If you’re a fan of nude photography, you’re probably familiar with the technical aspects: focus, light, depth of field, and so on. In the four years getting my art degree, technique was something infrequently discussed in the realm of painting and drawing, and was also a minority topic in photography. Never did we discuss in depth what kind of chisels Michelangelo used, or whether Edward Hopper preferred natural or synthetic brush bristles and how technique affected the way we interpreted their resulting artwork. After art school I found it refreshing to hear more discussion of technique. Many years have passed since my undergraduate degree, and outside of art school it seems that technique is the most discussed photography topic, and in some circles technique seems to be the only topic.

In this article I will discuss some of the other ways to look at photography, beyond aspects of technique. This article is about interpreting photography. Not just what technique was used to create the photograph, but the role that you as the viewer play in interpreting the image. Read more

Not all models flake. In fact, most don’t. But the flake rate with nudes can be higher than most, especially if you’re recruiting your models online. Sometime’s it’s the photographer’s fault, for instance by not giving enough details about the shoot until the last minute.

No matter where you recruit your models, a significant number of photographers complain about no-show models. I used to have the same problem, but not in the last several years.

In my experience, the following nine yellow flags precede 90% of all flakey models. By avoiding these situations you can avoid waiting for a model that never shows up. It’s been ages since I’ve had a no-show; more than 95% of my models show up.

1. No phone contact. Attempt a phone interview as soon as possible. If you can’t make a phone call happen, chances are a shoot is not going to happen either. Reduce flake risk by 15%
2. Model doesn’t have any photos from the last 6 months. If she hasn’t shot anything recently, good luck with that changing.  Reduce flake risk by 15% Read more

When considering the technique of nude photography vs. portraiture, you won’t get too far by just applying the rules of portraiture to your nude work. Not that there is nothing to be borrowed from portraiture, some of the basics  (lighting ratio, etc) share similar concepts, but their application is greatly different.

Nude photography is a discipline in itself. Broaden your approach to more than full-length portrait photography minus the clothes, and you’ll be two steps ahead of most beginners. The lighting and posing concepts for nude photography are different from those of portraiture and fashion photography. I’m not going to tell you to forget everything you know about non-nude photography, because all that knowledge is going to help you. Admittedly, there are similarities between non-nude and nude photography, but you need to know what the differences are, my suggestion is that you neither forget nor rely entirely upon your past experiences, but instead that you learn with an open mind. (from page 10 of my book)

Knowledge of portrait lighting is helpful, but not essential to learning nude lighting. A portrait lighting configuration is not sufficient to light the whole body.

In portrait photography a ratio of 2:1 is traditional; but in nude photos a higher ratio like 3:1 or even 4:1 often yields more dramatic images. It is a matter of taste and style — the more fill light the more detail you will see in the shadows. Higher contrast images are often viewed as more artistic, while lower contrast images (like the 2:1 portrait ratio) can risk looking a little pedestrian.

The techniques around portraiture are distinct from nude photography (at least the kind that I do) in three major ways: 1. they were developed for photographing non-models; 2. they were developed for a subject who is also your customer; and 3. the rules of portraiture center on the face — a minority in the world of nude photography:

1. Since we’re talking about photographing nude models (not ordinary people) there is no reason for all those little tricks for minimizing or hiding flaws. If you do employ those tricks, you’ll likely miss out on some of the more interesting angles for your model.

2. To come up with an interesting image, you needn’t be concerned with the most flattering pose. Granted, you’re not trying to create an unflattering pose, but experimentation is called for. You’re not constrained by your subject being your customer.

3. And finally, the face does not have to be central to a nude. Certainly it can be, and sometimes to great effect. But many if not most interesting nudes are not about a face with the body as an afterthought.

So if you know some techniques from portraiture, begin with a fresh mind as you embark on nude photography.

1. Look for models who have been shooting regularly and recently. You should see recent photos, from various shoots, over the last six months.
2. If the model hasn’t already done the kind of shots you’re planning to do, she may back out.
3. Get a phone number, confirm via phone 48 hours in advance – if no call back 24 hours before the shoot, don’t bother setting up.
4. If you’re booking really far in advance, make sure to touch base about a week or ten days before the shoot; people do forget things.
5. Avoid booking for times that are already hectic: holidays, finals week, when models may have other things planned or when things may unexpectedly come up.
6. Be wary of models who ask about money and nothing else; they may be booking several gigs and showing up to only the highest bidder.
7. Pay market rates. If the model finds out your giving her a raw deal, she may back out.
8. Try to size up how “together” your model is before booking the shoot. For example, if she plans to drive all night and sleep in her car to be ready for the shoot – you might expect a no-show.
9. Make sure the models see your work, and know how it will be used before booking the shoot. Having a killer portfolio doesn’t hurt either
10. Be picky in selecting your models, choose them don’t let them choose you.

