The Art of the Nude

by Lindsay Adler
www.lindsayadlerphotography.com

Glamour vs. Fine Art

Glamour emphasizes sexuality (breast, buttocks, etc)
Fine Art emphasizes composition, human form, lighting
Posing & Lighting KEY in defining difference

Preparing for a Nude Shoot

Concepts
Model
Location
Props
Poses
Equipment

Concepts
What are your artistic goals?
Aesthetic or create technique?

Concept Development
Inspiration: Other photographers, paintings, fine art, models,
Form, Poses
Lighting: High key, low key, high contrast, soft, hard
Location:

Photogs for Inspiration

Helmut Newton
Ruth Bernhard
Faye Yerbury
Peter Lindbergh
Herb Ritts
Robert Mapplethorpe
Edward Weston
Sally Mann
Joyce Tenneson
Richard Avedon
Bob Carlos Clarke
Man Ray
Lee Freidlander
Carlos Baez
and dozens more
Finding Models
Be prepared to pay hourly rates (Often $75-$150 an hour)
ModelMayhem.com: TFCD, Hourly, Day Rates
Model Agencies
Craigslist.com

Selecting Model
Experience: Previous experience preferable!
Physical attributes: Fit or full figured? Hair color/length
Skin: Color of skin? Skin attributes?
Posing Abilities: Consider dancers/gymnasts for better body awareness

Comfort Level
No physical contact
Have a robe/towel available
Keep room/environment warm (if possible)
Compliment, but don’t “over compliment”
Get to know them

Working with Models

Keep a flow... keep shooting
Avoid “Chimping”
Be comfortable with equipment (don’t fiddle too much!)
If you stop shooting, keeping chatting
Give direction, bring inspiration

Nude “No No’s”

NO wide angle unless environmental shot
NO touching
NO inappropriate comments (even joking)

Progression
1. Suggestion of Nudity: Translucent Clothing, Tule, Fabric, etc
2. Implied Nude: nude but no ‘parts’ showing
3. Partial nude: Topless, but underwear or other on bottom
4. Full Nude

Photographer new to nude photography?

Model new to nude photograph?
Take it slow if necessary
My Creative Kit
Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens or Canon 50mm 1.2 Lens
Canon 85mm 1.2 Lens or Canon 85mm 1.2 Lens
Canon 70-200mm Lens (gives model physical space)
Canon 16-35mm 2.8 Lens (for environmental shots)
Lensbaby Composer

Consider Lensbaby
Helps blur imperfections or more risque areas
Feels fine art, ethereal
Lensbaby Composer

Posing
To Start: Keep it simple!
Analyze form and light for composition
Bring SAMPLES to show model, for inspiration

To Show, Or Not to Show

Less is sometimes more
“Implied” nudity often classic/stunning

Posing
C curve
S curve
Abstract form, shape
Dance poses

Posing
Natural
Geometric
Abstract

Shooting on Location
Contrast: Smooth Skin against Rough Textures
Composition: Incorporate into environment, surroundings

Natural Light
See the light: Reflectors, Diffusors, Backlit

Shooting in Studio
Background
Black: Dramatic, Contrast
White: High Key
Lighting Considerations
Side light, Raking light: More dramatic, Carves out form
Front Light: Best for high-key
Back lit: Dramatic, Mysterious
Top Light: Form, Drama

Add Mystery
Hide identity
Silhouette
Hidden Face
Dramatic Lighting

Misc Tips
Remove underwear asap to avoid lines/wrinkles on skin
Fresh shave... indicate if certain areas are required shaven

For the Skin

Lotion with shimmer
Baby Oil
Metallic Powder
“Flour-like” Powder
Mud, other cracking substance

Props
eBay.com
Craigslist
Antique Shops
Flower shops

Consider Hair & Makeup

Helps model feel more beautiful, therefore confident
How does hair & makeup incorporate into concept and environment

Retouching for Nudes

Skin softening/blemish removal
plugins: Nik Color Efex, Portraiture, Portrait Professional, etc
Remove unsightly wrinkles, folds
Arm pits, stretch marks a MUST
Liquify (forward warp tool)

Creative Retouching Effects

Add Textures
Color Effects
Vignette
Vibrance
Consider Black and White
“Classic Nude”
Avoid skin discoloration
More ‘fine art’ feel
Black and white: Red,Yellow, Orange make up skin tones