1. Nude
40 Better Photography
T E C H N I Q U ET E C H N I Q U E
Photographer Lynn Gail explains her approach to
nude photography, from inviting people to pose for
her to lighting and posing.
W
hen first contemplating photographing the
nude, photographers often shy away from the
idea. Where do you find models? Do you ask
people you know, and if they agree, will it be
unbearably embarrassing? It is an area many photographers
wish to tackle, but they struggle with how to address (or
undress!) the situation.
However, the rewards of producing sensuous fine art
nudes are well worth overcoming any initial apprehension.
The human body allows us endless photographic
opportunities. All you need is a little imagination.
Finding Your Model
You will be surprised how often you can find people willing to
pose nude. Sometimes it is just a case of asking‘the’question.
Having a friend or a partner who will pose nude for your first
shoot can make you more confident in the future if you hire
a professional model or work with strangers. Sometimes you
can approach people who are just breaking into the modelling
business, perhaps through an agency, offering them free prints
for their portfolio in exchange for their time. Make sure they
understand that you are also just starting off.
It’s important that your model signs an agreement setting
out your rights for using the shots (model release forms can
be found and downloaded from the internet, and there is a
sample form at www.betterphotography.com as well). Also
explain to your model in advance what might be expected
during the photo shoot: abstract, implied, topless or full nude.
This will give your model a chance to ask any questions. If you
already have images, showing your model a portfolio will give
them an idea of your style and what you may expect. Also,
have some photo or art books on hand to show any other
poses that you may want to try.
TAFE centres and local art galleries usually have listings
of models who sit for nude figure drawing classes and who
T E C H N I Q U ET E C H N I Q U E
The Gentle
Silky sheets – fantastic props for enhancing a sensuous image.
Photographed by placing a stocking over the lens. The looser the material, the softer the effect.
This image gained a Silver Award in the 2010 Canon AIPP APP Awards. Canon EOS 5D, Canon 28-
135mm at 70mm, 1/100 second, ISO 1000 (to add grain).

2. Better Photography 41
are often prepared to model for you at a reasonable rate, but
expect to pay around $100 – $150 an hour for established
photographic models.
Also keep in mind that models for nude photography
come in all shapes and sizes. They certainly don’t have to be a
lithe six foot, size six beauty or the local muscle man rippled
with a six pack. Look for each model’s attributes. Viewers
connect with expression in an image; the delicate way a hand
falls or the subtle curve of the back. There are countless ways
to photograph the grace of the human body.
Communication
At all times be courteous to your model. Respect their wishes
and make sure they are comfortable. If they are not at ease it
will show in your images. Tension is not only visible facially, it
also shows throughout the body. And as the photographer, try
to appear relaxed and in control, especially if you’re not!
Amateur models seldom know how to pose, so you will
need to direct them constantly. They find this reassuring.
Including your model’s ideas during the shoot may help create
some interesting images you had not contemplated, and if it’s
their own ideas they will be comfortable with them. Add some
humour too – it goes a long way to lightening tricky moments!
Using Props
By introducing props into a nude shoot, you can help alleviate
tension by giving you and the model a point of focus. The
most inexpensive aspect of the process, props will often add
to the overall effect of an image, but consider carefully how
they integrate into your composition. Composition is just as
important in nude work as in any other photography. Avoid
props which draw attention away from the model, unless you
want the model to serve as a background.
Materials such as muslin cloth, see-through scarves and
even soft net curtains can enhance shape when wrapped
Using a landscape format can create a different result. Grain has been added to create a more sensual effect. Canon EOS 5D, 50mm lens at f1.4, ISO 800.
Deliberately photographed out of focus, I asked the model to slightly open the
curtain to add a touch of mystery to the image.

