Photographer
Nicholas Freeman Photo
Posts: 270
Los Angeles, California, US
I am a student photographer. normally I shoot product and table top, and when I do shoot portraits they arent that up close and personal. I was wondering what is best practice for shooting nudes in terms of respect and conduct?
I know it is different for every model, but in general what are good pointers.
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much?
Model
Miss AY
Posts: 8166
Bulqizë, Bulqizë, Albania
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
I am a student photographer. normally I shoot product and table top, and when I do shoot portraits they arent that up close and personal. I was wondering what is best practice for shooting nudes in terms of respect and conduct?
I know it is different for every model, but in general what are good pointers.
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much? Think about how you'd want to be treated if you were being photographed nude. You don't have to act super different around the model just because they aren't wearing clothing - that can actually make it worse if someone is making a big deal out of me being nude. So really, just act like she's wearing clothes.
For breaks in between shooting where you'd be changing lights, have a robe or some other light cover-up on hand or ask her to bring one.
If you need a pose adjusted or a hair fixed, ask her to do it herself or you can politely say "hey, you have a hair out of place, do you mind if I fix it?"
Good luck and have fun! 
Photographer
Marc Damon
Posts: 6562
Biloxi, Mississippi, US
E Liz Art wrote:
Think about how you'd want to be treated if you were being photographed nude. You don't have to act super different around the model just because they aren't wearing clothing - that can actually make it worse if someone is making a big deal out of me being nude. So really, just act like she's wearing clothes.
For breaks in between shooting where you'd be changing lights, have a robe or some other light cover-up on hand or ask her to bring one.
If you need a pose adjusted or a hair fixed, ask her to do it herself or you can politely say "hey, you have a hair out of place, do you mind if I fix it?"
Good luck and have fun! +1
Model
Jay Elle S
Posts: 813
Kansas City, Missouri, US
Treat your model the same as you would if they were clothed. Honestly, for me it is more awkward for someone to have the attitude of "you're nude!!!" like it is a big deal, rather than just going with the flow of the shoot.
Asking permission to make corrections (hair, hands, etc.) is important for making the model feel more comfortable, as is touching in neutral places if touching is a must. I agree with E Liz here.
In general, have a good time. Establish a good rapport with your model. Despite the lack of clothing, it is still just another shoot. Have fun and treat your model normally.
Edit: okay, I think I just re-typed a lot of what E Liz did. That just goes to show that she has good advice.
Photographer
Random Shutter Clicks
Posts: 4114
PORTER CORNERS, New York, US
whatever you are feeling personally will be projected onto your subject and that will reflect in the photos. So relax. Take a breath. And everything will be fine:)
Photographer
Roy Whiddon
Posts: 1666
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Very good advice so far. I also find that treating a nude model as if she is fully dressed is the best approach for a comfortable shoot. And definitely maintain eye contact when you are talking with her; she will know if you are gazing elsewhere. On the other hand, when you are adjusting the lights, you will be looking her up and down to see how the light falls. Just keep focused on the photographic issues and don't let your examination of the light on her figure turn into a licentious ogle.
You will probably be a bit nervous the first time you work with a nude model; I certainly was. But it gets more comfortable with experience. Good luck and enjoy!
Photographer
Richard Tallent
Posts: 7136
Beaumont, Texas, US
If you're nervous, pretend she's naked. Oh, wait...  Ok, some real tips: 1. Treat her as you would a clothed model and focus on the photography. 2. Respect their personal space. 3. Make sure any limitations on nudity are explicitly understood before she goes on-set. 4. Model release and ID check are a good idea. Neither is required legally, but it's not hard and could help prevent some nasty misunderstanding.
Photographer
Marc Damon
Posts: 6562
Biloxi, Mississippi, US
Richard Tallent wrote:
4. Model release and ID check are a good idea. Neither is required legally, but it's not hard and could help prevent some nasty misunderstanding. This is a true story. Names have been ommitted to protect the guilty.
A model's MM profile said she was 18 and interested in doing some adult work so we planned some lingerie and nude shots. She filled out a release and handed it to me with her drivers license. She was a week shy of 18. She begged and cried and promised not to tell anyone if I didn't. She even offered to make sure I had a 'good time' after the shoot. I showed her the door and never heard from her again. The MUA was game to get some photos so I shot her instead to avoid having a lost afternoon.
