Behind the Scenes with Bulalicious Activewear photoshoot
Our newest collection had been months in development and now came the exciting part. The part of the process where we got to shoot our amazing new Ambassador Hannah Bennett in the collection ready for the big launch.
We were fortunate enough to secure one of the best photography couples in Fiji, Malia and Stuart Johnson. Lia and Stu accompanied us on our shoot and helped us capture some amazing shots of our new Surf and Swimwear being put through its paces.
We travelled from Sonaisali docks around 8am, everyone was in great spirits and the boat was filled with a few experienced surfers who were in their element and who seemed to be getting more and more excited as we approached Cloudbreak. It was overcast and cloudy to us “newbies” but to a boat filled with experienced sea lovers they could tell the clouds would soon burn off and it would be a great day for catching some waves.
This was a new experience for the Bulalicious team, we’d always heard of Cloudbreak and seen pictures but we honestly didn’t know what to expect. As we approached Hannah explained that the tower is quite an iconic landmark out in the ocean and where world famous judges would soon be sat scoring the Fiji Pro 2016 Competition.
As an activewear brand we are always keen to show our customers new and exciting ways of keeping fit and what better way than keeping fit on an island surrounded by water than by swimming or surfing.
It was clear to see that Hannah was basically a living “mermaid” and once she stepped foot in the ocean you could tell that was where she truly belonged.
We sat in the boat as we watched surfers pluck up the courage to get that one wave of the day, that one wave that would give them that adrenalin rush to thrive off for the next week. It was a day of firsts as we saw a pod of dolphins swim past followed by their calves. The calves mimicking their moves by leaping out of the water in a far less graceful fashion. It wasn’t long before we came across a sea snake that obviously wanted to get a closer look at our Taveuni Collection and actually boarded our boat! Once our panic had subsided and our new friend the sea snake had departed, we were then treated to the most majestic sea turtle, living on its own kind of “Fiji Time”, swimming along with no sense of urgency but just the desire to swim and explore the South Pacific Ocean. This was one of those moments that we knew we just have to savour. We often forget just how amazing this country really is.
As Hannah jumped on the back of the jet ski, Lia was practically leaning off the back of the boat capturing shots as Stu lapped around the boat showcasing Hannah in our new Island Ripples Braided Tankini Pair.
At times we would often see and hear the surfers communicating to each other in their own language of hand signals, smiles and short code words. To a non experienced surfer they were basically talking in “whale” but nonetheless it was a great experience being amongst them all and just nodding when you felt it was necessary to do so.
Amongst the waves we saw young teenagers embracing the ocean as their parents called them on to the next big wave. It was so inspiring to see these families engaging in being active together, a key message that we try and promote.
Bulalicious were lucky enough to gain permission to shoot on the extraordinarily beautiful Namotu Island. As we stepped off the boat it was almost too bright to see as the sun reflected off the crystal clear waters and golden sand. The resort is run by Scotty and Mandy who welcomed us with open arms and gave us access to this beautiful Island. We were accompanied by their 3 gorgeous dogs who were keen to sit in the shade and watch Hannah posing in our Early Bird Scoop Singlet and matching Board Shorts. We think they could see the almost lifelike birds on the shorts which is why they were so intrigued.
It was an amazing experience to work with a couple of photographers who weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty or in this case get wet through. At one point Lia was on the top of boat, whilst Hannah was posing. Then Hannah would be hanging off the side of the boat whilst travelling at speed across to the next location, and Stu with his steady hand was capturing that all important shot. The next shot and Stu is knee-deep in the water surrounding Namotu, by this time the sun was at full heat so it was kind of a blessing that he chose a water shot.
Hannah was such a great sport during the entire day, we had her jumping off boats, surfing at Cloudbreak, swinging off the side of the boat, posing on a moving jet-ski and performing yoga poses on Namotu Island. She is not only a natural on the wave but a natural in front of the camera too!
The most spectacular shots of the day had to be when Stu captured Hannah underwater. One image in particular where she encountered a jelly fish, an experience we are sure Hannah will treasure forever and one in which we will have the image to forever remember it. The second favourite shot of the day was captured by Lia, who carried the very heavy underwater casing out to the waves at Cloudbreak just to capture Hannah in her element, surfing mid wave at Cloudbreak.
It was safe to say it was a memorable and action packed day full of inspirational people. The photography from Lia and Stu brought our collection alive. The setting and location was remarkable, thanks to the warm hospitality of Scotty and Mandy from Namotu Island.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the creation of The Taveuni Collection. Lia and Stu, our graphic artist Sonam Sapra for the stunning Taveuni-inspired prints, all at Namotu Island, our Ambassador / Model Hannah Bennett…. and thank you to all who have purchased from the collection, shared with your friends and offered us such positive comments and feedback.
Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be Bulalicious
Vinaka
The Bulalicious team x
