Some photographers like to approach nude photography in a spontaneous manner, taking on the role of a curious observer and allowing the models freedom to move. This is similar to how the great E.J. Bellocq photographed the prostitutes of Storyville, a small town in New Orleans. Other photographers, however, approach nude photography like a stage director, instructing the models to strike particular poses, similar to the works of Julian Mandel.
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Whichever style you would eventually adopt, it is always best to prepare. There are four major elements that require preparation when taking nude photographs. These are the model, the studio or location, the camera, and the initial poses.
Model – The model need not be sexually alluring. In fact, there are only two physical requirements and one emotional requirement. The two physical requirements are good skin and a well-proportioned figure. Since photography is an art, it might also be good to have a woman with a not-so-perfect body. Leonard Nimoy experimented with this.
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The emotional requirement is trust. The model should feel comfortable with you as a photographer. This is why male photographers who are new to nude photography normally choose their wives or girlfriends as models.
Studio – The studio should be warm. The photographer may not feel the cold because he or she is wearing clothes, but the model may end up shivering. Shivering and posing do not go well together. There should be nearby sheets and blankets that will be available to the model. And finally, many nude photographers prefer a dark background. It would be recommended to begin with this background before exploring others.
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Camera – The model, due to the nature of the photography, would appreciate space. Thus, it is best to have longer focal lengths, such as the 70-200 mm lenses.
Initial poses – When dealing with amateur models or women who have never posed before, it is best to have a few initial poses in mind. This will take away nervousness on the part of the model and will help the photographer decide the next poses that will produce good pictures. Classic poses are sitting, reclining, and standing. You may also want to check out Mark Edward Smith’s book, “The Nude Female Figure: A Visual Reference for the Artist” or Joel Gilgoff’s “Artistic Nude Poses”.
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