This image is from the title page of my new book, Exquisite Curves. This is a book about composition and posing. The contours of the female body are a masterpiece of nature and were the inspiration for the title of this book. This file is an example of the bonus material that is available to readers of the book. Select Photoshop files are also available.

Title page image for Exquisite Curves

The book will be available within the next 60 days.

Book Cover

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. 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