Be patient, sometimes legitimate problems come up; car troubles, love life, family, work, weather, health, monthly cycles, breakouts, etc.
Even following these, you’re going to be occasionally going to be frustrated by no-show models.

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You have the talent, you have the skill, you have the desire. You are ready to begin shooting nudes, but don’t know where to start. Here are ten examples of where not to start.

1. The triple first. First time model, first time photographer, first time together. Sure, it could work; but the triple first is a recipe for disaster: you’ve never photographed a nude, she’s never posed nude, and you’ve never met each other. Instead, consider doing a non-nude shoot with your model, or finding a model with nude experience.
2. Relying on words to recruit models. Pictures speak volumes, and when it comes to nude photography, the imagination runs wild (sometimes too wild) with words alone. Don’t frighten your potential models away, let your photos show how tasteful and artistic your ideas are.
3. Trying to sell yourself. Recruit, interview and hire the model. Don’t act like you’re trying to sell her on your ideas. In other words, don’t try to convince – people are naturally resistant to a sales job. Explain your ideas, and let her decide if she’s interested
4. Being too explicit
5. Being unprofessional. You’re not looking for a date or a friend. It’s OK to keep it light.
6. Acting too interested. I’ve never seen a photographer who exhibited too little enthusiasm, but too much intensity can be a major turn off (and a creep out).
7. Loosing focus. No, I’m not talking about beams of light. I mean you have to develop and define your subject and style before you’ll be taken seriously. It’s OK to experiment, but don’t throw everything into your portfolio.
8. Being indiscriminate. Don’t throw every image in your portfolio. Don’t ask every woman in the room to model for you. If people think you have low standards or are desperate, they won’t be able to get away from you fast enough
9. Skipping basics. You have to be a photographer before you can be a nude photographer.
10. Treating nude photography as if it were portrait photography. If you don’t learn how to light and pose the nude, your work will lack punch.

Just be yourself, and hang in there. Avoid the pitfalls listed above and the many more that exist. If you keep trying, you and your models will soon be well on your way to producing the spectacular nude photographs you know you’re capable of.

Want to earn a little extra and have fun doing it?
One fun way to make money with your model photography is through a microstock agency. These agencies market your photos for you, and then pay you a portion of the proceeds.

Photographs of models are one of the best selling image types in stock photography.

Have 500 great images?
Selling through microstock is a game of volume, so you need to have the time to produce and upload a great many images (typically 500 or 1,000) that will sell well. But if you are dedicated, skilled, and patient the rewards are there. According to a June 2007 article in the New York Times, one top photographer earns $70,000 and another more than $100,000 per year selling photos via microstock.

The “Big 4″ microstock agencies

(listed with the highest paying first)

Shutterstock

Istockphoto

Dreamstime

Fotolia

Having fun
Part of the fun of selling stock is that after you upload your photos, enter some keywords and other data; you can check back and see how your sales are doing. Watching earnings increase, even just a few cents, is enjoyable. And with no further effort the earnings from a great photo can continue for years.

Improve your work
The feedback you get from your uploads can reveal volumes about your work, both technically and image impact. Which of your images sell the best? How about that “great image” that you find out suffers from chromatic aberration or pixel noise? Even if you don’t make a ton of money, I can almost guarantee you will learn something from the process.

Upload when you feel like it
Nobody from the microstock agencies will get on your back if you stop uploading. Just do it when you feel like it.

Micro vs. Big Guys
Microstock agencies are distinct from large photo stock agencies, in that they address a different kind of photo buyer. The customers of microstock agencies have budgets that are on a smaller scale and typically have never purchased a photo from the high-priced agencies.

A Word of Warning
Getting onto a microstock site is not child’s play. Based on the feedback I get, I would estimate that only 10% or fewer of photographers who attempt actually are able to get into the business. Take your time, and research the process; read all the instructions on each site before you submit; scrutinize your work. Your equipment and your technique must be professional grade. There is a portfolio review process, so make sure you do your homework and know exactly what they are looking for before you take the plunge.

Keep Trying
Some sites have much higher standards than others. If you get rejected from one site, try some others before resubmitting to the first one. And read the rejection reasons carefully, they contain important clues to improving your photography and selling some winning images.

Getting on Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the more lucrative sites, and it took me a while to get accepted. I did learn a trick that I suggest you try. Choose your sample images carefully and submit no more than the required amount. How you size them is important, downsizing your images to the minimum requirement will help you hide flaws. Downsizing to the minimum requirement is how I got accepted. You only need to do this until your account is approved. If you get rejected (any you will the first couple of times) keep reapplying (with the same account but different images.) Look carefully at your rejection notice, replace only the images that were rejected until you get accepted. It will happen if you keep at it, and don’t forget to resize your images to be close to the minimum size requirement.

More Links
Before you start, you can get advice from microstock veterans and participate in discussions at the microstock forums here:

www.microstockgroup.com

Banner Links to the agencies

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 therefor 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 should 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

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 that 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 if 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.