Regrets? None. I don't need Chris Hansen knockin on my door with the cops waiting outside. And people wonder why photographers are so anal about ID's and verifying certain facts about models.
Model
Elizabeth Claret
Posts: 56038
Yelm, Washington, US
Avoid over complimenting the models anything, other than posing or handwriting.
Nothing is more irritating (or amusing) than a photographer nervously telling a photographer how beautiful her tits/ass/hips/body are.
Make sure your working space is warm enough for the MODEL. Not for you. Remember, she's naked. It's a lot chillier.
Explain IN ADVANCE about your lack of knowledge about how to work the lights, and ask for patience. Most of us are pretty good about that, because lighting with nudes can be tricky, and is honestly different for every person, because of skin tone.
Also, be open to ideas from the model. If it's an experienced model....well, a lot of us have watched or know from personal experience how to work lighting, or what has worked well in the past. If they have advice, don't be afraid to listen to it, even if you don't follow it.
Above all, have fun! Nude shoots are always fun (at least to me). Put some music on if you think it'll help.
Photographer
PTPhotoUT
Posts: 1961
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
Let the model pick the temperature of the studio. It may end up being hot for you, but she won't be wearing a sweater.
Let her pick the music.
Pay her well.
Photographer
Vintagevista
Posts: 11804
Sun City, California, US
Respect - humor - and open and honest communications. Keep it pretty simple for any first time project. You did not say if the model in question is experienced - if she is - and you are a newbie - pick her brain abut what worked well for her in the past. She knows what has given the best results from her own experience. Set up a set of shoot notes - set 1/poses - Set 2 props/lighting poses/camera settings. It's easy to get flustered and lose your place in a project - an index card cheat sheet can be a great thing. Honestly, my first nude model was experienced - and she was a godsend. Her total lack of nerves and unease set the tone. I told her up front, that I was new to this and wanted to learn how to do it right. She was great and we got images that I'm still proud of. Offer hospitality - food/snacks Does she have a preference? ASK. (I've never gone wrong with grapes as the default. ) And, talk to the models face -  Treat nudes like it's no big deal and eventually is becomes no big deal. It became about *moves light up* "Left hand down just a bit" (Why the hell isn't the flash working right?) "OK, lets do some shots with this plaster column." Etc.
Model
Cayla Parker
Posts: 218
Astoria, New York, US
Elizabeth Claret wrote:
Avoid over complimenting the models anything, other than posing or handwriting.
Nothing is more irritating (or amusing) than a photographer nervously telling a photographer how beautiful her tits/ass/hips/body are.
Make sure your working space is warm enough for the MODEL. Not for you. Remember, she's naked. It's a lot chillier.
Explain IN ADVANCE about your lack of knowledge about how to work the lights, and ask for patience. Most of us are pretty good about that, because lighting with nudes can be tricky, and is honestly different for every person, because of skin tone.
Also, be open to ideas from the model. If it's an experienced model....well, a lot of us have watched or know from personal experience how to work lighting, or what has worked well in the past. If they have advice, don't be afraid to listen to it, even if you don't follow it.
Above all, have fun! Nude shoots are always fun (at least to me). Put some music on if you think it'll help. +1 ! WARM is a really really good thing- retouching goosebumps isnt so good ! It DEFINITELY gets me angry when photographers make rude comments about my breasts/ass etc..even a nice friendly "wow you have a hot ass" will most likely get you in hot water, no pun intended. Music is awesome, relaxes everyone and have fun..just relax!
Photographer
Richard Karlsen
Posts: 1813
Gloversville, New York, US
May sound silly but do a little research. I take it you near LA, most big cities have some workshop/classes available. You get to work in a comfortable enviorment where a lot of the prep work and details are taken care of. You will have the chance to work with a variety of experienced models. Experienced photographers running the program are available for advice. Fellow photographers of various skill levels and experience will be happy to share ideas and a lot of contacts can be made. A lot of the models do individual sessions with photographers met at workshops so you get to work with someone that you have at least had "broken the ice with" a bit, making an individual session a little more comfortable.
When setting up your first sessions, follow the "KISS" principle. Make things comfortable for the model. Robe or cover up available if she dosen't bring one. Set up a changing room or private area with a mirror, place to put her clothes and bag. Keep a supply of bottled water, ice tea or diet soda on hand. I always try to make a point of showing a model where everything is, dressing area, phone, refreshments, bathroom, shooting areas. Take a few minutes to discuss what you are looking to shoot in general and how you plan to go about it. Shooting strictly nudes can get difficult or boring. Have available or ask the model to bring some lingerie or bikini items to break up the shoot, I have never ahd a nude model feel uncomfortable putting some clothes on!! Some pieces of lace or satin fabric always work to give the model something to pose with. A simple bar stool also can give her something to work with.
