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The Golden Rule Of Nudes
A recent post prompts me to share The Golden Rule Of Nudes that I've learned, sometimes painfully, from photographing lots of nude models. The Golden Rule Of Nudes: only hire nude models to do poses like those they already show in their public portfolios. Paraphrased: believe what you see she'll do, not what the model says she'll do. Implied Nudes: Sometimes inexperienced models will say that they'll do nudes, but in their portfolio they only show implied nudes. If you hire such models to pose nude, the next day they'll be here on Model Mayhem, saying you, "tried to get them to go too far during the photo shoot." If you see only implied nudes in a model's portfolio then only hire her for implied nudes. Figure Nudes: Figure nude poses do not show a model's face, only her body. If you see only figure nudes in a model's portfolio then don't hire her for anything other than figure nudes. Artistic Nudes: Artistic nude models keep their legs closed like clams. If a model says that she's available for "artistic nudes," save your money and just hire a topless model. I'm not saying that every nude model has to do spreads, but if she's worried about "too much showing," then she's not a nude model, she's just a topless model who also shows her bum. Private Nudes: Sometimes you find models who write in their profile that they will pose nude, but they don't show any nudes at all in their portfolio. When you talk with them, they assure you that they've done lots of nudes and they email you a photo or two to prove it. Such models are "private nude" models, they'll pose nude for you, but then have a major freak out if they ever see any of their nude photos on the Internet. Often they won't tell you that until the photo shoot is over and they've been paid. I advise against ever hiring private nude models. The lesson here is to always look carefully at the photos in models' portfolios before you hire them, and only hire for the kinds of poses they display to the public. Don't be fooled by pictures they may send you privately or by assurances they may give. If you plan on taking nude photos of a certain type, hire a model who already displays similar nudes. TFP photographers who wish to avoid unpleasantness in life should also follow The Golden Rule Of Nudes. May 22 06 04:22 pm Link This is good overall advice. I also think that communication is the key. Both the photographer and model knowing BEFORE the shoot what is the "farthest level" of nudity required, and being clearly agreed on that. A written contract is good. If it's vague on the day, it's inviting problems. May 22 06 04:28 pm Link Great rules. My rules on hiring ANY model is to discuss beforehand what all they'll be doing. if they don't want to do what I need, I move on. May 22 06 04:29 pm Link I Miss the old days when there were no rules in nude or knife fights. E L May 22 06 04:33 pm Link I agree, mostly. And certainly in theory. But I will add one comment that has not been addressed thus far: Someone has to take the first shots of a certain level of nudity for the model to be able to include them in her portfolio. What does this person do for guidance? LOL May 22 06 04:56 pm Link E L Fanucchi wrote: There's rules in knife fights now??? When did this happen???? I might have broken some last night. May 22 06 05:01 pm Link phcorcoran wrote: I don't agree with this part, at least. For a while I only had photos from nude shoots in my portfolio where my hair was covering my nipples or I was turned in a way you couldn't see anything.. Just because I liked those the most. When shooting with a photographer a few weeks ago, first he asked me what my boundaries are and if I'm okay with full nudity. Of course I am, but he was unsure because of the photos I chose to put up. May 22 06 05:03 pm Link Hmmmm, not every model wants to post nudes on a public website. What is wrong with asking a model to send you a nude if you are concerned? I generally find that I can tell from talking with a model what she is willing to do. Bear in mind though, I don't do TFP, I pay models. So there is an expectation that she will have to do the job to get the money. May 22 06 05:14 pm Link Huh, I have used the term private nudes or private stock photography in a VERY diffrent context. Usally a "Photographer" will ask if I do private nudes meaning he is not a photographer and just wants to practice and have some pretty images of a model for himself. These will never make into a gallery, or a photographers portfolio because they don't have one. May 22 06 05:16 pm Link Wynd Mulysa wrote: The problem is that if you are paying someone for a particular style of photos, you need to have some confidence that you will get what you are paying for. It becomes a bait and switch, otherwise. May 22 06 05:17 pm Link Wynd Mulysa wrote: A model can hire a photographer when she wants to add new looks to her portfolio. That way she can choose and experiment with exactly what kinds of poses she would like to do, and she can keep the pictures to herself afterward if she changes her mind about doing them publicly. May 22 06 05:18 pm Link There are some good hints in your rules. I think it all comes down to up front communication between Model and Photographer. A good dose of respect comes in handy also. I read the Model's profile carefully and also look at thier ports. If I'm specifically looking for a nude model I will generally look for Models that say that in their profiles. I don't assume anything by the photos in their port. I will let them know what the planned shoot is all about. I like them to know what/where we'll be shooting. Maybe you should add a rule that says, "Make sure all aspects of the shoot are communicated so there are no surprises, this goes for Model and Photographer". My golden rules are: Respect and Communication. May 22 06 05:20 pm Link I have been hired to do many many artistic nude shoots but have never been asked for spread shots. I'm very comfortable with my body and nudity but showing pink is a whole nother ball game. If you want pink you have better make that very clear in negotiaions. (because I probably won't do it) May 22 06 05:22 pm Link Iona Lynn wrote: I want to shoot you and I want pink. I suggest cotton candy, lemonade and a nice, big, lolly pop. May 22 06 05:27 pm Link lightsandshadow wrote: Couldn't have said it better myself! May 22 06 05:28 pm Link Chris Ambler wrote: That made me laugh. May 22 06 05:29 pm Link Iona Lynn wrote: "Pink"= the color of the energizer rabbit, lol May 22 06 05:29 pm Link Iona Lynn wrote: What if I do the entire set in black and white? May 22 06 05:31 pm Link Chris Ambler wrote: come here bend over and let me shove