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Case Studies In Nude Photography What Makes These Pictures Work?

By Michael Charles

Case Studies In Nude Photography: What Makes These Pictures Work?

By Michael Charles Author of: SKIN: How To Take Stunning Nude Photos The Complete Guide To Nude Photography

Available at HowToDoNudePhotography.com

To lean more, visit: HowToDoNudePhotography.com Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2013 Orange Dot Projects

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author/ publisher.

LEGAL NOTICE While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Author assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. This publication is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, marketing or accounting advice. The Publisher wants to stress that the information contained herein may be subject to varying state and/ or local laws or regulations. All users are advised to retain competent counsel to determine what state and/or local laws or regulations may apply to the user’s particular business. The Purchaser or Reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, federal, state, and local, governing professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the United States or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the Purchaser or Reader. The Author assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of any Purchaser or Reader of these materials. Any perceived slights of specific groups, people or organizations are unintentional.

Case Studies in Nude Photography

Table of Contents Introduction ..............................................................................................................6 USING THE “MAGIC HOURS” IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..............................................7 HOW TO USE SEAMLESS PAPER FOR EROTIC IMAGES ..................................................8 GAINING EXPERIENCE IN EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY ......................................................9 SECRETS OF NUDE TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY ..................................................................10 FETISH PHOTO TIPS AND TECHNIQUES .....................................................................11 SHOOTING EXPLICIT PHOTOS ..................................................................................12 THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARP FOCUS IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY .................................13 A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR A BEAUTIFUL NUDE PHOTO .....................................................14 HOW TO TAKE SCULPTURAL NUDE PICTURES ............................................................15 NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY MEETS ART PHOTOGRAPHY ...................................................16 A CLEVER COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUE FOR NUDE IMAGES .....................................17 SENSUAL VERSUS SEXUAL: THE ULTIMATE BATTLE .....................................................18 SHOOTING OUTSIDE YOUR EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY COMFORT ZONE .......................19 HOW TO INJECT MYSTERY INTO YOUR NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..................................20 HOW TO CREATE SEXY NON-NUDE PHOTOS ............................................................21 HOW TO WORK WITH WATER IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY ..........................................22 USING MIRRORS IN YOUR NUDE PICTURES ..............................................................23 GIVING YOUR NUDE MODELS THE FREEDOM TO PLAY ..............................................24 HOW TO DO NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT ........................................25 HOW TO CAPTURE CASUAL NUDE PHOTOS ..............................................................26

HowToDoNudePhotography.com

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Introduction W

elcome to Case Studies In Nude Photography: What Makes These Pictures Work? Within these pages, you’ll discover a wide variety of images I’ve specifically chosen to inspire and provide you

with creative launching points for your own photographic endeavors.

A large number of the images you’ll find here were shot by me, while others were created by talented photographers who specialize in glamour, nude, and erotic work. These specific images were chosen because they cover a wide range of styles, techniques, and methods.

Along with the photographs, you’ll find my thoughts and commentary on each image. My intention is to give you helpful information regarding the thought processes that went into the shots as well as information on the specific techniques that were used to create them.

I hope you’ll be inspired by these images and the accompanying information. Even more importantly, I hope you’ll be encouraged to continue your own journey into the world of nude and erotic photography.

Best Regards,

– Michael Charles


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USING THE œMAGIC HOURS” IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY T

his is a softly erotic outdoor shot of a young model. Even if the picture had nothing else going for it, the

simple gesture of grasping her wet hair would provide visual interest to an otherwise fairly straightforward pose.

However, what truly makes this shot special is the lighting. Fortunately, this type of light is not difficult to achieve. For the most part, all that’s required is to shoot at the correct time of day. However, that window of time doesn’t last long.

From the golden color of the light, you can be certain this image was either taken just after sunrise or just before sunset (when the sun was low in the sky). These times of day are often referred to as “The Magic Hour.” However, to get a picture with this alluring type of light, you definitely won’t have an hour. In truth, you may have only a few minutes.

From the highlights on the model’s hair and the rim of light on her torso (most visible in the bottom right corner of the image), you can tell that she had her back to the setting sun.

To fill in any unwanted shadows, a gold reflector was used to bounce light from the sun back onto her body (further enhancing the warm glow of the shot).

This picture was also made more interesting by using a lens set to a wide aperture. The wide setting serves to place even more emphasis on the model by causing the trees in the background to become blurred.


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HOW TO USE SEAMLESS PAPER FOR EROTIC IMAGES A

lthough there’s no nudity in this shot (or even the suggestion of it), there’s no denying that

it’s still a very sexy and alluring image.

The shadow cast by the model’s body is only one of the factors that gives the shot a unique look. The shot was taken using white seamless paper as a backdrop. This type of backdrop results in a smooth transition from the horizontal (the floor) to the vertical (the wall).

The appearance of the single and relatively hard shadow implies that the picture was taken using a single light placed in front of the model (approximately 45 degrees right of the camera position).

