Body/Nude Photography is ancient art form & it is creation of any photography, which contains an image of nude or semi nude person or an image suggestive of nudity. Body/Nude photography is undertaken for a variety of purposes including educational uses, commercial application & artistic creation. The application is for Glamour, Advertising, Entertainment, Fine Arts and Music Albums Covers etc. It can be presented in Modern & Contemporary form but should limit it to art form. This subject is always controversial especially in some cultures/countries.
- Must know what you are looking for before you start shoot especially the poses, the curves & the amount of exposure keeping in view the objective
- Keep it simple for setting up the shoot i.e. Location, Direction, Themes, Ideas, Clothing choice, Make up, Hair Style & the Date & Time
- Be confidant & direct clearly. It is important to look through the lens. Don’t over direct in Body shoot
- Be open to change ideas/poses before or during the photo shoot as per the comfort of the subject/model
- Connect & engage with your subject/model, discuss the shot, show them the image results
- Oil up skin – slight glisten to the skin enhances the glow, shape & form
- Try & experiment with Black & White, it helps to change the look & feel of the shot, the focus is less on body & more on lights, shapes, shades & shadows
- Shoot from different angles to get the best angle i.e. Top shooting angle, High shooting angle, Low shooting angle, Usual shooting angle or Unusual shooting angle
- Warm up/cozy the room, it is difficult to give poses & feel relaxed, when the subject/model is shivering
- Use longer focal lengths to allow subject/model to have some personal space. You can use 50mm or 85mm Prime lens. You can use 70-200mm lens, to capture close up shots almost abstract type shots
- Anonymity Helps – don’t take direct shots facing in the camera, it could be confronting… turned the face little bit & take images, it will be less distracting & adds up mystery
- Keep the mood relaxed & have fun. Move out of awkward stage –spend some time with the subject/model & conduct as school boy/girl. Have some wrap up sheet/blanket to cover the subject/model before or after the shoot
- Use Black material behind the model with couple of spotlights from the side. Use Beam/lights as reflectors onto your subject. Use contrast of black with white cover
- You can use window light as well to have sharpness & hardness of light
- Don’t allow you subject/model to stand around, make her comfortable & make him/her relaxed
- Keep the poses basic & simple; don’t make your model look horrified in posses. The best shots are always the simple pose shots
- Avoid creases in the skin
- Take rest in between different shots & stay relaxed & hydrated
- Get the subject / model Un-Dressed/Dressed up quickly
- Don’t get drunk before or during shoot
- Bend your knees to get the best
- Arch the back
- You should not force your model to a particular style/pose. If model is not comfortable – than change the style/pose. Also make sure there is minimal staff to support the shoot
- Some time less skin is more, cover up few parts to create anxiety. However naked photography has its own experience & great amount of learning
- Use props to add value to image use mirror, curtain or any interesting prop
- Never ever touch the model instead mirror the poses to them, ask permission to re-arrange an item of clothing/accessories/hairs
- You can use light background music to create a feel/mood, the creative process & also to diffuse the pressure
- Don’t assume that your subject/model is stupid
- Acknowledge the subject/model for their efforts & thank them
- Be Polite, Be Normal, Be Happy, Be Relaxed, Be Confident, Be Aware and enjoy the Body Shoot. Keep it Natural
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