Nude photos need not be tacky. In fact, if done well, they can look stylish and artistic. From Marilyn Monroe to Kate Moss, many a famous woman (and man) has had their naked form photographed, and these photos often became iconic prints. Here are some basic rules to follow when taking nude portrait pictures:
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Choose the right poseThink carefully about this. You don't want a glamour model type pose. Do some research online or look through some photography picture books to get some ideas. Classic shots, such as those taken from the back, the side, or with the subject looking away, can be very effective. Shoot from the best angleNo one looks good from every angle (unless you're Gisele Bundchen), so shoot from an angle that will flatter your subject. Try lots of different angles until you find one that works. A picture in which the subject appears to have a double chin will not look elegant |
Get the lighting right
Lighting is perhaps the most important part to taking the perfect picture. Avoid using the camera's flash directed at your subject, as this creates a harsh, unflattering light. Soft lighting from lamps, pointed at a white surface and not directly at the subject, can work well. Natural light is most effective, giving pictures a warm glow.
Take black and white pictures
There are advantages to shooting in black and white rather than colour. Black and white accentuates the light, shadows, and shapes in a shot, giving the photo more of an artistic feel. Blemishes on the skin are also less apparent in a black and white picture.
Keep it simple
Nothing makes a picture look more cheap and amateurish than a cluttered or untidy background. Keep props to a minimum so they don't distract the eye when looking at the picture. Use a plain background. A white or black sheet, or suitably sized roll of paper, work well for this purpose.
Anonymity
Many people feel more comfortable being photographed nude when their face is kept out of the shot. These impersonal photos add an air of mystery, and keep attention on the body's placement and contours.
Less is more
A nude photograph doesn't have to mean everything is on show. Your subject can cover up in a number of ways. Strategically placed hands and arms, or having them lie on their front can make for a seductive image. Don't use fruit, it looks juvenile and tacky. Once you've taken your pictures and have chosen the ones you like, why not have them turned into wall art or canvas art. This is a great alternative to the traditional photo frame.
