Cowgirl photoshoot with Ann

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More of Ann

Arabella and I started shooting around 3:30 and we finished just before 8 in the evening. This was our first shoot together and we came up with about 900 shots (not all of them winners obviously; what I lack in talent I attempt to make up in volume.) We did about 7 themes/outfits and on a white background and a red one. Here are a few shots that I picked out.

Want to model for me? Take a look through the photos and video in the portfolio to get an idea of what a shoot will be like.

All models have given written permission for their images, both still and moving, to be used.

Marketing your work can be one of the most gratifying aspects of your photography experience, but it can also be labor intensive. In nude photography it is especially important you have the appropriate permission from your models in the form of a model release that states how the photographs may be published.

A release is an agreement between a model and a photographer. The release can protect the photographer from claims of libel, slander, defamation, or invasion of privacy. It can also help avoid basic misunderstandings and give a comfort level to the use of a model’s photos, especially in the case of nudes.

1. Make sure you choose a model release that is appropriate for nude photography. See links at the bottom for samples.
2. As part of agreeing to a shoot, make sure the model understands your intended use for the photos.
3. Have the release ready after the shoot. Some photographers have the release signed before shooting, but I’m told this can put the legality of the release into question because the content of the shoot has not yet occurred at the time of signing, and therefore the model cannot take it into consideration.
4. Before presenting the release to the model, ask the model if she’s signed model releases in the past. If she has not, explain to her that a release is a permission form that allows you to use the images in the way you described when you arranged the shoot with her.
5. Present the release to the model.
6. Let the model know that she needs to fill in all blanks unless they are marked as optional.
7. If she has questions do what you can to address them. It is rare that the model is not comfortable signing the release because permission to use the photos is something that should be discussed before the shoot.
8. Ask the model for government issued photo identification for proof of identity and age; make a digital copy of the id with your camera.
9. Pay the model after she has signed the release. The payment is in exchange for her time and permission to use the photographs for the agreed purposes.

Here is a link to a sample of a basic nude model release suitable for printing and use as a basic agreement between you and a nude model. It is also a good idea to get a photograph of the model’s driver’s license for proof of identity and age. This release is provided “as is” without any warranty as to its usefulness for commercial work, completeness or appropriateness to your situation or location. Check with a legal expert regarding the laws of your particular location, especially as it pertains to nude photography.

Some photographers prefer to have the release signed before shooting, while others do it after. There is a chance that a release signed before a shoot may be not be legally enforceable since the model may not be able to consider exactly what photos she is releasing. I have the model sign the release after the shoot, and have not had a problem with a model release.

nude-model-release (pdf)

Here are some preview pages from my book True Confessions of Nude Photography.

Artistic Nude
Artistic nudity is a form of nudity that is intended to showcase the body as art. Artistic nudes are typically suitable for framing and exhibition.

Audition
An interview with a photographer, casting director, etc., to evaluate the model’s suitability for a specific job. At an audition you may be asked to show a portfolio or dress in a certain style.

Book (noun)
See portfolio.

Book (verb)
To arrange a shoot.

Booking
A modeling shoot, also see Gig.

Boudoir Nude
A style of nude glamour shot in an indoor, bedroom setting.

Call Back
An additional interview held to make further determinations as to which model(s) will be hired.

Casting Call
An advertisement for models. The casting call will contain details about the work requirements and, after an inquiry, usually is followed by auditions or interviews.

Comp Card
A card containing a composite of a model’s photos and information. This term is often applied to the digital version of the same.

Figure Modeling
Another term for nude modeling; more commonly used with art modeling than with glamour.

Gig
A modeling job

Glamour Nude (or Glamor nude)
Nude photography with a sensual mood. The emphasis is on the model, not on any product or clothing.

Model Release
An agreement between the model and photographer, granting the photographer rights to use the photos from a shoot, in exchange for compensation paid to the model. Sample model release for use with nude models.

Open Call
A casting call that may be attended without an appointment.

Petite Model
In runway modeling, petite is any model 5’8″ or shorter; in glamour modeling petite could be 5’5″ or shorter.

