How to Start a Nude Photography Business
There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude
photography, not least of which is the need to practice technique. By its
very nature there has to be at least one subject, and the big problem for
the photographer here is image. To some the image of nude photographer is
tied in with the “dirty Macintosh” brigade, with the false wig and dark
glasses.
Not everyone believes the adage that an erotic photograph, does not have to
be nude, and a nude photograph is not necessarily erotic. The biggest
challenge is to find a suitable model, and certainly in small town rural
backwater areas, it is not the brightest propaganda move to put an
advertisement in the Post Office window. It is also suspect to approach
someone in the street.
Impeccable credentials help here, an image of a bona fide photographer, with
a studio, and a business card with a portfolio. A professionally created
business card also helps; a ripped off part of an old envelope invites
suspicion. It is not necessary to have a portfolio of nudes, but it is
essential as an aid of creating the feeling of trust. It can be very helpful
to not tell a prospective model what you do, but show them, and depending on
their responses take it from there.
A lot of nude photographers start with a self portrait an this is better
than nothing in some cases. There are several other methods that can be used
to find people to model. Your first option is to hire professional (glamour)
models. That can be expensive, and they're not often familiar with that type
of work. The second option is to hire amateur models, or perhaps even nude
still life models, the problem here is that the latter will have no
inhibitions taking their clothes off, and may be able to sit still and hold
a specific pose for long periods of time, however they may not be the best
models to animate themselves. The third option is not to pay a model at all,
but find someone with a vested interest in making a portfolio work. Whilst
thinking about this matter during the research for this article it occurred
to me, that the ideal person, would be someone who would be prepared to
model in exchange for a portfolio, or other photographic service. In other
words, a model who has a reason to make the session work will undoubtedly put
more effort into overcoming any technical difficulties. Perhaps you know
someone who is pregnant who might want to model in exchange for the photos.
Secondly that type of model will produce better results, than some eighteen
year olds with a perfect body and a bad attitude. A personal model with
enthusiasm to explore different perspectives and techniques has to produce
better results than a wooden, but perfect doll. It does not alter the fact
that your model must be at peace with the thought of nude modeling as a
whole, but a sensitive relationship with the photographer will work wonders
here. The rules are no different for a photographer here than a portrait
photographer, he or she must first have self confidence. If you cannot get
that across to your model he or she will be reluctant to give it their best
shot.
This type of photography is striving for a look that is natural, and even
has a look that it has not been posed for at all. Comfort is essential not
just physical comfort though that is important, but mental comfort, the
model must be able to understand the concept behind what you are trying to
do so that she can co-operate. You have to take the time to explain the
techniques of flattering compositions, but equally the model has to work on
being fluid and graceful in these motions.
A good relationship with your model built on confidence is essential when
you come to evaluate and criticize the work. Your first session will create
the tone for future work, but that is when a model will be her most nervous,
a way of getting over this barrier might be to ask her to come accompanied,
and that may make for a lighter more relaxed session.
Working with the same model over a number of sessions builds up a rapport,
and helps the model learn what works in the images, and what doesn't. She
has to be able to see the completed image, before this is really possible.
As the model becomes more familiar with how you work and experiences the
crucial processes of making an image, the model becomes better at generating
poses which work for you, and on the whole, the number of successful images
increases.
The locations for this type of photography is not important in terms of the
finished image, but it needs to be a little circumspect, or you have to take
along a person who watches for stray wanderers if it is outdoors. Lighting
normally seems to be better if it is natural, but a single candle can be
effective particularly with the use of an older model.
It is important to think ahead before this type of assignment and instruct a
model to wear loose clothing and possibly no underwear as strap marks into
the skin can take a long time to subside and will ruin the final shots.
Once you have managed to break into this type of work there are many stock
libraries that specialise in this type of work.
Publisher & author: Roy Barker. Roy is the author of the popular
ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook which guides the
reader on how to make good money from photography. It can be viewed at
http://www.profitable-photography.com
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