Nude photography

There is no argument that nude photography is one of the most interesting and the same complex type of photography. Every details in such projects count. Most obviously there is fine but a narrow line between a fine art nude photo and just a posing naked model in a photo. I have experienced nude photography and I would like to share my experience with you.

There are some basic rules that you as a photographer should follow to be able to create images, artistic ones. I failed many times till I realized what works and what doesn’t. It is imperative to establish a trust and sense of comfort with your model so as to create a successful image.

Nude photography vs. A naked girl in your photo

Start first by looking at as many nude photos as you can both fine art and porn in order to define in your mind the difference between the two. Both are difficult to shoot and both have entirely different techniques. The poses, the lighting setup, the models, and how you as a photographer communicate with models are completely different. One good site to start the observations is http://www.fineartnude.com/webring/

It has been said and heard so many times that your photo must convey a story or certain feelings and that is no exception in nude photography. Thus far this is the most important rule of all. Creating an art that is both unforgettable and effective would be an incentive for your viewer to keep coming back to it. You have to surpass photographing a beautiful body with an eye pleasing curves and shadows simply by adding the beauty of your vision to it. There is also a difference between erotic art nude photos and porn. This is you who chooses your audience in this type of photography.

How to start nude photography?

Ask yourself the following questions, and be honest with yourself answering them:

• Are you ready to do a nude photo shoot?
• Do you want to create art or just want to see a naked person?
• Can you professionally compose yourself in front of your model?
• Do you have a plan? Do you have a concept in mind?

If your answer to any of the questions is no, believe me, you are not ready yet. If the answer to all is yes then you go for it.

Your Imagination, your model

Normally inspiration on the shooting set creates a better image than the one you had planned for. Still, you have to have a concept of what to shoot, how you want the makeup artist to implements the vision, what hairstyle works better, and what would be the lighting and background setup. That means you have to know what type of model you are after.

Ask simple questions. Do you want a thin model? Do you want a model with flexible body? Do you want a model with darker or lighter hair color? Do you want a tall or a short model? Do you want a muscular or normal body type? If your model is female, do you want one with large breasts or small ones?

Also make sure you find a model not only willing to work but also enjoys it!

Where to find your model?

There are several places a photographer could find the desired model. Modeling sites such as Model Mayhem and One Model Place are somewhat very popular and possibly the safest bet to find your model. These sites would give you the capabilities of searching models by location, by type, by age range, and ethnicity.

After search bookmark the ones you like and keep notes of what you like about them. Sometimes such notes will give you a different vision and inspiration for shoots.

There is another alternative that is very effective and fast, and that is Craig’s List . Place an Ad in the talent section, but make sure you have selected your city first.

How to attract models to work with you?

Nude models are mostly concerned about their safety so a photographers have to show they can provide a safe and a relax environment. You have to look professional and. The following rules worked for me every time

• Create a professional casting or Ad in which the project is described in detail, the location is identified, number of hours are set, number of crews and what they do are identified, and finally your expectation of the model well defined and clearly explained.
• Prints of some edited photos of the project along with compensation are always a great incentive for models to work with you. This also would help with establishing trust with your model.
• Interview your model before the shoot, and make sure the model is both comfortable with the project and you as a person. I suggest you do that over a coffee. That looks professional but also friendly
• Tell your model where the pictures go.
• Ask what poses are you model comfortable and not comfortable with
• Ask your model what makes her nervous or to excited so you can avoid them
• Ask your model what kind of music does she/he listens to so you can provide her with that music on the set

At the photo shoot

Snack and drinks:

At the photo shoot make sure you have enough supply of water and snacks. Models burn a lot of energy on the shoot. Specially when they are put in uncomfortable positions.

Environment Temprature:

Constantly check with your model if the temperature is comfortable and if not then you have to have small breaks in the shoot.

Be friendly and have a sense of humer:

Be friendly with the model. Try to make the model comfortable at all times. Tell funny stories and keep the model interested in communicating with you.

Poses:

There are some poses that you have in mind that the model may not be comfortable with. So to get the model comfortable, shoot some with clothes on and get her/him to be comfortable with the way you give direction. As soon as the trust us established your model can deliver.

Touching the models:

Make sure you ask for permission before touching the model. No matter how comfortable people are in their skin, they are not comfortable to be touch by anyone. Never under any circumstances hug your model. You can do that when you are socializing in a coffee shot or elsewhere.

Directing the model:

Make sure you are giving the model the correct direction and have some sample photos of similar poses ready to show to the model

Where to look:

Look into your models eyes at all time when you are speaking and not shooting. If you need to examine a body part tell the model in advance so everyone is comfortable.

Compliments:

Constantly compliment your model and how well she works. Never compliment a part of your model’s body during the shoot. You can do that after the shoot and while you are viewing the photos with her

Jokes:

Never tell jokes (you never know, you might insult the model or someone she/he cares about)

And the most important rule of all, If the model feel uncomfortable, end the session.

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