Pin-up
A form of modeling suitable for calendars, posters, and other glamorous displays of attractive models.

Playboy Style Nude
A style of nude typically seen in Playboy publications; used as a common way to explain the degree of explicit nudity required. Means non-pornographic nude work. This term is sometimes used to distinguish soft-core nudity from harder core styles found in other magazines such as Hustler Magazine or Penthouse Magazine.

Portfolio
A showcase of a model’s best photographs, intended to win additional work.

Runway Modeling
Clothing modeling performed at a live show, usually on an elevated runway. Runway models are typically female, 5’9″ to 5’11″ in height.

Stats
Statistics, or measurements, of a model. Usually bra size (or bust measurement), waist measurement at it’s smallest, and hips at their largest. Also height, weight, age, and dress size. You’ll be asked to provide your stats before or during an interview. For example: My stats are 34C-24-34, 5’8″ 110 lbs, 19 years old, size 0.

TFP (TFCD)
Time For Photos: Payment given to the model in the form of photographs that can be used in her portfolio. Also TFCD, Time for (photo) CD. Also TF*, Time For *some form of photos.

ZED card
A three panel card containing a model’s photos and information. This term is often applied to the digital version of the same

Even more general and nude photography terms

Coming later in 2010, a guide to photographing nude models. Learn from my education, experience, and my mistakes!

Buy the book for $24.95

In the guide:

• Step-by-step guide to nude photography
• Finding Models
• Figure lighting
• 100 nude poses
• Photoshop techniques
• Selling your work

This article is for photographers who want to get the most out of a photo session with a nude model.

1.       Begin with realistic expectations based on your experience, the models available to you, and your equipment. Expect that your work will evolve creatively and improve technically; but at a moderate pace as you learn and grow.

2.       Make shooting arrangements with a model. Preferably choose someone who you’ve already met and who has experience modeling nude or at least has experience modeling.

3.       Make sure the model understands specifically what you want to accomplish from the shoot. Show her samples of the kinds of images you want to achieve. Images speak volumes more than words can. Preferably these images are from your own work, but if you’re beginning you might want to use examples from magazines, etc. If you plan to publish or distribute the nude images, make sure the model understands and agrees to this.

4.       Make your own notes about what poses, props, lighting, backgrounds, etc. you want to use.

5.       Agree on a location for the shoot. Make sure to consider privacy for the model, climate control, and availability of electricity, natural light, or any other requirements for making your photographs. Make sure adequate backgrounds will be available at the location.

6.       Agree on a time for the shoot. Make sure to consider time for travel, makeup, setup of equipment, or other preparations. Discuss preparation time with the model so she knows to allow enough time to arrive on time.

7.       When you meet the model at the shoot location, greet her and make sure she has everything she needs: a place to put her stuff, a place to check makeup and hair, water or other beverage, etc.

8.       When you start shooting, begin with clothed shots to warm up. This is especially important if you’ve not worked with this model before, or if she’s not especially experienced with nude modeling. Progress slowly towards nudity to maintain the model’s comfort. Don’t progress too slowly, as this can be frustrating or seem silly to a model who is ready to pose nude.

9.       Direct the model verbally; avoid physical contact and limit your proximity to the model especially when she is nude.

10.   If your model is new to nude modeling, make the first nude shots side or back shots, until she is comfortable with more revealing shots. There is no necessity to progress to more revealing shots unless both of you want to.

11.   Keep shooting as you direct the model, even if the poses are not exactly what you want. This will help keep the model’s confidence up. Continue directing the model verbally and shooting until you see the poses you want.

12.   Try a variety of poses. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep in mind that only the best shots need be used later. Refer back to your notes about what poses, backgrounds, light, props, etc. you want to use.

13.   When you’re done shooting have the model sign a release and get a copy of her government issued photo identification (including date of birth) if you plan to publish the images. Some photographers prefer to get the release signed before the shoot.

Nude photography entails more than just photographic technique, there is a huge interpersonal element; much more so than in any other kind of people photography. There are many articles on the photographic technique of nude photography, but herein I will address how to talk to a nude model. By learning these verbal techniques, you should be able to direct the action from behind your camera just like an expert.