Keep your lighting and backgrounds as simple as possible. Simple seemless or muslin works fine for starting out. Some Hot lights close to the background to do silhouettes seems to be an easy first time nude project. Shooting products on a table you have all the time in the world to arrange lights and things. Shooting a model you want to be able to be a lot more flexible. Keep things moving as smoothly as possible so you can work with a variety of ideas.
As the models here have indicated the key to the whole thing is Professionalism!! Treat the model respectfully at all times, be open as to exactly what you are wanting to accomplish, don't try to "push" their limits and always try to make the model comfortable and the session an "enjoyable" experience. A model that has a positive feeling about the session is likely to be willing to do more work with you and to give you a positive recomendation to other models.
Most important, Relax, Learn and enjoy!!
Photographer
HalfMoonColorado
Posts: 797
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, US
The very first thing I do with every model is check her ID, have her fill out a data sheet, and get the model release signed. I do not shoot anyone under 18 period. That just keeps everything simple for me and I don't have my neighbors wanting free shoots of their kids. I also do not allow anyone under 18 in the studio during the shoot. One thing I need is someone's kid running around the studio. It is dangerous, even if in the lobby out of site is not of of mind, and the last thing I want is "Yes your honor, I was taking nude photos and yes there was a minor in the building."
I usually like to review wardrobe items and determine how we'll start out. As I build a raport with the model we tend to loosen up an item at a time. I like to work a lot with implied nude just as much as nude. This is more the case with less experienced models. Only after we both feel comfortable with each other do I move into the complete nude.
One more item I do is I have a separate release for some models, especially implied nude shoots. There are check boxes indicating what body parts may be exposed and what may not be. If an image exceeds those pre-determined limits I will delete the image right there for her. My reputation isn't worth a 'Britney pic'. The only thing I have go wrong with this method is many time the models makes very conservative decisions at the beginning but by the time we are done they are showing me cartwheels nekid so we have to go back and ammend the release. Okay, one other thing goes wrong sometimes - the model says we can, for example, shoot the butt. Then they see the images and they scream that their butt looks too big and want all of them deleted. (The same could happen with a male model and his penis).
I also allow a guest to be present if we have not shot before. Most of the time if I allow it they don't feel threatened and come alone anyway. 98% of the time I require the guest to remain in the lobby during actual shooting. They can help with makeup and wardrobe changes but I don't need their advice or their distractions.
If all else fails I explain that one of us is going to be stark naked during the shoot and after a 1 second thought process and evaluation of me they strip immediately.
Photographer
Ryan Colford Studios
Posts: 2286
Brooklyn, New York, US
Make sure the studio is warm! :-)
Photographer
All Yours Photography
Posts: 2731
Lawton, Oklahoma, US
I learned quickly that when shooting lingerie or nudes, I need to have a pair of shorts and a tee shirt for myself because the model will like the room much warmer than I do.
Keep her comfortable. She is the one that shows in the photos.
Photographer
Rick Edwards
Posts: 6185
Wilmington, Delaware, US
Elizabeth Claret wrote:
Nothing is more irritating (or amusing) than a photographer nervously telling a photographer how beautiful her tits/ass/hips/body are. ..or creepy.
Don't ad yourself to the list of creepy photographers.
Act professional and have a good time.
Great advice from everyone else
Model
Engel Schrei
Posts: 14458
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Ryan Colford Studios wrote:
Make sure the studio is warm! :-) This.
Model
_Siobhan_
Posts: 467
Lawrenceville, Georgia, US
Marc Damon wrote:
Regrets? None. I don't need Chris Hansen knockin on my door with the cops waiting outside. And people wonder why photographers are so anal about ID's and verifying certain facts about models. Why would the cops be waiting on ya? It isn't illegal to shoot minors nude. When I was 17, the majority of the shoots I did were nudes...neither the photographers nor myself experienced any negative repercussions.
