True Confessions of Nude Photography

Book excerpt: A Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting Beautiful Models, Lighting, Photographing Nudes, Post-Processing Images, and Maybe Even Getting Paid to Do It. (third edition) Prior experience with nude models is not required to benefit from this how-to guide. This guide can be enjoyed by anyone, but is written for two main audiences: the accomplished photographer wanting insight from a peer, and the serious amateur wanting a guided introduction to the field. The female body has been an inspiration for artists since before the invention of photography. Naturally, nudes were one of the first subjects of photography as well. Although the guide covers the basics of nude photography, it is assumed that you have a digital camera that is more advanced than a point-and-shoot and that you already understand the basics of operating your camera. This book deals with female models. You won't find male models or advice on photographing non-models in this book. Finding Models: Nude photography entails more than just photographic technique, there is a huge interpersonal element; much more so than in any other kind of people photography. The guide addresses everything from finding models, to working with them long term. Most guides on photographic technique assume you've already found a willing model. This one assumes that you're having trouble - or at least having trouble finding a model that you feel takes your work to the next level. It contains techniques for finding and recruiting models. Techniques: A range of processes are explained step-by-step. You'll find more than just a selection of photos and a dissection of each; you'll see full lighting diagrams as well as frank discussions of techniques and pitfalls in the days and weeks leading up to making a nude image. From finding your first nude model to selling your first nude photo, the guide presents complete, concise instruction on lighting, posing, and-post processing with Photoshop.