Secrets of Nude Portrait: Creating Artistic Glamour Images
Human body has always been a popular theme to depict in fine arts. However, it’s far from easy to shoot aesthetically flawless pictures without falling into vulgarity – so how can the latter be avoided? I would like offer you some general insight on how artistry can be achieved in shooting nude portraits.
When shooting a nude portraits one must always hold the following in mind – they are, first of all, art. They may be rather bold or provoking or sexual, yet they provoke thoughts rather than carnal excitement and raise emotions much subtler than plain loathing. Enough talk of abstract matters – we need some practical knowledge!
Here you find 7 techniques and pieces of advice to guide you through the basics of nude Glamour Photographs and provide some valuable insight as well as priceless mindset.
- It is important to feel the border between artistry and profanity: as a photographer, you need to pursue the former, not the latter. Make emphasis on body shapes and texture. Unless you know what you’re doing, refrain from depicting genitals – not many photographers know how to make them look appropriate on a nude glamour portrait. Rely on your artistic taste to decide what will look great and what should be avoided – it is a more reliable criterion than strict rules of glamour photography;
- Unless you’re shooting a naked pirate, don’t succumb to the temptation of dressing up your model in pricely tokens: nude photography is about a human body, not jewelry and fancy trinkets. The best way to go is seeking out little and exquisite tokens that will add up charm to both your model and the atmosphere of nude portrait;
- For practical purposes one should always avoid using so-called “hot lights” in a studio. Cold lights consume less electricity, create less heat and prove to be more flexible when it comes to studio lighting. If you need a softer, more diffused light, using fost-boxes is always the most desirable option. Frankly speaking, subtler light is preferable for glamour nudes, as it usually makes the images more erotic and sensual;
- Don’t let the laws of optics stand in your way to creating a nude masterpiece: the shooting angle can alter the proportions and make your model either too tall and thin or too short. Don’t you think it wouldn’t actually demonstrate your good taste?
- Get inspired. Experimenting with poses, light and surroundings can result in very unexpected and original variations;
- Can’t you forget that your camera has its limit of exposures and you have the limit of time? Seriously, you want as many photos as possible, in order to be able to choose from a vast selection of captions. Even hardcore glamour photographers make some several thousand pictures in one studio session – so they could later pick really astounding images;
- Establish a connection with your model. She is more than merely a model, but your best friend and a co-author. Your model is the second most important person behind the creative activity – if not the first. You are not going to succeed without your model feeling at ease and ready to work!
Nude photography is not easy – nor is Glamour Photography in general. Yet you can achieve a lot if you keep practicing and pushing on. A travel of many miles begins with a single step! Or, in our glamour photographers’ case – with one flash.