Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
In Nude
Photography
What Makes These
Pictures Work?
By Michael Charles
By Michael Charles
Author of:
SKIN: How To Take Stunning Nude Photos
The Complete Guide To Nude Photography
Available at HowToDoNudePhotography.com
LEGAL NOTICE
While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Author assumes
no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
This publication is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, marketing or accounting advice.
The Publisher wants to stress that the information contained herein may be subject to varying state and/
or local laws or regulations. All users are advised to retain competent counsel to determine what state
and/or local laws or regulations may apply to the users particular business.
The Purchaser or Reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and
information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, federal, state, and local, governing
professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the
United States or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the Purchaser or Reader.
The Author assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of any Purchaser or Reader of
these materials. Any perceived slights of specific groups, people or organizations are unintentional.
Table of Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................6
USING THE MAGIC HOURS IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..............................................7
HOW TO USE SEAMLESS PAPER FOR EROTIC IMAGES ..................................................8
GAINING EXPERIENCE IN EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY ......................................................9
SECRETS OF NUDE TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY ..................................................................10
FETISH PHOTO TIPS AND TECHNIQUES .....................................................................11
SHOOTING EXPLICIT PHOTOS ..................................................................................12
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARP FOCUS IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY .................................13
A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR A BEAUTIFUL NUDE PHOTO .....................................................14
HOW TO TAKE SCULPTURAL NUDE PICTURES ............................................................15
NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY MEETS ART PHOTOGRAPHY ...................................................16
A CLEVER COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUE FOR NUDE IMAGES .....................................17
SENSUAL VERSUS SEXUAL: THE ULTIMATE BATTLE .....................................................18
SHOOTING OUTSIDE YOUR EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY COMFORT ZONE .......................19
HOW TO INJECT MYSTERY INTO YOUR NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..................................20
HOW TO CREATE SEXY NON-NUDE PHOTOS ............................................................21
HOW TO WORK WITH WATER IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..........................................22
USING MIRRORS IN YOUR NUDE PICTURES ..............................................................23
GIVING YOUR NUDE MODELS THE FREEDOM TO PLAY ..............................................24
HOW TO DO NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT ........................................25
HOW TO CAPTURE CASUAL NUDE PHOTOS ..............................................................26
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 5
Introduction
W
elcome to Case Studies In Nude Photography: What Makes These Pictures Work? Within these
pages, youll discover a wide variety of images Ive specifically chosen to inspire and provide you
A large number of the images youll find here were shot by me, while others were created by talented
photographers who specialize in glamour, nude, and erotic work. These specific images were chosen
because they cover a wide range of styles, techniques, and methods.
Along with the photographs, youll find my thoughts and commentary on each image. My intention is to
give you helpful information regarding the thought processes that went into the shots as well as
information on the specific techniques that were used to create them.
I hope youll be inspired by these images and the accompanying information. Even more importantly, I
hope youll be encouraged to continue your own journey into the world of nude and erotic photography.
Best Regards,
Michael Charles
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 6
From the golden color of the light, you can be certain this
image was either taken just after sunrise or just before
sunset (when the sun was low in the sky). These times
of day are often referred to as The Magic Hour.
However, to get a picture with this alluring type of light,
you definitely wont have an hour. In truth, you may have
only a few minutes.
From the highlights on the models hair and the rim of light on her torso (most visible in the bottom right
corner of the image), you can tell that she had her back to the setting sun.
To fill in any unwanted shadows, a gold reflector was used to bounce light from the sun back onto her
body (further enhancing the warm glow of the shot).
This picture was also made more interesting by using a lens set to a wide aperture. The wide setting
serves to place even more emphasis on the model by causing the trees in the background to become
blurred.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 7
The body position of the model, with most of her weight placed on her right leg creates an appealing
pose. Directing models to place the majority of their weight on one leg or the other is typically a way to
add a sexy curve (or curves) to a pose.
Having the model glance over her right shoulder also gives the shot added drama and mystery.
Additionally, pictures like this one that emphasize the legs usually benefit from high heels; and this shot is
no exception.
Finally, the body of the model is placed vertically on the right side of the image. This is a good use of The
Rule of Thirds compositional technique and helps to create a very striking shot.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 8
GAINING EXPERIENCE IN
EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY
S
I took this picture many years ago. It was one of the first three
or four nude shoots I had ever done. I wish I could say I was
in complete control of the situation and impressed the model
with my photographic expertise. However, thats not how it
happened.
During one of my many self-caused delays, I looked over at her and she was staring at me with a look of
disdain that 19-year-olds seem to do so well. Still, I couldnt help myself. I quickly snapped off a shot.
In spite of the circumstances, I really like this picture. Its not posed in any way. Its truly honest and real.
In retrospect, I wish I wouldnt have added the extra grain and the purple tone. However, it was in the
early days of my experience with Photoshop and I couldnt help myself. Unfortunately, Ive since lost the
original slide.
So whats the lesson here? Just this: If youre new to this style of photography, dont worry about things
going wrong. Trust me, things will go wrong. Its inevitable. But dealing with the problems that arise during
a shoot is the best way to learn.
And before you know it, youll be the one with the experience.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 9
Teens. The models in this category are usually 18 or 19-yearolds (or women in their early 20s who can still pull off a younger
look).
Lets take a look at some of the main factors that make this picture so ideal for the Teen category. First,
the model in this shot has a very friendly and inviting facial expression (a big smile and great eye
contact).
