Why is Nude Photography Viewed As Pornographic?

Nude photography is typically viewed in one of two ways-as either pornographic or as fine art. The key to successful nude photography is learning to do it in such a way that there is no doubt when looking at the photographs that they are clearly intended to be artistic.

Rules for Nude Photography
First of all, there are a few clear rules that photographers who wish to shoot artistic nudes should adhere to.

Rule 1. Never do a nude photograph of anyone under the age of 18 years old and never without the person's full awareness and consent. In addition to being 18 years or older, the person being photographed must be of sound mind, legally responsible for his or herself, and exercising sound judgment-i.e., not impaired by alcohol, drugs, or anything else.

The only exception to this rule is shooting "naked baby" photos, and most photographers adopt the rule of "only up to one year old" for these, with parental consent, and with a parent present.

There are some occasions where parents will catch a snapshot of a child older than one year of age naked in the bathtub, running around the house after they have learned to undress themselves, and the like, but this is also the exception-and this is with your own children or grandchildren.

Rule 2. Always have a clear understanding-preferably in writing-with the model as to how and when the nude photographs will be used, printed, or published and by whom. I could write an entire article on that alone, but that pretty much sums it up.

For the purposes of this article, "nude photography" will refer to posed nude photographs of legal adults. All of that being said, let's focus on how to create tasteful, artistic nude portraits.

The Art of Glamour and Nude Photography

Creating nude portraits has long been an element of art - instead of capturing these portraits with the brush on canvas; today they are captured with the pixel.

Since the invention of photography the naked human body has been a natural subject for photographers and there has always been a large audience there for it.

What is glamour photography? Glamour photography covers a wide range - from the partial nude body, which you may see an a billboard advertising ladies underwear to the erotic images or the full nude body you may see on Page 3 of some papers or adult magazines.

There are no special elements to photographing glamour; all the standard photography techniques remain the same. Care should be taken when photographing models, nude or partially nude because some may find a sexual element attached to it.

Finding a market: Glamour photography remains one of the most lucrative areas of freelance photography. For a student trying to break into the glamour photography market, he would be well advised to use a film camera over digital. Film will give you warmer skin tones and give you a greater chance of being published.

When trying to find suitable markets for your glamour photography, the same principles apply as in any other photography field. You must study "Glamour Photography Publications" to find out what sort of material they use.

Where to shoot: If you don't have your own studio, don't worry. Most of the great glamour images are shot on location. Shooting in the natural environment will be rewarding - use the early morning light to give extra warmth to the skin. Try different places - your neighbours hay barn can make an effective setting for a glamour image or if you have an attractive garden - perfect.

Choosing a model: One of the basic elements of glamour photography is a willing model. If you are having trouble finding one try your local art classes. People with an ambition to be a model may let you do test work. But if you are serious about being a glamour photographer you should work with a professional model.

Nude Photography - The Art Behind It

The human body is the most beautiful and perfect art form ever created. For centuries artist have tried to capture its mysterious allure and very few have done it justice. Sculptors have spent years chipping away at a piece of stone, or delicately forming clay in the hopes of immortalizing a simple smile or the gentle curve of a hip. Painters have labored over their canvases trying desperately to bring life to the portrait of a beautiful woman, and very few have succeeded.

Nude photography is the latest of these artistic endeavors attempting to inspire a connection between the observer and the subject. This art form is a very flexible medium and through the use of light and shadow it can weave a very complex tapestry of eroticism and attraction. It also has many shades of seduction that it can portray from playful to demanding and the casual voyeur cannot help but be drawn in to its siren call. The models used for nude photography sessions are artists as well and are able to connect with the observer through the camera lens and convey a sense of intimacy and seduction few other art forms can accomplish. When it's done right, nude photography can elicit feelings of carnal attraction that can be overwhelming.

Another advantage that nude photography has over other similar art forms is that it can deliver the final image in a wide variety of styles. A simple choice between monochromatic or color for the film will give the viewer a different level of access. Lenses and lighting can amplify the subject and draw the observer in even deeper. Positions of the body as well as the level of nudity in the image all play into delivering the perfect enchanting experience. Nude photography has matured into a well-respected art form, appreciated by millions the world over. The variety of styles, subjects and settings make this medium a very dynamic and creative experience for the subjects and observers alike. The magic it creates when the subject, photographer and settings align can leave you breathless.