How To Shoot Truly Artistc Glamour Images

Nude portraits undoubtedly belong to the most popular subgenres of glamour photography. What are the basic demands of producting quality and, most importantly, artistic nudes? I would like offer you some general insight on how artistry can be achieved in shooting nude portraits.

Nude photographs first of all serves an artistic purpose, and so it is meant to create an appropriate impression – that of aesthetics rather than “oh, what a pretty lass!” kind of rapture. 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!

I offer you 7 useful tips that will help you take off into the world of nude Glamour Pictures with some knowledge of the subject and, hopefully, great motivation.

• It is important to feel the border between artistry and vulgarity: as a photographer, you need to pursue the former, not the latter. The main goal is not to expose nudity but to reveal the sensual and artistic beauty of the human body – ergo, focus on depicting 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. Let your sense of taste take flight – if you’ve got one (and you must have, otherwise why in the world would you take interest in glamour photography), nothing can go wrong;
• You shouldn’t fall victim to the game “look how much junk I managed to stuff into this picture!” – your model is to wear only essentials that contribute to the mood of the picture and correspond to basics of good taste. Think small, sophisticated and well-balanced items that could add some glamorous and beguiling touch to your concept;
• Don’t use hot lights for lighting if you don’t want your model to melt down like a snowwoman. At all times, cold lights are more appropriate – for the sake of saving electric power, not sweating like a pig and having more space for creativity. 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;
• Always mind the proportions: depending on the angle from which you shoot, your models body can become too stretched 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. No good photographer takes less than a thousand of pictures per session – just to have a vast choice;
• Communicate with your model, make her feel at ease. She is not just an element within the frame – she is your vital partner and your very best friend when it concerns working in a studio. Your model is the second most important person behind the creative activity – if not the first. If your model feels uncomfortable, you won’t get anywhere – even if you’re Helmut Newton!

Nude photography is not easy – nor is Beauty Photography in general. Everything can be accomplished, however, if you try hard and do your best. Remember – a journey of thousand miles begins with one step! We, fellow-photographers, can do it with a single flash.

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