Going into a new genre of photography can be tricky, especially if you will feature nude models in your photos. Some people still believe that nude artworks are pornographic, which can discourage potential clients from working with you.

You will need to take creative and high-quality images to overcome this challenge. To help you get started, we outlined all you need to know about nude photography in this short guide.

Understanding Nude Photography

This genre of photography focuses on nude subjects with an emphasis on form and composition. It is more about a study of the human form and less about having a nude model.

Some people consider this practice as a genre of portrait photography. When done correctly, it can produce stunning results. That is one of the reasons why it appeals to new and expert photographers.

However, some people believe there is a thin line between nude photography and pornography. Some viewers can find nude photographs disturbing because they are too revealing or erotic.

That said, this perspective can be from individuals who are not as open to the human form as others. The practice can demonstrate artistic intention through nude photos for people more comfortable with this type of art.

Some artists also use nude photography to represent stronger emotions and tackle more delicate topics.

For example, the artworks of Antonin Tesar, a famous photographer of the 20th century, depict beauty and disgust. In his photos, he used nudity to portray adoration, perversion, life, and death.

Tesar is only one of the countless artists who used the human body as a tool for art photography.

To be one of these artists, you must understand that nude photography requires an open mind. Even with the mild sexual nature of your photos, you must still be able to spark emotions through your work.

One thing to help you get started is learning more about nude photography and its subgenres. After reading, you’ll better understand the type of nude photographs you want to take.

Subgenres of Nude Photography

There are several reasons for someone to get into nude photography other than taking nude portraits. Many photographers may want to promote body positivity. Some even use nude images for artistic endeavors, educational purposes, and commercial use.

Educational

This subgenre involves creating diagrams of the human body and educational resources for analysis. Nude photographers focus less on the picture and more on how the subject can teach its viewers.

Usually, people use these pictures for illustrative purposes. Most of the time, they are labeled to help viewers understand the image better.

Fine Art

Fine art nude photography aims to produce expressive, artistic pictures. Photographers in this subgenre aim to capture the exposure and vulnerability that a naked body can express.

The earliest civilizations left behind their unique artworks of the human body. Some people used paintings, hieroglyphics, sculptures, or even cave art. Photography, which Joseph Nicéphore Niépce invented in 1826, is a new popular medium when it comes to depictions of the body.

Boudoir

Boudoir photography is a sensual style of portraiture that does not necessarily require a nude model. However, the principles of studying the human form and developing an intimate connection with the camera are still present.

Boudoir photographers have female and male nude clients who want intimate photos for their partners to enjoy. Although the practice can include nudity, models can choose costumes for semi-nude poses.

Boudoir photographers also use low light to create a dramatic mood in their photos.

Erotic

Erotic photography or erotica tends to get a bad rep for bordering too close to pornography. However, that is not the case with an expert photographer who takes beautiful, erotic photos.

Aesthetic and eroticism are crucial factors that erotic photographers need to keep in mind when taking photos. Composition is another factor that can affect the quality of an erotic photograph.

Erotic shoots can be awkward for nude female models if they feel uncomfortable. It is the photographer’s responsibility to ensure that models feel safe during their shoots.

Glamour

Glamour photography is a subgenre that focuses on the beauty of the model in the photograph. While this practice is a standalone genre, it can inspire work in other areas, like fashion photography and portrait shots.

Like boudoir, glamour photography does not require models to be completely nude. This artistic nude genre focuses on physical beauty so models can wear clothes that accentuate their assets.

Commercial

Nude photographers sometimes take photos for commercial purposes. These are the photos you will see on billboards or other advertisements. Brands like Abercrombie & Fitch use commercial photography for their promotional campaigns where the subject is never completely nude.

These are the subgenres you can explore if you want to know what types of nude photos you wish to take. If you are only getting started as a photographer, you will need pointers to be successful.

How To Get Started as a Nude Photographer

Being a nude photographer can be fun and exciting. Although getting started may be easy, becoming good is more challenging. Here are several simple but effective tips to help you become an excellent nude photographer.

Build a Portfolio

Building a portfolio is one of the first crucial steps to making money as an art photographer. Your portfolio shows off your best work to potential clients. It also showcases your skills and value as an artist.

Your portfolio can help you encourage models and other artists to work with you.

Work With a Mentor

Mentorship is an important process in the photography industry. Even with formal photography education, you do not graduate with all the answers to future issues.

By having a mentor, you will have the chance to learn from real working professionals. With their help, you can avoid common mistakes and get involved in a network of your peers.

To help you find a mentor that can help you become an excellent nude photographer, you must first understand their role.

Remember that a mentor is not:

• Your boss. You are not an unpaid assistant or an intern.
• A person to turn to after every minor inconvenience. You don’t vent to them after a shoot.
• Someone who holds your hand during shoots or who boosts your self-esteem.
• Someone to be asked for free services.

