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

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