I believe that the natural world we live in is perfect by design. As the creator who has no faults only does good works. Throughout my journey of learning how to incorporate artificial lighting into my photography and videography, I find myself feeling a bit off with the final product. Yes it could be the way I have set up the lighting, as I am still growing in this area…However I have been trying to break past this barrier of expectation and perception of reality. As, when we introduce artificial light, we star to see environments, scenarios, people, as they are not normally perceived. Similar with how the positioning and plane we choose to capture a subject with our camera, determines the way they ultimately look. This concept of geometry and physics or whatever you want to call it starts affecting our subject that does not change. I think that same perspective can be applied to the way we look at our own lives. Coming in very close on minute details versus seeing everything from an extremely far birdseye or timeline view. Doing a cowboy shot from a lower angle and looking upward or shooting downward from a higher position, different focal lengths or seasons of our life, the list goes on. This is a great phenomenon because it opens up infinite room for creativity and new perspectives.

With lighting however, I sometimes feel like I am trying to recreate the look, but I am not a perfect creator. No matter how much dominion and orchestration I put over a lighting setup, at the end, it might look "well lit" and clean, it just doesn't look natural. Product Studio photography is an interesting experience because you actually find yourself blocking out the natural and perfect, lighting, like a soft golden hour, for an alternative that is artificial and of our own making. Maybe I am looking too deeply into it, or need some extra help with gaffing, but I am such a strong fan of natural lighting and nature's perfect ambiance.

Anyways, here are some photos that I did for my friend's surfboard brand, Edenshapes. There are tons of surfboards out there however, Christian Lee's vision is fresh and encouraging, as the boards are specifically tailored towards the anatomy of female surfers. Historically, the sport of surfing and surfboards themselves have been catered to the standards set by men. More and more women are picking up the sport of surfing, and are forced to use only gear and models that are available. Anyone can tell you that there is a distinction in the anatomy and capacities of each sex, each with their own benefits, so his conclusion is that women deserve boards that are catered to them. Something that should've been done a long time ago. If you can get your hands on an Edenshapes surfboard, you'll realize that they aren't your ordinary surfboards, they are more than a piece of foam and glass that you catch waves with.

They serve as a banner of faith and a reminder of purpose—each board uniquely handcrafted with one of a kind patterns and divine biblical scripture, layered with deeper meaning. When I pickup my Edenshapes Surfboard to hit a sesh, I am reminded of my true identity and I feel empowered, the simple movement of surfing transforms into a spiritual worship that leaves my soul singing long after I've exited the water. I am a strong believer that how you do something completely transforms the way it is received by others and yourself, and when I am able to view surfing with a deeper meaning, I get more out of it and so do the people I am around. The whole process of testing out boards, experimenting with different lights, doing beachside bonfires, has been such a fun time. I am thankful for this chapter and am looking forward to growing more with Christian and his surfboard brand, Edenshapes. Thank you again for letting me lend a hand with my photography and branding skills to you my dear friend, with a strong heart.