Natural Habitat
As an artist I have a million thoughts about my work and what Im doing and so I decided to portray one of these thoughts through photography.
We often find ourselves reaching a plateau or comfort zone and its unusual to want to stray away from that but I'm learning that you have to step out of that zone in order to grow. This is a scary thing to some because we become comfortable with our current environments, so to venture into some other unusual area is looked at as risky.
Faith and vision keep you focus and protected, so using a female model and a canine model, I drew from them to interpret these feelings. Being on unfamiliar ground is somewhat daunting but your goals and dreams are attainable by focus on whats ahead. I thought it would be interested to portray this and model Joi Broughton did an outstanding job by helping me bring this vision to life with her companion Sniper the Doberman Pincher.
Photography & Styling: Scharad Lightbourne
Art Direction: Kenton Ferguson
MUA: Sarsha Lepeche
Hair: Skyline Designs
Model: Joi Broughton
Grip: Tariq Cartwright
Video Direction: Scharad Lightbourne
Video Cinematography: Tony E Williams
Video Producer: Tony E Williams
Bahamian pop artist Keeya shoots new visuals for "Hella Good" single
Keeya and her team met with me a few weeks back communicating that they needed "sexy, fun and hype" images for the artist's new single titled "Hella' Good." We were sitting in Starbucks and upon hearing the song, I was amped and ready to go! I loved the track, especially the lyrics and immediately, I began to visualize the images in my head.
Her energy and artsy demeanor meant that I'd have a creative range with the set and images, plus knowing I'd work with my good friend and stylist, Lavonne Alexis of ShoptheCC meant that the wardrobe would be pin-point creative!
Popop Studios, Nassau, The Bahamas, was the perfect canvas to which we'd shoot Keeya and using props like inflatable flamingos (Luxury Floats Bahamas), tea party sets (The Tea Room) and a simple mattress meant that we'd have a storyboard fitting to the song lyrics. Keeya's edgy look only added to each frame and with a monster team, we banged out look after look like it were frames from an action movie.
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO!
LISTEN TO "HELLA GOOD" by KEEYA
Miss Universe Bahamas Official Photoshoot with Scharad Lightbourne
The Albany Bahamas Resort was set as the beautiful backdrop on which 10 beautiful women took their official photographs for the Miss Universe Bahamas Pageant. These lovely ladies were full of energy and laughter on set and as this production progressed, my team and I were able to get great frames from this diverse group of women.
The day was long, a production lasting over 11 hours but the ladies attitudes and personalities jumped through the camera lens. The team worked effortlessly through the blistering heat to make sure the girls were comfortable, catered to and in position to let their beauty shine through.
The makeup team, hair team and my production team all worked together, dabbing every cheek, brushing every stroke of hair and applying the best light to each contestant making sure we got the best! It was truly a fun experience for teamSL. See the FULL range of images by visiting the Miss Universe Bahamas official website.
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
Rain Check Editorial with Atalanta Schulenberg
I remember, just recently, shooting portraits of designer Theodore Elyett. It was on the set when I previewed his latest collection and found myself itching to see the remaining pieces. The patterns combined with his use of color and texture screamed for a photoshoot. I approached Theo about the idea and he jumped with excitement, the prelude to this "Rain Check" editorial.
We planned for weeks what we were going to shoot, who the team would be and where we would shoot it. The only thing missing was a muse to bring it all together. At the time, it didn't occur to me that the perfect subject was waiting for me to ask her about photographing her. Atalanta was a student at the Lyford Cay International School, introduced to me by one of the development coordinators. She was tall, awkward with a fashion frame that my eye knew would be great for Theo's pieces.
No fitting prior to the shoot was made. We introduced the team beforehand and with the location finalized, we were ready for shoot day! The team had not seen the location before shoot but they were amazed at how amazing it was despite the overcast skies. Once we began to shoot, it was like waving a magic wand at each look. Just earlier, Atalanta said to me that she was nervous and that I'd have to direct her a lot but I knew her awkwardness would make the shots great. She'd never done a professional photo shoot before but she gave us effortless posing, frame after frame in designer pieces that fit her like they were made for her in the first place.
Please enjoy this editorial spread and our BTS video displaying amazing pieces from designer Theodore Elyett worn by our model Atalanta.
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
Portrait of a Filmmaker: Lavado Stubbs
Getting the chance to photograph another artist is very important to me and so when filmmaker, Lavado Stubbs approached me about doing portraits of him, I was elated at the opportunity. I'd known Lavado from when I first began my career in photography 10 years ago. He was involved in another creative venture back then but we'd always kept in touch and I watched him grow into an amazing film maker and director with his brand "ConchBoy Films."
Lavado wanted something simple for his portraits but at the same time he wanted there to be some style elements present. Using a mood board, I decided to incorporate some of his signature pieces in the photography like his fedora, tropical print shirt and vintage frame glasses. The only request from the artist was that he wanted a photo of himself enjoying a handmade cigar from Greycliff.
He also mentioned that he was nervous as he was used to being behind the camera. So I told him to trust me and just let the creativity flow. I think that put him more at ease and as his excitement grew, so did mine. So excited that I had to stop him from buying all new clothing for the shoot, even down to a simple white tee!
We got great frames with Lavado as his personality came through on set, sometimes emotionless while other times joyful and full of laughter. Check out some of my favorite shots from shooting this filmmaker.
“I have known Scharad for several years and always admired and respected his craft as an amazing photographer. I was delighted when I finally got the opportunity to be photographed by him. It was great to see another artist’s process and get a feel of how it is to be a subject. Scharad truly made this entire experience comfortable for a filmmaker like me who lives behind the scenes.”
Photography + Styling: Scharad Lightbourne
Grip: Aaron Davis, Malik Smith, Antonio Miller • Video: Ashley Whitney • BTS: Keisha Oliver
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
The Jones' Family Portrait Session
Deyvon and Jillian Jones along with their 3 boys, Luke, Dillan and Liam got dressed up to take family photos with team SL. Photographed, right in their own home, this large family brought out all the stops to ensure their photo-shoot was one to remember.
Deyvon and Jillian Jones along with their 3 boys, Luke, Dylan and Liam got dressed up to take family photos with team SL. Photographed, right in their own home, this large family brought out all the stops to ensure their photo-shoot was one to remember.
I enlisted the help of designer Theodore Elyett to design an amazing dress for Jillian as she was the centerpiece for the family and I knew I wanted her to really stand out. My team were nothing short of amazing, transforming this incredible family into royalty and making them photo ready.
The Charlotteville/Turnberry community served as a beautiful backdrop to photograph The Jones. I decided to add a sofa just outside their home because I thought it would be different. Jillian and Deyvon thought it was a great idea and we got great shots. Even the boys loved working with my crew. Working with 3 boys is a serious undertaking as they are full of energy and smaller attention spans but they really got into it, posing and laughing on key. They were such professionals!
The Jones' were amazing to work with and my team and I really enjoyed creating these memories for them. Check out the BTS video of their shoot below.
Photography and Styling: Scharad Lightbourne Grip: Aaron Davis
Makeup: Phillipa Newbold Hair: Skyline Designs
Designer: Theodore Elyett
Men's Details: The PICO Brand
Video: Ashley Whitney
Assisted by: Tonya Williams