Additionally, when shooting Teen images, you cant go wrong with the color pink; and this shot features
a lot of it. The pink headband has a young vibe to it, the pink shirt is visible on the arm of the sofa, shes
playfully tugging on her pink panties, and shes wearing socks with pink stripes.
Her pose is also a very popular one for this particular niche: The feet spread wide while the knees stay
together conveys a shy and innocent feel.
Finally, youll notice that her makeup is extremely light, her hair is in a very simple style, her breasts are
natural, and she has no tattoos or piercings.
Put all these things together and youve got yourself a potentially profitable image.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 10
In this particular shot, the extreme distortion caused by the lens perfectly complements the extreme
wardrobe worn by the model.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 11
SHOOTING EXPLICIT
PHOTOS
I
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 12
THE IMPORTANCE OF
SHARP FOCUS IN NUDE
PHOTOGRAPHY
T
his shot is a good example
On a more detailed note, its a good idea to focus specifically on the eye of the model thats closest to the
camera. In this particular shot, both eyes are the same distance from the camera. However, youll often
face situations when this isnt the case.
Additionally, the mild diagonal positioning of her body from the lower right to the upper left of the frame
adds visual interest to the image. When composing images, keep an eye out for interesting diagonals.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 13
Natural breasts.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 14
HOW TO TAKE
SCULPTURAL NUDE
PICTURES
T
The remaining lighting is fairly even (with a slight highlight on the models back).
Regarding the pose, the arms and hands are placed in an interesting and unique position. Additionally,
the extreme arch of the back makes for an attractive and alluring curve.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 15
NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY
MEETS ART
PHOTOGRAPHY
T
From the soft shadow that can be seen on the backdrop, I would guess that a single soft box placed at a
45 degree angle to the model (right of the camera) was the main light source used.
The image also makes great use of The Rule of Thirds. If the model had been placed in the center of the
image, a static and far less compelling shot would have been the result.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 16
A CLEVER
COMPOSITIONAL
TECHNIQUE FOR NUDE
IMAGES
T
However, the main reason this shot is highly seductive is that the bottom crop is as low as it possibly
could be without showing anything that would turn the shot into something more explicit.
This image is a good example of how the most important decision a photographer can make is often what
to leave out of a composition.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 17
SENSUAL VERSUS
SEXUAL: THE ULTIMATE
BATTLE
I
On the technical side, strong side-lighting was used to accentuate the curves of the body as well as the
drops of water on the skin.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 18
SHOOTING OUTSIDE
YOUR EROTIC
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMFORT ZONE
A
At the very least, seeing this image should give you some ideas regarding what types of photos may be
out of your comfort zone and, therefore, worth challenging yourself with.
Stretching your predetermined limits doesnt mean you have to go in the direction seen here. If you
usually shoot indoors with flash, try going outside and using only natural light; if you tend to be fairly
regimented in how you direct models, try a more casual approach.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 19
HOW TO INJECT
MYSTERY INTO YOUR
NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY
T
As far as the actual picture seen here, its beautifully executed by both the photographer and the model.
Soft, directional lighting coming from left of the camera delivers classically beautiful light.
The photographer makes great use of the square composition. To me, the most clever choice by the
photographer was to crop the models head just above her eyes. This seemingly small decision results in
the models full lips becoming even more prominent than they would have otherwise been.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 20
While youll often find yourself taking pictures with your models looking away from the camera, I think its
a good idea to encourage strong and confident eye contact early in a shoot. I've found this often sets a
good tone for the pictures that follow.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 21
When working with water, theres a valuable technique you should know: If you want to obtain the look of
water beading on a models skin, simply apply baby oil to her before any water is introduced.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 22
USING MIRRORS IN
YOUR NUDE PICTURES
T
Additionallyat the level of the models stomach and thighyou'll notice that the mirror is cracked and
weathered. This small touch adds an aesthetically pleasing texture to the shot that wouldnt have been
present had the mirror been in perfect condition.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 23
My best advice when shooting more than one model is to create an environment in which the lighting
looks good and the basic composition of the shot is to your liking. After these two criteria are met, give the
models a general idea regarding your vision for the pics. After this, let them then know they have freedom
to interact with each other and come up with their own creative ideas.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 24
HOW TO DO NUDE
PHOTOGRAPHY IN BRIGHT
SUNLIGHT
sunrise and just before sunset. Its at these times that the
sun is low in the sky and casts a virtually shadowless and
flatteringly golden tone onto subjects being photographed.
To combat the harsh shadows, an area of shade was located in which to place the model so her face would
not be directly hit by the sun. This allowed for a soft and even light to fall on her face and most of her body.
A shaded area can be produced in many different ways: large trees, walls, and even having an assistant
hold up a piece of cardboard can all work well.
Additionally, a reflector was used to bounce a bit of light onto the front of the model to fill in some of the
harsh shadows.
Shooting glamour shots at midday isnt impossible. However, it usually requires some extra effort.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 25
HOW TO CAPTURE
CASUAL NUDE PHOTOS
T
As far as her pose, shes simply sitting on a bed. Shes not smiling or making strong eye contact. To be
honest, she looks a little disinterested in the whole process. Oddly, these are the factors that make this
image more difficult to capture than you might think.
Taking pictures of models appearing casual and extremely relaxed is not easy. The main reason for this is
that experienced models have a difficult time turning off their instinct to pose and inexperienced models
are often too nervous or unsure of themselves to truly relax.
So, how do you get a shot like this one? Patience, patience, and more patience.
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 26
HowToDoNudePhotography.com
PAGE 27