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 Copyright 2005 Roy Barker
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.
About the Author
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/html/117/
Written By: Roy Barker
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