Nude Photography - How to Photograph the Nude

Nude Photogrpahy is not what many people think it is and I don't feel like writing more than I have too in defense of it.

Nude photography has been around since the invention of the camera, even longer, nudes have been portrayed in well known works of art. Portrayal of the human body is also as old as the Greek and Roman civilizations and their very well known marble statues.

Nude photography is not erotic photography where the intention is to suggest sexuality. Nude photography is also not pornography, where images are meant to show explicit sexual acts. Nor is nude photography the same as glamour or boudoir photography, although they can sometimes intermingle. Both glamour and boudoir emphasize the model.

In its essence, nude photography is a medium in which the form and shape, line and texture of the humna body is the main element and its main emphasis. In most types of photography, the model or the subject are easily identifiable, most portraits show the model's face, in opposition, most nudes rarely show the model's face or at least the face is not clearly recognizable. The emphasis is, again, on the form and line of the body itself.

A search of photographic nudes will yield ample results in which you can see nudes portrayed as unrecognizable entities, under extreme or with very creative lighting, and on artistic poses which emulate the artists of old.

The market for nude photography is geared or aimed towards the production of images to be used as artistic impressions, the same as it would be with standard paintings. There is also a market for nudes in the calendar, poster and greeting card industry, although they are not easily found, and no you can't get them at Wall-mart. Book publishing is also a lucrative arena for nudes. The key is to represent them in tasteful poses where the form, shape, line and texture are the main points.

Contrary to other types of photography, most nudes do not emphasize the typical model persona or body type, instead most use models that are regular everyday people like you and me, most nude photos show parts of the body or just enough to hint.

Nude photography is well suited for the studio although nature offers very suitable forums to showcase it. Creative use of light adds an exciting venue which lends itself quite well for this type of photography also.

Nude photography is very adept for black and white photography as this type of medium has the characteristic of highlighting shape, line and form more than its color counterpart. Plus as many would say, black and white photography adds charm and intrigue to any photograph and any subject.

How to Do Tasteful Nude Photography

Artists have been enchanted by the nude form of the human body since the dawn of time. Nudes feature heavily in statues and paintings through the ages. The relatively new art form of photography offers even more possibilities for creating nude art. But with the prevalance of pornography and tacky glamour photography, it is important to steer clear of anything sleazy.

If you want to create nude photos in a tasteful, artistic way, the secret is to take sex out of it. As soon as it looks like your model is trying to look sexy, the photo will start to look tacky. Trying to look sexy works fine in clothed photos - as seen everywhere in advertising. But a nude model trying to look sexy sends a clear message to the viewer that the aim of the photo is to titilate. If you want your photo to look artistic then make sure your model isn't trying to look sexy.

An easy way to stop your nude photo from looking 'glam' is by having the model look away. Virtually all tacky glamour photos have the model looking at the camera. So have her instead gaze off into the distance. Direct her to look 'lost in thought'. Instantly it'll look more artistic and 'soulful'.

If you must have her looking at the camera, get her to look moody... Anything but sexy! If you look at European fashion, models like Kate Moss are often scowling in photos. Try to tell a story, show emotion. Your model's instincts may be to pout and try to look seductive... Guide her to more interesting expressions if she's looking at the camera, or to just look tranced out and dreamy when she's looking away.

You can even frame the photo so that the model's face isn't in the picture. Then the body becomes an abstract shape rather than a person. Or have her head in the shot but angled so her face isn't visible. Without an obvious face showing, the photo will become a study of shape and line.

The other important consideration is the lighting. 'Page 3' photos are always well lit, with a bright background, and this isn't what you want. It's almost impossible to do anything artistic with too much light. What you need is atmosphere, and for that you need shadows. So position your model so the dominant light source is to the side or even behind her. Create shadows. Leave some of the nudity to the imagination.

Finding Models for Nude Photography

There are many places where you can find a suitable nude model to photograph, whether for commercial glamour, beauty or fine art nudes.

The first and most obvious place to look will be an established model agency, where you are likely to find experienced and professional models that are well adapted to your particular job requirements. This is my preferred choice most of the time and the way that most professional photographers work.

Alternatively there are Internet communities where models and photographers tend to meet online. These are large websites where people post images, make contacts and look to improve their portfolios etc. This is not my favourite method of looking for models, since I tend to think they are far less reliable in general and often unaware of normal business practices; making up their own rules as they go along.

The most common headaches with Internet models are last minute cancellations or simply deciding to disappear without a word, which could leave you on the day with the nightmare of an expensive studio and makeup etc. but no model to photograph!

For artistic nudes don't forget options such as dance schools where you can often find very interesting potential subjects. As dancers they will tend to be in great shape and move well with a natural fluid grace, which can help you to produce some really striking images. In many cases the images can actually be superior to those obtained with professional models.

Gymnasts or other athletes are also well worth considering since they tend to be fairly confident about the shape and condition of their body, so they are less likely to be nervous in front of the camera.