There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude photography, not least of which is the need to practise technique. By its very nature there has to be at least one subject, and the big problem for the photographer here is image. To some the image of nude photographer is tied in with the "dirty Macintosh" brigade, with the false wig and dark glasses.
Not everyone believes the adage that an erotic photograph, does not have to be nude, and a nude photograph is not necessarily erotic. The biggest challenge is to find a suitable model, and certainly in small town rural backwater areas, it is not the brightest propaganda move to put an advertisement in the Post Office window. It is also suspect to approach someone in the street.
Impeccable credentials help here, an image of a bona fide photographer, with a studio, and a business card with a portfolio. A professionally created business card also helps; a ripped off part of an old envelope invites suspicion. It is not necessary to have a portfolio of nudes, but it is essential as an aid of creating the feeling of trust. It can be very helpful to not tell a prospective model what you do, but show them, and depending on their responses take it from there.
A lot of nude photographers start with a self portrait an this is better than nothing in some cases. There are several other methods that can be used to find people to model. Your first option is to hire professional (glamour) models. That can be expensive, and they're not often familiar with that type of work. The second option is to hire amateur models, or perhaps even nude still life models, the problem here is that the latter will have no inhibitions taking their clothes off, and may be able to sit still and hold a specific pose for long periods of time, however they may not be the best models to animate themselves. The third option is not to pay a model at all, but find someone with a vested interest in making a portfolio work. Whilst thinking about this matter during the research for this article it occurred to me, that the ideal person, would be someone who would be prepared to model in exchange for a portfolio, or other photographic service. In other words, a model who has a reason to make the session work will undoubtedly put more effort into overcoming any technical difficulties. Perhaps you know someone who is pregnant who might want to model in exchange for the photos.
Secondly that type of model will produce better results, than some eighteen year olds with a perfect body and a bad attitude. A personal model with enthusiasm to explore different perspectives and techniques has to produce better results than a wooden, but perfect doll. It does not alter the fact that your model must be at peace with the thought of nude modelling as a whole, but a sensitive relationship with the photographer will work wonders here. The rules are no different for a photographer here than a portrait photographer, he or she must first have self confidence. If you cannot get that across to your model he or she will be reluctant to give it their best shot.
This type of photography is striving for a look that is natural, and even has a look that it has not been posed for at all. Comfort is essential not just physical comfort though that is important, but mental comfort, the model must be able to understand the concept behind what you are trying to do so that she can co-operate. You have to take the time to explain the techniques of flattering compositions, but equally the model has to work on being fluid and graceful in these motions.
A good relationship with your model built on confidence is essential when you come to evaluate and criticise the work. Your first session will create the tone for future work, but that is when a model will be her most nervous, a way of getting over this barrier might be to ask her to come accompanied, and that may make for a lighter more relaxed session.
Working with the same model over a number of sessions builds up a rapport, and helps the model learn what works in the images, and what doesn't. She has to be able to see the completed image, before this is really possible. As the model becomes more familiar with how you work and experiences the crucial processes of making an image, the model becomes better at generating poses which work for you, and on the whole, the number of successful images increases.
The locations for this type of photography is not important in terms of the finished image, but it needs to be a little circumspect, or you have to take along a person who watches for stray wanderers if it is outdoors. Lighting normally seems to be better if it is natural, but a single candle can be effective particularly with the use of an older model.
It is important to think ahead before this type of assignment and instruct a model to wear lose clothing and possibly no underwear as strap marks into the skin can take a long time to subside and will ruin the final shots.
Once you have managed to break into this type of work there are many stock libraries that specialise in this type of work.
Copyright 2005 Roy Barker
Publisher & author: Roy Barker. Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook which guides the reader on how to make good money from photography. It can be viewed at http://www.profitable-photography.com Another great photography guide is at http://www.profitable-photography.com
shuttle to Midway Gilman .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhile analyzing any camera, one of the most important qualities... Read More
If you're like me, you have hundreds of photographs sitting... Read More
One of the oldest companies, Olympus has had a long... Read More
Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills... Read More
How many of the birthday party pictures you've seen are... Read More
Underwater photography's is primarily focused towards entertaining and informing the... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
Love is in the air at the Venice Rookery. The... Read More
Before you are able to take the kind of photos... Read More
The world of photography is an amazing one. It's been... Read More
The Vacation Season is fast approaching and naturally you will... Read More
Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must... Read More
Understanding light is one of the very basic principles of... Read More
Digital Photo Diary - memories that last a life timeThe... Read More
A common problem with old photos is that they often... Read More
So you are a small business person or web designer... Read More
Before you rush into buying your digital camera this holiday... Read More
When I promised readers that I was going to do... Read More
So you recently bought a digital camera or perhaps your... Read More
Most serious photographers and all professionals use a Single Lens... Read More
Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In... Read More
There is a wide world of photography. It touches each... Read More
If you use a digital camera (I use a Canon... Read More
Photography is a vast world. There are many different types... Read More
Remember the good old photography days?Film camera in hand, you... Read More
Romeoville Mercedes Benz s500 rentals ..There are two types of underwater camera systems: an ""amphibious""... Read More
There are really great advantages in digital photography:You can shoot... Read More
A digital SLR camera or a single lens reflex (SLR)... Read More
Night photos can take on a somewhat magical quality you... Read More
The digital camera is but a technological advancement of the... Read More
If you are buying a new underwater camera or video... Read More
Underwater digital cameras are fun and easy to use under... Read More
For years I wondered how big the bucks were that... Read More
Everyone has a digital camera today and we all take... Read More
Setting up your own photography business it easy, you don't... Read More
Started in a single-room by three Japanese men in the... Read More
Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able... Read More
You may have joined the photo-sharing craze to share your... Read More
There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude... Read More
So, you have taken lots of pictures with your new... Read More
Good wildlife camera equipment on safari can make the difference... Read More
Reality TV is experiencing an upsurge in popularity and its... Read More
Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills... Read More
Demystifying Digital Camera JargonWant to buy a digital camera but... Read More
Composition is defined as the combining of distinct parts or... Read More
Some compact cameras are small enough to fit in your... Read More
George Eastman, founder of Kodak is world renowned today. Digital... Read More
If you're like me, you have hundreds of photographs sitting... Read More
You will need an underwater camera housing to keep your... Read More
Choosing a digital camera can be a daunting task with... Read More
Photography |