The Naked Truth On Shooting Nudes by Roy Barker

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.information-products-masters.com/alc-profitablephotography.html Other related and reviewed services & research sources can be found at http://www.information-products-masters.com/rc-nudes4profit.html

Income from Photography by Roy Barker

YOU WILL LEARN:

• Digital vs. Traditional Photography. Pros and Cons
• Getting quality prints from digital cameras
• Going Professional
• Career opportunities
• How to Get Started
• Moneymaking potential in photography
• Finding full and part-time work
• Self-employment
• Selling & Marketing your photos
• Creating a portfolio
• Copyrighting Your Photographs
• Markets for your photographs
• How much to charge
• Tax answers for out-of-state clients
• Paying income taxes
• Selling stock photographs
• Advertising your services
• Photography Printing as a Business Opportunity
• Common Technical Considerations
• Equipment Costs
• Taking action pictures
• Correct Usage of Flash

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Have just finished reading through your material and found it very informative. Very well laid out and easy to follow. Peter Murphy

Hi Roy, I have just purchased your Income from Photography E-book. Please can you keep me informed of future updates to your book. Thanks so much for this great information! Warm regards Julian Julian Dawson (Jule Corp.)

Hi Roy: Congratulations on your book, a fine achievement. Best wishes, Andrew Hudson Photo Tour Books, Inc. San Diego

Roy - I thought I should email you and let you know that I finally downloaded the ebook with your help thanks. I am embarrassed because it really was easy to do. Great book by the way! - Marcia, Seattle.

Hello Mr Barker - Your ebook has inspired me to a point where I am now doing part-time Pet photography. It is coming along just fine. Sorry to write so late after buying the book but I am getting more and more work. I think I am almost ready to do photography fulltime, so I thought I would let you know. Thank you. - Margie McKenna, N.Y.

Love the book. I am thinking about ditching my job and doing portrait photography full time. This is because I am just getting busier and busier and mostly because I followed the guidelines of your book. If you ever do a news letter, please send them to this email address. I want as much business building info as I can get. - Randy Taylor, Chicago

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