Ask around at your local college campus. You’ll probably have the most luck in the photography and traditional art departments. [2] X Research source Be delicate with your recruitment tactics. Emphasize that it’s an artistic endeavor. “I’m producing a photographic tribute to the human form in its natural state” sounds a lot better than “would you be up for posing naked for the camera?” Don’t coerce conventional models into doing a nude shoot. Some models specialize in that type of thing; others don’t. Find a subject that suits your project and aim as an artist.
Sketch out the poses and compositions you envision most vividly and have them handy on the day of the shoot. If possible, show your model a few visual references of the kind of images you hope to capture. [3] X Research source There should be an unspoken trust between the photographer and their subject. The idea of taking her clothes off for an unprepared amateur may make your model uneasy.
Avoid public areas and places where you’re likely to be spied on or interrupted. If you need a permit to take photographs in a particular location, make sure you have the details sorted out before you begin shooting.
Be sure to outline the particulars of your concept so she’ll have an idea of what to expect. Feel free to ask for her input in return. Use this time to gauge your model’s comfort level regarding your ideas for the shoot. Ask questions like “would you be alright with. . . ?” and “how would you feel about. . . ?” The initial meetup is not a date. Do your best to help her feel relaxed, but keep things professional and appropriate.
When possible, rely on natural light sources, such as the sun, moon and firelight. It has a much warmer, more immediate feel than artificial light (such as studio lights and reflectors), especially for daytime shoots. Move your light sources around and try out different brightness levels, placements and orientations until you arrive at the look you want. [6] X Research source
Mix it up. Include a few black and white photos in a vibrantly colored set or find ways to incorporate other thematic elements into the shoot. See what you can do to enhance the look of your photos (without altering them too much) during the editing phase.
Instead of running through the poses you decided on before the shoot, allow your model to move and position herself freely, and capture everything you can. You can always delete unusable shots later, but you might end up with one or two really special shots.
In the end, your goal is to make a powerful statement. Don’t restrain your creativity in finding unique ways to shoot the human body. Avoid graphic depictions of the genitals. This is leaving the domain of art and entering that of pornography. [10] X Research source
It’s also a good idea to keep a robe or set of comfy clothes on hand that your model can slip into if they get cold while you’re setting up between shots. Be prepared to clear the set and work with your model one-on-one if she doesn’t like the idea of having too many people around.
As a general rule, keep your hands off your model unless they specifically ask for help getting into or maintaining a certain posture. A nude model isn’t a prop. Keep in mind that the woman you’re photographing is another person and has a right not to be touched without her permission.
Make sure your subject is accepting of your requests before asking her to go along with them. Working with a model who knows how to help you make your mental image a reality can be a very rewarding experience.
If you really upset your model, she may be outspokenly critical of your talents and discourage others from working with you.
