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 loose 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.
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 Other related and reviewed services & research sources can be found at http://www.profitable-photography.com
The information on this and adjoining pages may be reprinted and used on other sites providing all information remains unchanged and the article and all pages remain as they are found here in its current font size & image with all links in tact.
maide service in Lincolnshire ..One of the oldest companies, Olympus has had a long... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
I've been practising wildlife photography on safari for over twenty... Read More
Family vacations, summer weddings and family reunions are in full... Read More
With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras,... Read More
When you're driving through the mountains somewhere, and you... Read More
Why Pinhole Photography?It's fun. It's creative. It's educative about the... Read More
Panasonic is a world-renowned consumer electronics company today. Its digital... Read More
Last month we bought the Canon Powershot A80 online for... Read More
Reflected Light Readings for Film and Digital ImagesIn order to... Read More
So you have this great digital camera and you've taken... Read More
Once you have clicked photos through your digital camera, then... Read More
Night photos can take on a somewhat magical quality you... Read More
Sony was the first company to introduce digital cameras into... Read More
When I promised readers that I was going to do... Read More
Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In... Read More
We all love our animals. They do such funny, adorable,... Read More
Have you read the manual that came with your digital... Read More
While analyzing any camera, one of the most important qualities... Read More
Digital Photo Diary - memories that last a life timeThe... Read More
If you are in the market to purchase a digital... Read More
As you might imagine the paradigm shift from traditional film-based... Read More
Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all... Read More
Almost all of us will have seen this particular photographic... Read More
A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes a... Read More
cleaning lady near Deerfield ..Children are naturally photogenic. Ive worked in studios and children... Read More
If you have hopes of becoming a professional photographer, or... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
One of the most common problems when dealing with scanned... Read More
While analyzing any camera, one of the most important qualities... Read More
In the age of home phones and 8x10's we all... Read More
One of the oldest companies, Olympus has had a long... Read More
Looking at the digital camera, a person can visualize it... Read More
You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the... Read More
Started in a single-room by three Japanese men in the... Read More
IntroductionModern cameras are highly automatic in operation. They have auto... Read More
What have you done with the photos you've taken with... Read More
If you are in the market to purchase a digital... Read More
Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety... Read More
Infrared photography is sometimes placed on the outside edge of... Read More
Shopping for a new digital camera can be quite frustrating... Read More
Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
Why Pinhole Photography?It's fun. It's creative. It's educative about the... Read More
When buying a digital camera there are many things you... Read More
Fuji digital cameras entered the market in the late 90's.... Read More
So you are a small business person or web designer... Read More
One technology that hasn't kept up with the rapid pace... Read More
Dots Per Inch is a useful measure of relative resolution.... Read More
Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences... Read More
Photography |