Shooting nudes. Anyone done it?

L

London Headshots

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,340
Name
John
Edit My Images
No
Does anyone here shoot nudes? I've been approched by a girl to do a shoot for her, and she wants them to be mostly nude.

This is going to sound stupid, but it's my biggest fear: She's gorgeous, so how the hell do I act during the shoot? I'm worried about how to compose myself. I don't want to be dribbling like a teenager, but then I don't want to be so serious that she can't relax.

The shoot will be fully nude, but it'll be artistic, black and white, and some grungy stuff is what I have in mind.

Does anyone have any tips for the day? Things I should look out for, things to keep in mind?
 
maggie....lol He doesn't want to puke on her either though..
 
LOL I'm not worried about being turned on, I'm thinking more like how to direct her.. Do I tell her precisely want I want her to do, or do I just let her get on with it?

I don't know what kind of boundary to establish. Does that make more sense?
 
First of all make sure she's 18 or you could be in for a load of grief. ;)

Tasteful nude shots is one of the most difficult things to do well - it's all too easy to produce something looking cheap and tacky. You have to detach yourself from being a geezer and concentrate on the job - for that matter so does she.

You might do better to have a session or two with an experienced model first. Your young model will probably be looking for help and direction you may not be able to give her at this stage. If both of you have the right approach I'm sure you can pull off some worthwhile shots, albeit both you and she will be on a steep learning curve.

Good luck. :)
 
any free spaces???, only joking, ive attempted topless, and found it just as easy .
 
SteveJB, great thread. Thanks mate.

CT, I don't have the benefit of hiring an experienced model, first. I'm not being paid for this job, so I don't want to be out of pocket :) But thanks for the tips.
 
If she's as gorgeous as you say I think the important thing would be to have at least a couple of sessions so you can both relax. And then a couple more to work on some decent pictures. And then a couple more to work on the faults those pictures had. And then ... well I'm sure you can think of some more reasons why you need some more time.
 
You could always wear sunglasses - then that way there'll be no awkward eye contact. And you'd get away with it if you was to inadvertently glance at her . . . womanly bits without realising it.
 
leave1 said:
Does anyone here shoot nudes? I've been approched by a girl to do a shoot for her, and she wants them to be mostly nude.
Click to expand...

This has never happened to me. I'm finding it difficult to feel sorry for you.
 
I would spend some time chatting with her about what she actually wants from the photos, and maybe look through some other shots to give you both a bit of inspiration.

I'd start with some fully clothed, head & shoulder stuff first, to get you in the hang of directing her, and move on from there. If you have a laptop, take it with you and during a break look at the shots on screen and talk about them, and what you'd both like to improve etc.

It really comes down to what you both want to get out of it.

HTH

Steve
 
gingerjon said:
If she's as gorgeous as you say I think the important thing would be to have at least a couple of sessions so you can both relax. And then a couple more to work on some decent pictures. And then a couple more to work on the faults those pictures had. And then ... well I'm sure you can think of some more reasons why you need some more time.
Click to expand...

I just called her to ask her exactly this, and she said that was a good idea. So we're gonna do three shoots. The first in her house, then the second and third in outdoor locations.

Sounds pretty good?

aberal said:
This has never happened to me. I'm finding it difficult to feel sorry for you.
Click to expand...

LOL yeah, I know, Woe is me!



Jelster said:
I would spend some time chatting with her about what she actually wants from the photos, and maybe look through some other shots to give you both a bit of inspiration.

I'd start with some fully clothed, head & shoulder stuff first, to get you in the hang of directing her, and move on from there. If you have a laptop, take it with you and during a break look at the shots on screen and talk about them, and what you'd both like to improve etc.

It really comes down to what you both want to get out of it.

HTH

Steve
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's really great info.

I knew this was the place to come to. Thanks everyone. PLease, keep the tips coming. Anyone with any personal experience who can tell me stuff they've learned would be really appreciated.
 
You will perhaps find it the most challenging sort of photography you have ever tried.

Your first shots are likely to be rubbish. It will also take time for her to settle down.
In the old days we would shoot with out a film for the first half of the session, to save wasting it.... This of course is not a problem with digital... but all the same shoot plenty with out any thought of them being keepers , till things come together and you both relax and start seeing pictures rather then just pretty girl.
 
WHy not ask if she would mind being a model for the TP bunch, I'm sure a studio setup, and a bit of cash per tog could tempt her and mean she gets lots of photos from lots of togs to use as she wishes??? Or would she be scared off by lots of togs? Maybe not if she wants outdoor locations.
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
You will perhaps find it the most challenging sort of photography you have ever tried.

Your first shots are likely to be rubbish. It will also take time for her to settle down.
In the old days we would shoot with out a film for the first half of the session, to save wasting it.... This of course is not a problem with digital... but all the same shoot plenty with out any thought of them being keepers , till things come together and you both relax and start seeing pictures rather then just pretty girl.
Click to expand...

Thanks Terry, that's really good advice. I guess I should just treat the first shoot as a throwaway kind of thing. If I get some shots that are keepers, then that's a bonus, but ultimately, aim for the good stuff in the next two shoots?
 
lawrie29 said:
WHy not ask if she would mind being a model for the TP bunch, I'm sure a studio setup, and a bit of cash per tog could tempt her and mean she gets lots of photos from lots of togs to use as she wishes??? Or would she be scared off by lots of togs? Maybe not if she wants outdoor locations.
Click to expand...