Photographer
Marc Damon
Posts: 6562
Biloxi, Mississippi, US
_Siobhan_ wrote:
Why would the cops be waiting on ya? It isn't illegal to shoot minors nude. When I was 17, the majority of the shoots I did were nudes...neither the photographers nor myself experienced any negative repercussions. Yes, I know shooting minors nude isn't illegal.
Photographer
Michael Fryd
Posts: 5231
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Marc Damon wrote:
Yes, I know shooting minors nude isn't illegal. Many photographers prefer not to shoot nudes of minors out of an abundance of caution.
The problem is that although it's legal to shoot a minor nude, it's not legal, under any circumstances, to shoot porn of a minor. Child Porn is currently a hot button in man circles, and once the phrase is mentioned, some people cease to think rationally.
The fear is that taking an innocent nude photo of a minor might end up with the photographer being charged with a crime. Just being accused of such a crime may be enough to destroy a reputation. Being found not-guilty may not help.
Consider Michael Jackson. He was accused of child molestation. He wasn't found guilty, yet many people still think he molested children.
Some photographers are so concerned about this, that not only do they refuse to shoot nudes of minors, but they refuse to shoot minors at all.
Photographer
olw_photo
Posts: 6
Saint Paul, Minnesota, US
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
I know it is different for every model, but in general what are good pointers.
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much? One thing I have found helpful is explaining to the model the way in which I work. I tend to "make it up as I go". I may have a specific project in mind, but not a series of canned, prepared poses I want to shoot. One pose gives me the idea for the next, angles prompt ideas, and so on... Even the model relaxing while I change film (yes, still shooting film, 4x5) can spark an idea. Whatever your process may be, be sure and let the model know how it works for you. If they understand that you operate a certain way, they will hopefully give you that space so you can get the best image you can. I've been lucky and had some great models, we talk, joke, listen to tunes - keep things light. That helps a lot, too.
Model
Australian Coco
Posts: 890
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
I agree keep the studio etc warm BUT: If it's a glamour shoot you mite need a cold soda or ice pack to make her nipples nice and pert
Model
Australian Coco
Posts: 890
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Michael Fryd wrote:
Many photographers prefer not to shoot nudes of minors out of an abundance of caution.
The problem is that although it's legal to shoot a minor nude, it's not legal, under any circumstances, to shoot porn of a minor. Child Porn is currently a hot button in man circles, and once the phrase is mentioned, some people cease to think rationally.
The fear is that taking an innocent nude photo of a minor might end up with the photographer being charged with a crime. Just being accused of such a crime may be enough to destroy a reputation. Being found not-guilty may not help.
Consider Michael Jackson. He was accused of child molestation. He wasn't found guilty, yet many people still think he molested children.
Some photographers are so concerned about this, that not only do they refuse to shoot nudes of minors, but they refuse to shoot minors at all. Dude, Micheal Jackson just screamed child molester. He was definitley a pedophile.
Photographer
Markus Goerg
Posts: 1689
Los Angeles, California, US
A) I would NEVER, EVER, EVER shoot anyone nude who's under 18.
B) Once they're 18, just look at them as if they're still wearing clothes. That's what I do. I conduct myself absolutely no different. And that seems to work out...
Good luck.
Photographer
Michael Magers
Posts: 4050
Fullerton, California, US
Markus Goerg Images wrote:
A) I would NEVER, EVER, EVER shoot anyone nude who's under 18.
B) Once they're 18, just look at them as if they're still wearing clothes. That's what I do. I conduct myself absolutely no different. And that seems to work out...
Good luck. +100.
Just another day at work.
Photographer
MLRPhoto
Posts: 5766
Olivet, Michigan, US
Half Moon Photography wrote:
I usually like to review wardrobe items and determine how we'll start out. As I build a raport with the model we tend to loosen up an item at a time. I like to work a lot with implied nude just as much as nude. This is more the case with less experienced models. Only after we both feel comfortable with each other do I move into the complete nude. I have very seldom done it that way. If the shoot is going to include nudes, I like to do full nudes first, although with a novice model, I take some time and go through paperwork and sample shots while they are in a robe. I hate the "show me a little more" feel of "working up to it."
Now, on occasion, nudes are *not* part of the plan, but they happen at the model's suggestion because they were comfortable with the situation. That's different, and I'm not going to say no, as a rule.
As far as "under 18," yes it's typically legal in some cases, but along with the potential for direct problems, there are a vast number of limitations on what you can do with the pictures. So, I choose to be very conservative with under 18 model shoots.