3. 42 Better Photography
creatively around the body. A tan stocking placed over the lens
will create a beautifully diffused effect for your nude.
Chairs are wonderful pieces of furniture for nude
photography, especially old ones with some character.
However, don’t always shoot the obvious, play around until
a certain pose connects with you. Look around your house
because it is probably full of items to experiment with. A
simple tea cup and saucer placed in the dip of the back or a
delicate flower held gently between the breasts can create
eye-catching images. The simplest ideas are often the ones
that work.
Isolate Areas
Nude and semi-nude photography offer us a medium to
change the shape and form of the body by maximising
the power of our lenses. For example, some of the most
expressive images come from zooming in and isolating
certain body areas. And by using the widest possible
T E C H N I Q U ET E C H N I Q U E
Five Useful Points For Nude Photography
• Respect your model’s wishes. Do not attempt to push the boundaries.
Communicate and find out what your model is comfortable with
prior to the shoot. Clarify if you wish to shoot topless, abstract or full
nude images.
• Be prepared. Jot down notes and poses prior to your session. It will
help things run more smoothly.
• Aim to add a touch of mystery. Allow the viewer to enjoy the subtlety a
fine art nude has to offer.Less often means more.
• Try not to shoot obvious poses.By adding simple props (scarves,
flowers, sheer materials) you will be surprised how easy it is to create
an image with an individual flavour.
• Have fun! With a relaxed atmosphere comes the opportunity to
capture unique images that stand apart from the crowd!
Have fun with your model by trying a variety of props to see what works. Canon EOS 5D, Canon 17-40mm at 17mm, 1/180 second, ISO 400.
The placement of the hand and an arched back create an artistic outline.
A tanned stocking was placed over the lens.

4. Better Photography 43
aperture possible (around f1.2 to f2.8), you are able to
pinpoint an area you wish to be focused while everything
else is rendered soft.
Just the hint of a healthy cleavage taken on a diagonal
can make an eye-catching image, while long silky legs
photographed from the top of the leg through sheer
material taken with a small aperture such as f22 can give the
impression of endless limbs. Images such as these can be
turned into sensuous grainy black and white pictures.
Lighting and Locations
Large windows offering indirect daylight will render soft,
even skin tones. A reflector or large piece of white/gold card
placed opposite the window will bounce light back into your
shadows areas. Play around with your distances from the
window; being close to the window provides a softer light,
while as you move away from the window the lighting will
become more contrasty.
Watch for distracting backgrounds that might clutter the
image. Above all else make sure the room is warm because a
tense, shivering model will not be a happy one!
Being outside with your model brings a certain sense of
freedom if you are in deserted areas. Beaches are often empty
at sunrise when the light is at its softest. Wooded areas offer
privacy and diffused lighting from the overhanging leaves.
Dead trees often mirror the curve of the body and can make
wonderful natural props for your model to lean against. Be
careful to meter for your model though, so they are correctly
exposed and not the surrounding bushland.
If you have access to studio lights and backdrop papers,
make sure you are familiar with the equipment before using
them with a model. There are many courses available that will
take you through the basics of a lighting set-up. The beauty of
using a studio, of course, is having complete privacy and you
won’t have to worry about the weather.
You can see more of Lynn Gail’s photography at www.
spicefotography.com.au
Sample Model Release
If you would like to download a sample model release, either as a Word document
or an Acrobat file, you will find one at the Better Photography website. To gain
access to the release you will need to register on the site.
There are two ways to get there. The easy way is to go to www.betterphotography.
com, click on the Free Content, and then General Articles link. A page will then
display with a list of articles, including the Model Release article. The other option is
to key in the following address:
http://www.betterphotography.com/index.php?option=com_content&am
p;view=article&id=455:model-release-example&catid=5:camera
&Itemid=26
Rugged rocks make a dramatic backdrop. The camera has been tilted to
accentuate the model’s arm. Canon EOS 5D, Canon 17-40mm at 17mm, 1/1000
second at f5.6, EV -1, ISO 200.
Muslin cloth draped over half the body produces a curvaceous picture.