"TP bunch"
"bit of cash per tog"
"lots of togs"

They are the three quotes why I think she wouldn't be up for it. She only asked me because she's my friend and likes my pictures.
 
:):):) LMAO - -Far point, well made!!
 
*You be yourself.
*She is just your subject and you have all the rights to how your subject to be photographed.
*When its comes that your subject is your client then your client have all rights to choose her best after session ( your suggestions mostly welcomed)
* I second it with gingerjon - need more sessions together.
*As Ian D J said " wear sunglasses" for first 2 sessions which will make her comfortable.
*Concentrate on your photo shoot. To make her relax, don't go for out of topics conversations that leads to some other troubles and loss of interest.)

All the best
 
I've never managed to wear sunglasses while taking photos, but then I've never found myself inadvertently staring at ladyparts either.

My advice: Let her take the lead beforehand, establish what she wants so you have a clear idea in your head of where to lead the shoot. Then take the lead and direct her in the way you think will get the results that she's looking for. Ignore the fact that she's nude, I promise you it won't be relevant after the first ten seconds.
 
Hopefully being more usefull, why not ask her to bring some pictures of others that show the kind of poses she wants?
 
Another thing to remember about nudes Is strap marks.... tight bra straps and pants even waist bands leave marks for up to an hour, depending how tight and the girl herself.
For out door shoots we used to get them to Just wear a simple loose dress in the car on the way to the site. If you explain the problem she will understand. Remember to take them with you as they will want to put them on after the shoot. Also take a large slip over something as a quick cover up... you may well need it.

A large reflector or flash fill will help the lighting.
 
leave1 said:
Does anyone here shoot nudes? I've been approched by a girl to do a shoot for her, and she wants them to be mostly nude.

Does anyone have any tips for the day?
Click to expand...

Why don't i ever get any of these types of dilemas???:lol::lol::lol:

Anyway....

She may feel comfortable being nude in front of you, and you have to feel comfortable too, otherwise she'll pick up on it. I think most of the tips have been given in previous posts but keep it lighthearted and fun.
 
Lots of good advice here, but this kind of thing is fraught with dangers. Just to emphasise, get the legal side thoroughly sorted, and don't do it alone. You might not think this is a worry now but it's not worth the risk, from either side.

Richard.
 
Just how do you get a girl to approach you to take nude pics.

Why would anyone want photographed in their birthday suit (what are the pics to be used for).
 
Why not look through the Nudes and Glamour section with her and discuss what you both like and dislike.

There is enough variety there to help with focusing (pun) on the type of thing you might attempt.

Anthony.
 
I've never had the pleasure of being asked to photograpgh a gorgeous young girl, never mind her being nude but the one golden rule I can think of is.....DON'T TOUCH!!

I've done a portrait session with a couple of 18 year old girls and they didn't mind me telling them how to alter their clothing and hair a little and when they didn't understand exactly what I meant I altered it for them. I suspect that wouldn't go down quite as well with a nude model.

Good luck with it and post and image or 2 on here when you've done the shoot so we can see how you got on.
 
I am no expert on this But I have done a few photo shoots with models to gain some experience.

I have no problems taking pictures of anyone. The first shoot I done was fully clothed and I was a nervious wreck. However after the first hour I relaxed and I actually managed to utter a few words to the model

My second shoot went better as I knew what to expect. this time it was a glamour/lingerie shoot for a friend of a friend. I was nervious once again but relaxing and breathing helped a lot. But the camera did shake a few times.

My third shoot was one I will never forget. I had done the lingerie shoot and I walked over to my bag to change my memory card. I asked the model "is there any other shots you want or anything else you want shot" She said yeah I quite fancy trying" and at that point I turned around to talk to her and she took her top off. I almost dropped my camera.

However I maintained my composure and took sum great topless shots.

The rule of not touching the model is a golden one... Its like being in a strip club minus the bouncers..... and the polish lap dancers. LOL

If I do need something adjusted I ask the model to do so. Or I ask It she would not mind... ALWAYS ASK. Once the model has had a few shots she becomes relaxed.

I usually also take my ipod along to shoots to play some music. Helps relax the mood. I have a wide choice on mine, so I usually ask of she has a preference.

Relax and good Luck. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Mike
 
FGS - touch all you need - not all you may like !!! :lol:

Although you can try to direct a model, often gentle touching/tugging into a pose works best - ask her first, she will say yes anyway, then push/pull as necessary

After the initial - tits & bits out feeling of embarrassment - all you end up seeing is that the lighting is wrong and she should be better turned this way or that

It's like dealing with any 'still life' bowl of cherries after a while, except this bowl moves around and takes direction

First attempt for both of you is unlikely to be great - but you will learn tons from it if you both review the images afterwards, and be better armed for the second attempt

:thumbs:

DD
 
arclight said:
Why would anyone want photographed in their birthday suit (what are the pics to be used for).
Click to expand...

Usually girls who approach you are interested in a modelling career or at least want to find out if they have potential. It's not unusual for the arrangement to be one where she poses for free and gets a few shots to help get her portfolio started in return.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top