Secrets of Nude Portrait: Creating Artistic Glamour Images

Human body has always been a popular theme to depict in fine arts. What are the basic demands of producing quality and, most importantly, elegant nudes? We will now investigate a little about how a glamour artist can accomplish mastery on this delicate subject.

When shooting a nude portraits one must always hold the following in mind – they are, first of all, 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 Photos with some knowledge of the subject and, hopefully, great motivation.

• It is important to feel the border between artistry and vulgarity: as a photographer, you need to pursue the former, not the latter. Make emphasis on body shapes and texture. 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. Let your sense of taste take flight – if you’ve got one (and you must have, otherwise why in the world would you take interest in glamour photography), nothing can go wrong;
• You shouldn’t fall victim to the game “look how much junk I managed to stuff into this picture!” – your model is to wear only essentials that contribute to the mood of the picture and correspond to basics of good taste. 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. At all times, cold lights are more appropriate – for the sake of saving electric power, not sweating like a pig and having more space for creativity. You would also want to obtain some soft-boxes to get more diffused light. In fact, softer lighting always contributes to the atmosphere of your nude portraits, so don’t disregard with this opportunity;
• 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. Don’t you think it wouldn’t actually demonstrate your good taste?
• Unleash your artistic nature. Experimenting with poses, light and surroundings can result in very unexpected and original variations;
• Can’t you forget that your camera has its limit of exposures and you have the limit of time? Really, the more you shoot – the more good pictures you will have to pick later. Even hardcore glamour photographers make some several thousand pictures in one studio session – so they could later pick really astounding images;
• Try to reach mutual understanding with the person you shoot. She is not a “main character” of your shots, but the one who plays a vital part in the process. Your model is the second most important person behind the creative activity – if not the first. You are not going to succeed without your model feeling at ease and ready to work!

Nude photography is not easy – nor is Artistic Glamour Photography in general. However, anything is doable if you don’t give up. Remember – a journey of thousand miles begins with one step! Or, in our glamour photographers’ case – with one flash.

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