To the OP, most of the advice, including of course Liz, is great. Act natural, ideally get an experienced model, communicate, keep it warm, and don't touch without permission.
Photographer
Michael Fryd
Posts: 5231
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Kelli Stephens wrote:
Dude, Micheal Jackson just screamed child molester. He was definitley a pedophile. This is certainly a widespread opinion, and I think it illustrates my point.
There was not enough evidence to convict Mr. Jackson.
Most of the people who believe that Michael Jackson was a child molester never met him, nor did they ever meet anyone who had met him. All of their information came from the news media. The news media makes their money with sensationalism and catchy sound bites.
Imagine a photographer who has taken some legitimate nude art photos of a few minor girls. Also imagine that he has taken some very sexual images of 18 year olds.
The minor mentions to a friend that the photographer took nude images of her. A teacher overhears the conversation, and assumes the images were porn. He reports this to the police.
The police confiscate the photographer's computers, essentially removing his ability to work during the investigation. The news media picks up the story. They talk to some of the 18 year olds who posed for sexy images. The reporter gets on TV and says "Due to privacy concerns I get reveal the identity of the minors involved, but I have spoken to some girls who are now over 18 and I can assure you that the photos they were in were not innocent or art."
Even if the photographer is never tried, or tried and found not-guilty, everyone in town will believe that he is a child molester.
I don't know if Michael Jackson was or was not a child molester. I do know that the general public has not seen any real evidence either way. All the public has to go on is sensational press reports designed to sell newspapers.
Photographer
Rp-photo
Posts: 42711
Houston, Texas, US
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much? I'm thinking that you should continue doing what has worked up until now, and that the less the nude aspect is dwelled on the better.
I have only done a small amount of nude and topless shooting, but I have found that I tend to forget the state of dress when engrossed in the shoot.
Of course if the shoot was being done outside, forgetting about this can cause problems.
Photographer
Michael Fryd
Posts: 5231
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
I am a student photographer. normally I shoot product and table top, and when I do shoot portraits they arent that up close and personal. I was wondering what is best practice for shooting nudes in terms of respect and conduct?
... My recommendation is to show respect and not be nervous. Make sure everyone knows ahead of time what they should expect.
As the photographer, you set the tone for the shoot. If you are nervous, than your model will be nervous.
If you act as if nudity is some big issue that everyone needs to be concerned about, everyone will be concerned.
If you act as if there's nothing to worry about, no one will worry.
It isn't unusual for me to have nudity in a maternity photography session. My subjects are typically not professional models, may never have posed before, and probably have never posed nude before.
I agree with MikeRobisonPhotos. Start with full nudity and work towards clothed. If you or the model are nervous, you will get over it in a few minutes. From there on out, things will be easier. If you gradually remove clothes, you will spend the whole shoot being nervous over the next bit of skin that gets exposed.
It's sort of like getting into a cold swimming pool. Jump in, and it's over in a few seconds. SLowly lower yourself into the water, and you're uncomfortable for a long time.
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
Michael Fryd wrote:
Many photographers prefer not to shoot nudes of minors out of an abundance of caution.
The problem is that although it's legal to shoot a minor nude, it's not legal, under any circumstances, to shoot porn of a minor. Child Porn is currently a hot button in man circles, and once the phrase is mentioned, some people cease to think rationally.
The fear is that taking an innocent nude photo of a minor might end up with the photographer being charged with a crime. Just being accused of such a crime may be enough to destroy a reputation. Being found not-guilty may not help.
Consider Michael Jackson. He was accused of child molestation. He wasn't found guilty, yet many people still think he molested children.
Some photographers are so concerned about this, that not only do they refuse to shoot nudes of minors, but they refuse to shoot minors at all. QFT--and every one, particularly photographers should acquaint themselves with Jock Sturges's experience. Googling Jock Sturges + Child Pornography can be an eye opener. A good interview (1998) with Mr. Struges can be found at http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro … -9811.html
Photographer
Jerry Ranch
Posts: 440
West Des Moines, Iowa, US
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
I am a student photographer. normally I shoot product and table top, and when I do shoot portraits they arent that up close and personal. I was wondering what is best practice for shooting nudes in terms of respect and conduct?
I know it is different for every model, but in general what are good pointers.
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much? What works for me.....and I am a relative novice at shooting nudes (three nude female shoots).