A mentor is someone who:

• Is eager to share knowledge and teach new photographers
• Is established in your niche
• Criticizes your work, and they should also be invested in your success

Find a Nude Model

For nude photographers, finding someone to pose for them can be more challenging compared to others in their industry. You will have to look for someone who is comfortable posing nude and is interested in working with you.

You can reach out to previous models you have already worked with or friends who expressed interest in nude photography. Contact photographers you know and ask if they can recommend a model they think will work with you.

You can look online if there are no models in your network of friends and photographers.

Visit Model Mayhem, Musecube, and Model Management to find people willing to pose for you. These are photography and modeling networking sites connecting models and photographers through the internet.

Get To Know Your Equipment

Nude photography can be pretty similar to portrait photography. You can use your standard equipment for a nude photo shoot, such as studio lighting, lenses, and camera accessories.

Before starting the shoot, make sure you understand how your camera works. You should also familiarize yourself with accessories, such as lenses and lighting.

Be Respectful

While this tip may seem so logical, it is always worth mentioning. Proper conduct is crucial, especially if you will work with someone who will pose in the nude for you.

You want to create a safe and comfortable environment for the people working with you. Be respectful and stay professional throughout the entire shoot.

If your model is not comfortable posing for a full frontal shot, you should respect their choice. You should also refrain from touching them to move for a pose without their consent.

This issue can arise if you are used to shooting with clothed models and your body is working on autopilot. Practice verbally communicating your suggestions, so you can work with them in a strictly professional manner.

These tips are not only useful for new photographers but also more experienced photographers. To improve your skills in nude photography, take note of the information below.

Image source: pexels.com

Nude Photography Tips To Help You Improve

Being a bit nervous about your first nude photography session is natural. To help you get ready, read these tips for nude photography shooting. Although these pointers are primarily for beginners, professional photographs can still benefit from them.

Plan Your Shoots

Planning does not just involve thinking of props and lighting, but it also requires previsualization. This process includes the creation of a shot list.

When developing a shot list, ask yourself the following questions:

• How do you want the nude photo shoot to unfold?
• What is your vision for the shoot?
• What are your goals at the end of the day?
• What are the photos you want to prioritize?

You should also talk to your model and ask them to previsualize their poses. This way, both of you will have enough ideas even before the shoot begins.

Communicate Effectively With the Model

Make sure to communicate with your model before, during, and after a nude photography session. Some models are still learning and trying to become comfortable with themselves.

You can make the process easier for them by talking to them and providing feedback when needed. Discuss different poses and be receptive to their suggestions.

Talking to models shows you respect what they do. Being photographed nude may look easy, but you will be surprised at how much courage and effort it takes to do it.

Keep the Shoot Private

Look for a private area to do the shoot. Never try to do a nude photoshoot in a place where anyone can enter. Doing so creates an opportunity for embarrassment and mistakes.

If you have a team or an assistant working with you, prohibit cell phones where the photo shoot takes place. This way, you can assure the model that no one else can take pictures of them during the session.

Use a Long-Focus Lens

Using a long-focus lens lets you take pictures from a safe and professional distance away from the model. You have to consider that they are already in a vulnerable state. You being too close while they pose might make them feel uncomfortable.

To be respectful, use a lens with a good focal length. This way, you can capture what you need while keeping a safe distance from the subject.

Be a Better Nude Photographer With Contrastly

Becoming a nude photographer can be fun, but it comes with the responsibility of taking care of your models. For a successful photo shoot, you must communicate well with the subject so they can feel safe and comfortable.

You should also have creative ideas that will make your work unique. Try black and white photography to accentuate the shapes of the human body. You can also work with different props that will work well with your model’s poses.

These tips can help you compete against famous photographers in New York and Los Angeles.

If you want to improve your skills before diving into nude photography, check out Photzy today. We offer several resources so you can take photo-taking skills to the next level.

Explore nude photography and improve your skills with Contrastly! Join our talented community of over 200,000 students today.

FAQs on Nude Photography

What is the reason or the goal behind nude photography?

There are various reasons why photographers take pictures of nude models. It can be creative, artistic, erotic, or even educational.

However, the primary goal is to capture the beauty of the human body’s form. Nude photographers aim to explore the artistic and creative potential of nudity.

What are the differences between a pornographic and a nude photo?

Pornography depicts the human body for sexual and erotic purposes. Meanwhile, nude photography aims to spark emotions, not exclusively sensual, through creative images.

Why do people consider nude photography an art form?

People’s reactions to art will ultimately be subjective. Some artists view nude photos as a creative way to demonstrate or spark complex emotions.

Moreover, photography allows artists to tell stories by capturing a moment in time. This effect can still be present whether the subject is wearing clothes or not.