How to Choose Models for Nude Photography
What should the model for nude photography look like? The main requirement is that she should inspire the photographer. Otherwise why shall you photograph her?
- Forget about a ’90-60-90-stereotype’. That is not a secret that most super models do not fit these numbers. Often women who are not ideally-built, show such expressiveness and artistic talent, that these compensate for some flaws of their body. What you need is a model with well-proportioned and harmonious figure.
- Look for healthy complexion. It is important that your model have beautiful skin. Tanned complexion often looks advantageous on a photo. But make sure there are no white spots left from a swimsuit on the body, as it doesn’t look very appealing. You can also try to mask small defects with a good make-up, or use softening filters when photographing.
- Establish contact with the model. It is important that your model trust you and feel at ease in your presence. You should create the atmosphere, that will help the model relax during the photo session. She should be sure that nobody will come in during the session, etc. Certainly there should be no outsiders. A big mirror, in which the model could look during the session will help her feel less uneasy.
- Choose your wife or girlfriend as your first model. It is a good choice, as you both won’t feel confused in this situation. But there can appear another problem here – we have certain stereotypes about our close people, which can prevent you from creating what you planned. So you will have to overcome them.
- Start with a portrait, if it is the first nude photo session for your model. When your model feel more relaxed, you will be able to move to more open poses.
- Love and worship your model, then you won’t be able to get bad photos. Many experienced photographers prefer sincerity and honesty to long legs and big breasts, as their main task is to tell a story rather than just show beautiful bodies.
- Give the model some freedom. If you want your model express her individuality, do not give strict orders to her, let her be herself. Though for some people it is hard to relax and stop posing before the camera. So it can be a good practice to leave a model alone for some time before the photo session. It will help her to get acquainted with the place and relax.
Sometimes it is difficult to shoot a professional model, as her professionalism can be an obstacle to showing her individuality on shots. Often professional models demonstrate some standard poses, which prevents them from expressing their personality.
In the end, I can’t but mention that the ability to communicate with people for a people photographer is as important as his/her technical skills. Humor and patience are the basic qualities, which help the photographer to achieve his goal.
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