Recognize that nude photography may be intimidating for model and photographer. Oh the guys talk about "that sexy model" I'm sure, but when you come right down to shooting, you both have a job to do, and those natural urges need to be put aside. Focus on getting the shot.
Frankly, during my first nude shoot I barely noticed that the model was nude - my attention was so strongly focused on technique, composition, and interest. I was paying her, and I wanted to get my "moneys worth" in experience and images, so I had no time for any sexual attraction or commentary. It never crossed my mind to make any overtly sexual comments - I'd be embarrassed to make such comments anyway. Very unprofessional and demeaning, IMO.
Was there emotion in the shooting of the images? To be sure, yes, otherwise they'd be pretty crappy images. But it is a kind of detached emotion - I wish I could explain it. I think if you are shooting correctly, this will be the case. You don't have time for overt titillation, and if you do, IMO, you're not focused properly.
Communication is always key - nude or clothed. I always tell the model the sequence of shots and what I was trying to capture or communicate - the models may offer suggestions that make the images better. And I hate the use of cutesy names for body parts. I tend to be chatty kathy when I shoot, but all the verbage is about what I'm trying to accomplish. And when I get a great image, I share it immediately with the model so she knows what "look" I am going for.
One thing that bothers me, interestingly, is when the nude model invades my space. To be sure, there has been much advice on the photographer not invading the models space, and it is excellent advice - but it can be a distraction the other way too. I get uncomfortable when a nude model comes running on over to see the images on the LCD - sometimes they might accidently rub against me and that is very distracting. So I have learned to always have a robe handy and offer it when they draw near.
During one of the nude sessions.. we were shooting under very cold conditions (that's what we had to do)...goosebumps, etc. The model commented, "well, my nipples will be photogenic today..". I hadn't noticed that explicitly while shooting, but indeed her nipples were quite photogenic. It was an unexpected comment..I laughed so hard I almost peed. That comment really loosened us up.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
Nicholas Freeman Photo wrote:
I am a student photographer. normally I shoot product and table top, and when I do shoot portraits they arent that up close and personal. I was wondering what is best practice for shooting nudes in terms of respect and conduct?
I know it is different for every model, but in general what are good pointers.
especially in terms of looking- I tend to shoot with a lot of light modifiers in studio and spend a portion of time looking at composition through glass and changing lights and reflectors individually. how would i keep a model comfortable without moving them too much? >>> Consider starting with an experienced model (and yes, that might mean paying her). It's okay to let her know that you aren't experienced with nudes -- a good, experienced model can help you through the ordeal.
>>> Don't touch models -- they have cooties. It's better to spend 5 minutes talking through a pose adjustment than to grab the model & show her.
>>> It's okay to look -- it's insulting not to look.
>>> Given how some photographers treat models, it is exceedingly easy to treat a model with more respect & appreciation than they usually get.
>>> Keep communication lines open. Tell the model what you are thinking. Tell her what you like & don't like about what you are seeing.
>>> Engage the model's brain. Try being vague about your direction on occasion, giving the model a problem to solve, like "how can we make this seem more casual?", "can you stretch & flex more?". (Conversely, try to avoid directions like "raise your left arm two more inches, please).
>>> Encourage the model to move. If you have them sit still, her brain can disengage.
>>> Always avoid sexual statements & flirting. Models work best when they feel safe.
>>> I tend to spend the beginning of each setup dealing with all the technical stuff (e.g. lighting, exposure, focus, etc.), and I'm afraid that the model is just sitting there being bored while I am focused on the technical details; then I turn my attention to the model & work through the concept focused on the model. In fact, I put the camera on a tripod (even when using strobes), and I stand next to the camera with a cable release in my hand.
>>> While I do do spot checks, I don't check every image -- that just slows things down. Focus on the model.
>>> Remember, models model in part because they like being looked at -- I repeat, it's okay to look.
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet (If so I apologize for missing it) but I recommend sharing the pictures with the model as you go along. Especially in the first few minutes of the shoot. Get her opinion on the first few shots/poses.
Easy if you're tethered, but if not, just pull the camera over so she can see the LCD screen over your shoulder. If she's worried about you invading her space, let her hold the camera herself, although I have to say I've never had this happen. The mere act of sharing breaks down a lot of discomfort in my experience, and makes for a more productive shoot.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
Rays Fine Art wrote:
I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet (If so I apologize for missing it) but I recommend sharing the pictures with the model as you go along. Especially in the first few minutes of the shoot. Get her opinion on the first few shots/poses. Yeah, well, I don't do that -- I feel that such things slow down the sitting. I like to keep things flowing & moving, and stopping to look at results would be okay if you had a very low limit to the number of exposures that were going to be made, but if you are like me & expect to expose a couple hundred images, I'd just go for it, and apply any post-evaluation to the next sitting.