that lolly pop someplace special Chris.... May 22 06 05:33 pm Link Mikel Featherston wrote: haha, good try!!! May 22 06 05:37 pm Link I disagree with the point about models who don't do spreads are not nude models. I consider myself an artistic nude model and I choose not to do spreads. Many photographers do not know the difference between art and pornography. It's very easy to make a spread shot look pornographic and sell it to a site. It's been done before. May 23 06 12:33 am Link I've always found it easy to simply ask a model what she is and isn't comfortable with. Anyone capable of having an intelligent conversation can form a good working understanding. May 23 06 12:43 am Link Melvin Moten Jr wrote: Agreed! Communication is a rare and wonderful thing. I try to explain the shoot as carefully and fully as possible beforehand, and let the person know what will be expected of them. If the shoot has the possibility of being somewhat "explicit" I inform them of that as well. For my own work this usually isn't an issue as I'm not interested in necessarily shooting "spread" shots or really explicit nudes. But I could see a pose going that way if the situation calls for it. I'd prefer to work with a model that has an artistic mind but is uninhibited enough to pose without worrying about what may or may not be showing. May 23 06 01:50 am Link The model can usually tell what the photographer is after by looking at his work. If the photographer is out to get some jollies, then he will often attract models who will provide them - for a high and complicated price. If he is out to create real art, then like minds (who will be willing to experiment and let him really express his creativity) will find him. Very often, it is not what is shown, but instead how it is shown that sets the mood for a photograph. If the content is 'adultish' then the model is immediately put on guard and takes a "what's in it for me" and "what assurences do I have" stance that the photog will have to rise up to. Keeping it decent, makes not only better photography, but also a better time for all involved and means a lot less headaches in terms of the paperwork. May 23 06 02:28 am Link Iona Lynn wrote: I can't imagine, with the exception of a 'miracle of life' pose set that there would be much need for up-close gonadal photography. This is honestly not most people's "best side" and often is rather unattractive. Leonardo d' Vinci believed that it was good for the human race that the sex-drive was a strong as it was or the "shear ugliness of the parts" would have precluded further spread of the species! May 23 06 02:37 am Link I am often relieved that at least I know that I put my best effort into being honest about my abilities and talents, and what I am confident and comfortable doing. May 23 06 04:24 pm Link I might not have read the post correctly. I am a bit concerned because of my own experience (most of the photogs I worked with were a joy btw=by the way). In my experience I have never had a photog retouch my photos...maybe a couple turned the photos around (so they wouldn't be upside down) for me...but never retouch...and most of my port is from test shoots. I wouldn't advice a model to pose with her legs fully spread and all her glory showing unless she is really into that...and I think a photog should let a model know that is what they want her to do. I like most...the photogs who use lighting to give a artistic modesty to a nude photograph...or retouch it so that her *flower* isn't showing itself to the world...those two issues would only arrise however if its understood that there is zero retouching and no lighting techniques will be used...btw, im not even sure how good an idea it is to do (test nudes?) maybe a photog could tell us what his/her experiences with that have been and would they post unretouched raw spread legs images from a test shoot without the models permission? I have seen some incredible nudes without the models legs being spread. :-) May 23 06 05:09 pm Link *No Sarcasm Here* I would like to see a full spread that hasn't been retouched and has no lighting technique that looks like art with a virgin quality and that photog should get a medal. hahaha I think it can be done...but the question is...how would you get such a pose to exude quality, art, expression w/o making the model look like the photographer found her at a strip joint? I think the great artists of all time are so because art is a challenge...its not easy...greatness is not something you come by everyday or something to not appreciate...one can practice to learn but many are still learning and can't place claim to (artistic legend) status (at least not yet) and those are the very type of people who could push the limits and get works of brilliance. Anyone with a polaroid could take amateur pornish looking shots...but most (in my opinion) couldn't take a full spread shot and make it beautiful. However, a true artist would totally disconnect from the sexual aspect and be totally in tune with every detail of the artistic touch that he wants the viewers/admirers of his work to feel...that being said...a photog who gets a kick out of seeing how far a model will go for the sheer thrill of it probably will never really be able to tap into the focus one would need...but then...thats just my two pennies on the subject. :-) May 23 06 05:26 pm Link So, according to my portfolio, what golden rule of nudes do I do? May 23 06 07:52 pm Link There are always real and poseurs ... like the girl I saw at Skinworks in Bossier City who was all big and bad when her friends were with her to get her tongue pierced. The minute she got in the chair she freaked out and made an ass of herself. I was getting my back done and was pretty torn up. I stood up in front of everyone, showed her my back and told her I was in a lot more pain than she'd ever be, so put up or shut the hell up. She sat right back down and did it, no fuss no muss. Either do the damned thing or don't. No half assing. Nemi May 23 06 08:00 pm Link well iona, you know where you and your washington friend can come when you finally get around to it. May 23 06 08:09 pm Link ADG Photography wrote: Let somebody else worry about it. Same reason I don't buy version 1.0 of software or cars in their first model year. The possibility of problems is just too high. Lol. May 23 06 08:10 pm Link well iona, you know where you and your washington friend can come when you finally get around to it. May 23 06 08:10 pm Link artphotodude wrote: Well said, I agree. May 23 06 08:12 pm Link Shouldnt this be like all the other golden rules.... "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" I mean if you can't pose nude, don't take nude pics. May 23 06 08:39 pm Link |
