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.