I might make 250 exposures in a session, and I might show 3-4 images, and only if I want to show the model something about the composition or lighting. Heck, I don't even look at that many images myself, once I've got all the technical stuff squared away.
Photographer
True Beauty Boudoir
Posts: 46
Katy, Texas, US
Kelli Stephens wrote:
I agree keep the studio etc warm BUT:
If it's a glamour shoot you mite need a cold soda or ice pack to make her nipples nice and pert No way would I have thought of this.
thanks
Photographer
K A S
Posts: 173
Austin, Texas, US
Start by appologizing ahead of time if you get an erection. And appologize if you dont. It can be insulting either way.
;P
Photographer
Bright Candle Photo
Posts: 1247
Los Angeles, California, US
Vintagevista wrote:
And, talk to the models face - ROFL!! But this does help.
Model
Australian Coco
Posts: 890
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Michael Fryd wrote:
This is certainly a widespread opinion, and I think it illustrates my point.
There was not enough evidence to convict Mr. Jackson.
Most of the people who believe that Michael Jackson was a child molester never met him, nor did they ever meet anyone who had met him. All of their information came from the news media. The news media makes their money with sensationalism and catchy sound bites.
Imagine a photographer who has taken some legitimate nude art photos of a few minor girls. Also imagine that he has taken some very sexual images of 18 year olds.
The minor mentions to a friend that the photographer took nude images of her. A teacher overhears the conversation, and assumes the images were porn. He reports this to the police.
The police confiscate the photographer's computers, essentially removing his ability to work during the investigation. The news media picks up the story. They talk to some of the 18 year olds who posed for sexy images. The reporter gets on TV and says "Due to privacy concerns I get reveal the identity of the minors involved, but I have spoken to some girls who are now over 18 and I can assure you that the photos they were in were not innocent or art."
Even if the photographer is never tried, or tried and found not-guilty, everyone in town will believe that he is a child molester.
I don't know if Michael Jackson was or was not a child molester. I do know that the general public has not seen any real evidence either way. All the public has to go on is sensational press reports designed to sell newspapers. I agree, that's all true - the media puts their spin on things and we only know what we see.
The reason I think he is a child molester is because he exhibits many behaviours consistent with abusers - most namely, the 'peter pan' syndrome, that is the obsession with children and the innocence of children that Micheal Jackson very clearly displayed. Also, the fact that he was (that we know for sure) at least physically abused as a child, and his insistance on sharing a bed with children.
I agree with you that I'm not at all sure that that the people that claimed they were abused by him were actually abused - but I do think that he has the psychology of a child molester whether or not he actually abused those people.
Photographer
Michael Fryd
Posts: 5231
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Kelli Stephens wrote:
...
The reason I think he is a child molester is because he exhibits many behaviours consistent with abusers - most namely, the 'peter pan' syndrome, that is the obsession with children and the innocence of children that Micheal Jackson very clearly displayed. Also, the fact that he was (that we know for sure) at least physically abused as a child, and his insistance on sharing a bed with children.
... I don't know about you, but my expierience is that news reports are seldom 100% correct. Whenever I compared a news story to my firsthand knowledge of the the event, I have found that there is always something factually incorrect in the reporting.
When the news media reports that Mr. Jackson had an insistance on sharing a bed with children, we don't know what was behind that report. There may very well have been improper behavior on Mr. Jackson's part, or it might have been something, that under the circumstances, was perfectly reasonable. Either way, the news media would report it in the most sensational way possible.
I don't know what really happened with Mr. Jackson, but I do know that the general public has no way of knowing for sure.
This is the problem. The news media spins things to make them sensational. The public remembers the sound bites, not the underlying facts.
Many photographers want to avoid the hint of child porn because they fear that an allegation of being a child pornographer will put them out of business.
Some photographers have no problem shooting art nudes of a 17 year old female. They don't mind fighting for their rights if they are falsely accused of something illegal.
What you choose to photograph, and how close you want to get to the legal limit is a matter of personal choice. Just keep in mind, that sometimes the legal limit is a fuzzy line.
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