Models
I’m just starting out as a nude
photographer; where can
I find models?
Potential models are everywhere. Because I
am a professional photographer with published
books and a website, it is easier for me to approach
someone I would like to photograph. I can show
them my work or give them my website address so
they can see what I do and decide whether they
would like to work with me. For someone who is a
beginner in nude photography, this method of
finding models is more tricky, but not impossible. As
long as your intentions are genuine and you are
discreet and polite, there is no reason why
someone should take offense. If you are already a
practicing photographer it is well worth creating your
own website so that people can see your work and
take their own time to consider your proposal.
Of course you can always hire a professional
model; you’ll find lots of agencies on the internet.
There are also many internet communities of
amateur and semiprofessional models and
photographers, and these can be a good
place to start.
Family and friends are the easiest option if you
are just starting out. If you find someone willing to
pose for you who you already know well, you can
take your time, make your mistakes, and learn your
craft in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This way
of working can be very rewarding for both
photographer and model.I haven’t been able to find a model;
what can I do?
It might sound like a joke, but use a tripod
and a timer and take pictures of yourself!
Self-portaits have a lot of benefits. You can
experiment with light and poses, and you’ll
understand the challenges of being a modelfrequently asked questions
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People ask me lots of questions about my work—some
more sensible than others. I’m not into answering questions
such as “What’s the best camera, lens, or memory card,”
since “best” is highly subjective. I prefer to think in terms
of “efficient” and “reliable.” I want to be myself rather than
better than the rest of the world. For me, being a nudephotographer is a dream profession: working with interesting
people in a positive, creative way. Of course, taking the
photograph is only a fraction of the process; location and
model scouting, briefings, and so on all play a part. And
of course you have to be able to act as a crisis manager
once in a while; you are working with human beings!yourself. Most importantly, you’ll have some
reference images to show potential models—even
if you’re not the perfect model yourself.What can I do if my wife/husband/
girlfriend/boyfriend isn’t enthusiastic
about me photographing nudes?
Having a partner working with nude models
can feel threatening. The only thing you can
do to assure someone is to be honest and open.
nude photography, like any other genre of
photography, is about making wonderful images,
it is not a sexual thing—but sometimes it takes a
while for a partner to get used to the idea. Once
they see that you are taking tasteful, artistic pictures
they will be able to see it as a creative endeavor just
like any other.
I’m often asked a similar question by models, and
my answer is the same. I would also suggest that
the model brings a companion to the shoot—
preferably not the jealous partner, but someone the
model feels comfortable with and who will stay
discreetly in the background.What do you do if you lose
inspiration during a session?
You can’t expect every session to be inspiring
from start to finish; there are bound to be
times when you need to recharge your batteries.
Take an inspiration break—have a chat with your
model, find out about them, talk about favorite films,
hobbies, what sports you enjoy, and so on. I usually
find that by sharing thoughts and feelings I find new
inspiration very quickly.What if things just don’t “click”
with my model?
If you are communicating in an honest, open,
and respectful way, it might be that there is
something outside the session that’s bothering yourmodel. Ask tactfully if this is the case, and whether
he or she would prefer to finish the session. If it’s a
model I know well I might suggest that we try
bringing the anger or sadness, or whatever it is, into
the session—sometimes expressing your emotions
to the camera can be excellent therapy! And if I’m
having a bad day myself, I tell my model. He or she
might find the key to brighten me up again.Model releases
a model agreed to pose for me, but
objects to me exhibiting the image.
Can she stop me?
Yes she can! There is a huge difference
between permission to take pictures and permission
to use them. don’t ever confuse them—it could land
you in all sorts of trouble.a model agreed verbally that I could
exhibit, but changed her mind. Can
she do this?
A verbal agreement is perfectly valid, but the
problem is that without witnesses how do you prove
permission was given? The laws surrounding this
vary from country to country, but usually the burden
of proof will be with the photographer. The only way
to be sure that your agreement is legally binding is to
ask your model to sign a release.What is a model release?
A release is the legally valid, written proof
of what you have agreed with your model
about the use of images. The model
expressly waives his or her rights to the images for
the purposes specified in the release.