Building My Swimwear Photography Portfolio This Summer
Dreams start with a plan
Already at the end of winter, I began preparing for summer by creating moodboards, scouting beach locations, and searching for models. I wanted these shoots to push my swimwear photography portfolio forward, with the bigger vision of one day working abroad. Careful planning gave me a roadmap, but also left room for experimenting with new styles, poses, and editing approaches.
Summer is short in Estonia
Normally we only get a brief window of warm days, but this year it felt even shorter—barely three weeks of true beach weather. Luckily, I had planned my shoots exactly during that period, so I ended up with the best conditions possible. Beaches have always been one of my favorite locations, with their natural colors, shifting light, and surroundings that make every frame more dynamic. I’ve always enjoyed the mix of sand, sea, and sunshine, and these shoots reminded me why.
Every shoot was a challenge and a lesson
Finding the right models is never easy, especially in a small market like Estonia. In fact, I’d say it’s half the work before you even pick up the camera. Once the shoots started, the rhythm was intense: lots of driving between locations, adapting to different lighting situations—whether harsh midday sun, softer evenings, or setups with reflectors, diffusers, and flashes—and later, long editing sessions to keep up with the amount of material produced in such a short period. But that pressure was also what made me grow—it forced me to improve my workflow, sharpen my eye, and adapt quickly to each situation.
Improvement doesn’t stop when the shoot ends
Even before summer, I invested a huge amount of time into self-learning and skill-building, and that process will continue long after. Each session gave me practical lessons: how to communicate ideas more clearly, how small details like skin glow or fabric movement can change the entire mood, and how to create an experience that feels effortless while still being highly intentional. I’m thankful to all the models who joined me on this journey and trusted me with their time and energy—it made all the difference.
Looking ahead, the work continues
This summer gave me a stronger, more refined swimwear portfolio and reminded me why I enjoy photographing in natural surroundings. It was also proof that with the right planning, timing, and mindset, even a short Estonian summer can produce lasting results. Now it’s about taking these skills to the next level: pushing for even better swimwear shoots next year, continuing to evolve my style, and steadily preparing for the day when these shoots will also take me beyond Estonia’s beaches.