February 10, 2010
How To Shoot Truly Artistc Glamour Images
Nude portraits undoubtedly belong to the most popular subgenres of glamour photography. But how does one make it look artistic rather than vulgar? I would like offer you some general insight on how artistry can be achieved in shooting nude portraits.
Nude portraits are not about our physical desires – they are all about art. Even the most brazen nude picture must have a touch of idea and concept to it - otherwise it’s anything but art. This is all theory though – to hell with it, it’s high time to see how it is done in practice!
I offer you 7 useful tips that will help you take off into the world of nude Glamour Photographs with some knowledge of the subject and, hopefully, great motivation.
- Balancing artistry and vulgarity is a must: you don’t want the latter, you want the former. Accentuate the natural curves of model’s body, nuances of texture, light and shadow - great nude images emerge out of these visual trifles. 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. Learn to trust your photographer’s intuition - if you manage to develop a firm understanding of what will work and what will not, you shall benefit from it in the future;
- Don’t overload your model with trinkets and jewelry – when it comes to nude photography, human body must dominate the shot. Think small, sophisticated and well-balanced items that could add some glamorous and beguiling touch to your concept;
- Refrain from using hot lights during a nude photo session, unless you want to turn it into some kind of a desert. It’s always better to use cold lights – they are more economizing, they don’t make everyone in a studio sweat and they are very powerful tools to make a great photo. In order to acquire more subtle light, use soft-boxes. Actually, always try to make light as soft as possible – it creates a proper mood;
- Watch out for the proportions: shooting from too high or too low might make your model look either a long-legged giraffe or a humpty-dumpty. You don’t want any of that, do you?
- Unleash your artistic nature. Different poses, lighting angles or backdrops and accessories will certainly deliver you several great variations on the same motif;
- Shoot, shoot, shoot and did I mention shoot? Really, the more you shoot - the more good pictures you will have to pick later. That’s why professional glamour artists produce thousands of photos per studio shoot - to choose 10 to 20 really good pictures in the end;
- Try to reach mutual understanding with the person you shoot. 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. She is not simply posing nude but co-creating. A model who doesn’t feel comfortable can ruin the shot, however skilled you are!
Nude photography is not easy – nor is Glamour 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! Or, in our glamour photographers’ case – with one flash.