How to Photograph a Nude

Nude photography has always generated controversy. Some feel it's too easy to slip into pornography. But people have always been fascinated by the human body. There's no reason why a naked statue of Adonis should be art while nude photography is automatically pornography. It takes some special attention, though, to take a good nude photograph. Follow these steps to make your picture turn out well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Private place
• Good lighting

1. Get rid of any preconceptions you have about the body. Supermodels don't look like real women. Male models don't look like real men. Make sure your nude photograph celebrates the real human body.

2. Make your model feel comfortable. The temperature of the room should be just a little too warm for you (remember your model won't be wearing a thing for a while). Play soft, relaxing music to ease her self-consciousness.

3. Hang a white sheet on the wall and set a white sheet on the floor. This eliminates strange patterns that could detract from the main subject. It also lets you play with shadows that accent the natural shape of your model's body.

4. Spend time taking some practice photographs for both your and your model's sake. She'll get more comfortable and you'll get to know her body shape.

5. Emphasize the curves of the female body. Note the shape of a man's back and buttocks.

6. Photograph your nude in the path of sunlight if you're taking the photograph during the day. Use a lace curtain to diffuse the light if it's too bright. Make sure the shape of the beam compliments her natural curves.

7. Play with the lighting when you don't have sunlight to work with. Light from the side or the top works best. Create shadows that play off of the model's natural body shape.

8. Let your model do what's comfortable for her. Emphasize sensuality rather than sexuality to avoid turning your nude photograph into pornography, unless that's what you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Suggest that your model not wear undergarments for a couple of hours before your photography session to avoid elastic marks.
• Avoid lighting your model from the front so your nude photograph emphasizes her curves with shadows.

[jennablack]

on 3/26/2009 This is a very specific genre and style of nude photography. Why do you insist that models aren't "real" people and that the background has to be white? If nude art photography celebrates the human form, why are muscular bodies less worthy of celebration?**

[jennablack]

on 3/26/2009 This is a very specific genre and style of nude photography. Why do you insist that models aren't "real" people and that the background has to be white? If nude art photography celebrates the human form, why are muscular bodies less worthy of celebration?**