Paradise With Katie
Overview
Type
Fashion & Swimwear Editorial Photography
Role
Photographer, Creative Director, Mentor
Publication
Summers Magazine, Issue 39
Model
Katie D.
Location
Clearwater Beach, FL
Year
2020
The Creative Approach
Since Summers Magazine showcases the world’s most beautiful and eye-catching swimwear, I wanted the editorial to feel simple yet striking. We chose Clearwater Beach, FL as the location and shot around 9 AM to capture the morning sun, clear skies, and vibrant ocean.
Katie wore a flowing white sundress, which contrasted beautifully against the bright blue sky and rolling waves. The minimal styling allowed the focus to stay on Katie herself, highlighting her elegance, natural beauty, and growing confidence as a model.
Throughout the shoot I guided her posing and expressions, ensuring the images met editorial standards while also celebrating this important milestone in her career.
The Publication
Paradise With Katie was published in Summers Magazine, Issue 39, appearing alongside international talent such as Sunessis De Brito. For Katie, it marked her first publication, a major accomplishment in her modeling journey. For me, it was both a proud moment as a mentor and a career highlight as a photographer producing publication-ready imagery.
The Story
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I first discovered Katie D. in 2018 through Instagram. Her look immediately stood out to me because she was gorgeous and unique compared to many other talents I had seen online. At the time, she had little modeling experience and I was the first professional photographer to approach her.
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Because of my own background in modeling, I had developed the ability to teach and mentor new talent. I saw tremendous potential in Katie and believed that with guidance she could grow into an outstanding model. Over the years we worked together regularly, refining her posing, confidence, and presence in front of the camera.
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By 2020 Katie had grown into a versatile and confident model. That year I found the perfect opportunity to help her take the next step: her first-ever magazine publication. Together we created Paradise With Katie, which was later published in Summers Magazine, Issue 39.
Takeaway
This editorial was more than a magazine spread. It was a story of mentorship, growth, and opportunity. Helping Katie achieve her first publication while showcasing my own skills in fashion and swimwear photography was a defining moment in both of our creative paths.