set Asst: Caneasha Carrol
Recreating the iconic model Grace Jones
I knew in 2019, one of the things I wanted to do more of as a photographer was to collaborate more with other creatives. I, like many others, constantly have these new ideas I want to reproduce and working with other experts in the field is always better than trying to produce them on your own. I always find that from doing collaborations, these creatives push me and my work further than the initial idea so when I knew I wanted to recreate the iconic Grace Jones, a collaboration was definitely a must.
“When the idea was presented to me that we are going to recreate Grace Jones it was exciting and I couldn’t wait. Now that I have seen the finish work it makes me feel like doing this again. It’s LIT!” - Lexx Brown
So when I told him about this idea, he immediately jumped on board. I didn't have to look far for an MUA either because I’d known of Krystal Major’s work for some time but again, it wasn't the right time for us to collaborate but when I reached out and proposed my thoughts on working together, she eagerly agreed. Even Ominique, after I reached out to her, said “yes,” with no hesitation.
We had an initial meeting where we put all our thoughts on paper, going back and forth almost like a fencing match until we all agreed on the final output. Lexx, our barber knew what he needed to do to achieve the right shape for her hair and Krystal and I studied the way Grace would apply her makeup and discussed how we could make it more modern while keeping close to what initially inspired the looks.
"It was an honor to have been chosen to channel iconic looks of the fashion legend Ms. Grace Jones! I'm always open to collaborating with other creative minds. Bringing the looks to life was loads of fun and I enjoyed working along with the entire team." - O Burrows
Style-wise, I just kept things simple with a few pieces I’d sourced from around town. The black gloves, big blazers, and sunglasses were all easy to obtain and were simple elements adapted from Grace Jones’ own style. I even added another element by working with Bahamian illustrator Niko Imbert who created his interpretation of the title image.
The day of the shoot was magical. The team and I set up the studio to shoot beauty but I wanted more dramatic lighting so we used two black flags to enhance the shadows on the models face. I also set up 1 large LED light with a deep parabolic umbrella for my main light. Because I’m shooting beauty I know I would want dramatic lighting on the models face and I typically don’t like cumbersome setups so I kept it simple. I was very satisfied with the results. Be sure to enjoy the images below and the behind the scenes video as well.
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I shot my first fragrance campaign!
There aren't any words that can express how excited I was when I got the call from Bahari.
“A fragrance?? I asked?
“You need an ad campaign?” I asked?
I was over the moon because ever since I became a full-time photographer I would drool over magazine ads displaying different fragrances and colognes and I would marvel at how awesome the photography was. So, to now have an opportunity to photograph my own was mind-blowing. I was happy that Bahari was continuing to push the envelope and produce more incredible products for fans of the brand.
With two incredible models as part of my arsenal, the team and I created images against a romantic and irresistible background. The lighting was perfect, hair and makeup were on point and the team, as always, worked seamlessly to get the job done. What was even better was the chemistry between our models. They were uber professional but followed direction to the letter. This was obviously not their first time working together and by jumping from frame to frame, that very same chemistry carried over every time.
I styled, photographed and directed both the still images and video needed for this campaign. Something I’m trying to do more of. Please enjoy.
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
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RED OCTOBER sets field on fire in this editorial
Model: LV Adderley
Photographed + Styled by: Scharad Lightbourne
Grips: Rayandra Nairn. Tariq Cartwright
For many years, I’d drive past this open field and always marvel at how interesting it looked. I loved the overgrown grass, the wide openness and there was an old Infiniti Q45 sitting abandoned and derelict in the distance. It was a set waiting to be photographed. Now, don’t chastise me for taking this long to shoot there but I needed a good reason too and finally, I had one!
Just like the field, I’d known LV for some time as well. We use to work together on a digital magazine some years ago and he’s always expressed admiration and respect for my work. He lives in Canada now but he told me he was coming to Nassau for the holidays and I jumped at the opportunity to photograph this fashionable dude.
Before he arrived we would speak online discussing looks and how we could style him. I had always been inspired by monochromatic fashion so I suggested we shoot him in this theme. We both agreed on a red suit, something that would be clean and very minimalist but I knew with the red in the field, composition-wise would make for some pretty cool images…and yes, LV surprised me on set with a broken wrist and large cumbersome brace around it but I simply looked at it as if were an accessory.
It was great working with LV. He was easy to shoot and ultimately pose and the car was an incredible prop to juxtapose with the model. We even got in some great video with my iPhone Xs Max and DJI Osmo Mobile and I threw together a quick something. You can enjoy the film and images below.
Enjoy!