1. Begin by introducing yourself or greeting the model if you’ve already met.
2. Don’t be nervous, it’s contagious. The more natural you are the better everything will go. Act as if you’ve done it a thousand times – even if you haven’t. Don’t be overly chatty or bold, just keep working.
3. During the photo shoot, Avoid physical contact with the models during posing; it is much more efficient to stay behind your camera and use verbal direction. Touching models can also come off as creepy. New models need to learn to follow verbal direction, and new photographers need to learn how to give verbal direction.
4. Be professional. Whenever possible, use neutral terms, not slang for body parts. If you want the model to turn her chest towards you, refer to her chest — not any of the popular vernacular terms for breasts. What you don’t say is as important as what you do say.
5. One effective technique of verbal direction is to mention a body part and to simply describe what the model needs to do to achieve the exact, desired pose.
6. Keep verbal directions simple and clear. For example it’s easy to say, “Place you right hand on your right hip, then move your right foot a few inches to your right.”
7. Once the model has achieved the basic pose, suggest specific, clear refinements as needed in order to perfect the pose. Your choice of approach will be a personal one, but I tend to tell rather than ask. Phrasing instructions as questions can make you seem less experienced and less professional. By making clear, concise statements you’ll keep the shoot moving with the poses you want and without any confusion.

1. Myth: To become a model you first need to pay a photographer.
   Reality: There are a lot of scams out there. Modeling is a job you get paid to do. If you have to pay, you’re not modeling. No major modeling agency requires that you hire a photographer before interviewing and they state this on their web sites.
2. Myth: Modeling is easy glamorous work.
   Reality: Modeling can be fun, but it requires effort.
3. Myth: Anyone can be a model, it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, skinny or fat.
   Reality: Modeling is competitive — you need to look better than the competition or you won’t get the work. True, there are lifestyle models and plus sized models, but these fields are no less competitive.
4. Myth: You have to look like a runway model to find work.
   Reality: Not all modeling is runway modeling. Print models under 5′8″ appear all the time in pin-up and nude shots in Playboy, on posters, advertisements, etc.
5. Myth: Models have to be skinny.
   Reality: Models need to be healthy, if you’re doing glamour or nude modeling some curves are helpful.
6. Myth: Models are dumb.
   Reality: Successful models are smart. Dumb models don’t get work — modeling is competitive and smart models know they have to exercise, eat right, and get as much practice as possible.
7. Myth: You need to take a class to learn to model.
   Reality: You can shell out a ton of money on modeling schools (or scams) and it won’t help you as much as getting real experience or advice from experts.
8. Myth: Models shouldn’t smile in photos, the expressions should always be blank.
   Reality: Sometimes a smile is called for; sometimes it’s not. Being able to show a range of expressions and moods is important.
9. Myth: Modeling is like what you see on reality TV.
   Reality: Get real!
10. Myth: Always look right at the camera.
    Reality: A variety of looks and poses is better.

1. Bring some of your own wardrobe
2. Look at as many sample photos as possible, make sure you know which poses are going to be expected of you
3. Ask about hair and makeup. Should you arrive with it done? Fingernails and toenails are part of your makeup
4. Beware of elastic in tight undergarments it leaves lines on your skin
5. Stay hydrated, drink water (and avoid alcohol) the night before the shoot. This will help your skin “bounce back” from garment lines.
6. Practice posing at different curves and angles
7. Don’t automatically smile and look at the camera, mix it up a bit
8. In standing poses, rest your weight on one foot or the other, but not evenly
9. In sitting poses, keep your weight on the back hip or thigh to give a slimming effect to the front leg.
10. For some poses you may need to suck in your stomach even if you’re very fit, but don’t hold your breath
11. Make-up for camera can look different in the mirror than it will in the final image, make sure to listen to any on-camera makeup advice if you’re not experienced in this area.
12. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
13. Turn off your phone if you can; if you’re expecting an important call, make this known before beginning work.
14. Study poses that you like