Nude Photography techniques....

Nude photography techniques...

A few simple nude photography techniques can certainly move your photos from the average to the desireable.

But before I begin I just wanted to re-iterate my thoughts the subject.

Nude photography is an ancient art form.

Artists have been painting nudes since the dawn of time and photographers have been doing the same since cameras were invented.

I completely understand that some photographers steer clear though, fearing their photography will lumped together with that of a distasteful nature.

And that's just fine.

I wouldn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable about nude photography so if you think you might be offended please use the links at the top of this page to explore the rest of my site.

If you're happy to find out more and learn some nude photography techniques then please read on...

Shooting angles

One of the simplest nude photography techniques to make use of is the shooting angle. Getting a good shooting angle can make a big difference to successful nude photography - it really can make or break an image.

High shooting angles

nude photography techniques - high shooting angle If you go for the ordinary face-on photos you are very likely to end up with flat boring photos, or worse still the sort of photo that would be familiar to readers of cheap tabloid newspapers.

The human form can be viewed from many different angles and if you explore these angles you will find your nude photos improve no end.

Try a high shooting angle. This is an easy technique to use and all you need is a ladder or a chair; climb up a few steps (or stand on a chair) and photograph your model from above.

If you want the model's face as well as their body in the photo get them to lok up to the camera - this has the additional benefit of reducing any sagging of the face and neck.

Low shooting angles

Another easy nude photography technique is to do the opposite - try a low shooting angle. Taking photos from the bottom up can again give nude photography more impact but a little more thought in positioning your model might be needed. nude photography techniques - low shooting angle

By shooting from a low angle you'll need to take a little more care to ensure your photography keeps on the right side of good taste.

Careful positioning of your model's legs can maintain their modesty, as can a carefully placed prop.

If your aim is to include some of the more personal areas of the human form then you can clearly get away with being less careful with your positioning.

The photo here uses a low shooting angle which gives an interesting shot.

To do this you need to either position your model onto an object so that they are elevated, or you need to get on the floor yourself and photograph upwards.

If you go for the lying on the floor method you will still need to position your model on something to give them a little height, but you should be able to get away with a small box or even a stack of books.

The photo here is one example taken from a fab little nude photo eBook and neatly shows the low-down shooting technique.

Unusual shooting angles

High and low shooting angles can do much for nude photography. But once you've got the hang of moving yourself around your model you can begin to get more creative.

Another simple nude photography technique is to try some more unusual shooting angles - sideways on, feet first, 45 degree angles . . . there are many possibilities.

The key is to keep moving your camera and experiment. A good tip is to get your model to stand still and take 8-12 photos all from unique angles.

nude photography techniques - unusual shooting angle

Doing this will not only get you thinking more creatively about your shooting angle but may well open an angle that is pleasing and worthy of further shots.

The photo above explores what can be achieved with a side on angle. There's a whole section dedicated to shooting angles, not to mention another 49 chapters on nude photography techniques, in this sensational nude photography ..

Nude Model..

A generation of openness...

One of the first things to bear in mind when seeking out nude models is that we tend to live in a much more open society than we ever used to.

nude models - a generation of openess It was once the case that to even approach a girl you needed an invitation and showing a bit of ankle brought much tut-tutting an even the odd swoon.

Times have clearly changed. The media is far more open and it is not unheard of for daily newspapers to contain racy images.

Against this backdrop is a generation where taking a few clothes off is not seen as a scandal anymore. It's a perfectably acceptable way to behave.

Indeed I would go so far to say that nude photography has definitely benefitted from this openness.

A good nude photo is now more likely to be considered artistic especially when set against a barrage of tacky photos posted on the internet on a daily basis.

So, first tip, don't automatically lower your expectations of potential nude models - we live in a far more open age than ever before.

Don't constrain your model type...

Nude models come in all shapes and sizes. They range from the classic busty babes to stick thin models and the genuinely mature woman.

nude models - don't constrain your model type Think about what you are trying to achieve with your nude photography and use that as a starting point.

Starting point you'll note I said - not your ending point.

You might start thinking about a classic black and white photo, perhaps lit from the side using soft lighting. But hold on...

... with more thought perhaps you want something with a little colour in it? After all, everyone does the black and white nude.

Plus of course it's the easiest thing in the world to convert the photos to black and white after the shoot should you wish - but impossible to get the colour back if you change your mind!

Other considerations...do you want a face in the photo? Are you thinking of part of a nude, and if so, which part? Belly? Arms? Nipple?

Add into all this the depth of field (you might want a sharply focussed bottom fading into a blurred body?) and you can see that nude photography has a lot of options!

To help you clarify your thoughts and take your nude photography further this amazing downloadable package will get you on your way.

It's not only a 50 chapter eBook, but bonus video and audio files too - packed full of tips and tricks to help you the photographer capture nude models in the way you want.

Finding nude models - making the first move...

It's easy to overlook people you know when starting out in nude photography. And this could be a mistake.

nude models - finding  model By first talking to people you know about your interest in nude photography you might initially get some strange reactions.

But stick with it! A calm and sensible conversation about the topic will soon turn doubting friends into interested people.

They will likely be just interested in your photography hobby at first, but with a little gentle persuasion they may also easily become your first nude model.

A really important rule is to not expect too much from your friend if this is the approach you take and reassure him or her that you will completely respect their wishes.

Ways to help them get undressed and become your model for nude photography are:

promise you will take no photos of their face

promise that they can see every photo on the memory card

promise that they are allowed to delete any photo on the memory card that they don't like

With these three rules that you must stick to you might find some willing participants.

Once you have had some success with photographing friends they may be able to put you in touch with others who may be willing to pose nude for you too.

And because you have built some confidence with your friends you will come across as a true professional photographer.

This approach will at least get you started. There's much more detail and further tips on approaching prospective nude models in the complete nude photography package.

Using an agency

It is of course quite acceptable to use an agency to find nude models for you.

nude models - finding  model Your first task is to find out what type of models the agency you are thinking of can supply.

Remember your thoughts on what you want to achieve? Stick to that aim and approach agencies with that in mind.

And certainly don't worry about offending anyone - belive me they really have heard it all before.

The thing is, if you can give them a clear idea of what you are looking for they stand a much better chance of finding the right nude model for you. That's why thinking through your aims to start with is so important.

If you have managed to persuade some of your friends to pose nude for you could take those photos along to an agency too.

This is a very good move because it demonstrates to the agency that you are genuine and even have some work to prove it.

Hopefully you've found this introduction to nude models helpful Tips..