The body position of the model, with most of her weight placed on her right leg creates an appealing pose. Directing models to place the majority of their weight on one leg or the other is typically a way to add a sexy curve (or curves) to a pose.

Having the model glance over her right shoulder also gives the shot added drama and mystery.

Additionally, pictures like this one that emphasize the legs usually benefit from high heels; and this shot is no exception.

Finally, the body of the model is placed vertically on the right side of the image. This is a good use of “The Rule of Thirds” compositional technique and helps to create a very striking shot.


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GAINING EXPERIENCE IN EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY S

ince many of you reading this may be new to glamour or nude photography and might have a bit of anxiety

regarding doing these types of shoots, I want to tell you the story behind this image.

I took this picture many years ago. It was one of the first three or four nude shoots I had ever done. I wish I could say I was in complete control of the situation and impressed the model with my photographic expertise. However, that’s not how it happened.

Like all new photographers, I was struggling to juggle the different variables that a photo shoot requires. However, unlike the models I had photographed previously, Tara, the model seen here, was very experienced and had little patience regarding my frequent indecision about what exactly to do next.

During one of my many self-caused delays, I looked over at her and she was staring at me with a look of disdain that 19-year-olds seem to do so well. Still, I couldn’t help myself. I quickly snapped off a shot.

In spite of the circumstances, I really like this picture. It’s not posed in any way. It’s truly honest and real. In retrospect, I wish I wouldn’t have added the extra grain and the purple tone. However, it was in the early days of my experience with Photoshop and I couldn’t help myself. Unfortunately, I’ve since lost the original slide.

So what’s the lesson here? Just this: If you’re new to this style of photography, don’t worry about things going wrong. Trust me, things will go wrong. It’s inevitable. But dealing with the problems that arise during a shoot is the best way to learn.

And before you know it, you’ll be the one with the experience.


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SECRETS OF NUDE TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY I

f you’re a photographer looking to profit from your work, you should know that there’s a huge market for images of

“Teens”. The models in this category are usually 18 or 19-yearolds (or women in their early 20s who can still pull off a younger look).

Like all niches, this one has certain photographic characteristics that fans of the genre like to see. And to be honest, this picture contains so many of those young and sugary characteristics that I’m starting to get a headache from just looking at it.

However, simply because this picture contains numerous “Teen” cliches doesn’t mean it’s a bad picture. In fact, it more likely means that it’s a very marketable picture.

Let’s take a look at some of the main factors that make this picture so ideal for the “Teen” category. First, the model in this shot has a very friendly and inviting facial expression (a big smile and great eye contact).

Additionally, when shooting “Teen” images, you can’t go wrong with the color pink; and this shot features a lot of it. The pink headband has a young vibe to it, the pink shirt is visible on the arm of the sofa, she’s playfully tugging on her pink panties, and she’s wearing socks with pink stripes.

Her pose is also a very popular one for this particular niche: The feet spread wide while the knees stay together conveys a shy and innocent feel.

Finally, you’ll notice that her makeup is extremely light, her hair is in a very simple style, her breasts are natural, and she has no tattoos or piercings.

Put all these things together and you’ve got yourself a potentially profitable image.


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FETISH PHOTO TIPS AND TECHNIQUES E

xcept for the model’s face, there’s no skin visible in this picture.

However, I think most viewers would still consider this image to be quite sexy.

Due to the wardrobe, this photo has a definite “Fetish” feel to it. Latex is a staple of the Fetish world. In fact, if you’re looking to shoot Fetish pictures, the use of latex in some way is a good place to start.

The unusual look of this image matches the unusual wardrobe choice. To get this look, two specific techniques were used.

One of the techniques is a very low shooting angle. The angle exaggerates the length of the model’s legs (of course, the extreme height of the shoes also play a role in doing this).

This shot also takes advantage of the fact that the wide-angle lens used for this picture serves to create a type of visual distortion, making the subject matter in the foreground appear larger than it really is. Conversely, the wide-angle lens makes objects further from the camera appear smaller than they actually are.

In this particular shot, the extreme distortion caused by the lens perfectly complements the extreme wardrobe worn by the model.


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SHOOTING EXPLICIT PHOTOS I

f your goal is to shoot professionally in the world

of glamour and nude p h o t o g r a p h y, y o u m a y sometimes have jobs in which you’ll need to shoot extremely sexy images without “showing” anything explicit that could cause problems for your client.

This picture is a good (and fairly obvious) way to go about creating such a photograph.

The model’s pose is a very common one in the world of “Adult-oriented” photography. However, in that genre, the model would very likely be nude (with the possible exception of her funky shoes).

It’s certainly not a mystery why this particular pose would be considered an overtly sexual one by almost anyone. However, I feel this shot has more going for it than just the pose. The shoes are a great touch. And the wallpaper is an interesting and unusual backdrop for an image of this type.


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THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARP FOCUS IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY T his shot is a good example

of how shooting from a high

angle can be very effective in creating striking images. For this particular image, I used a high angle to emphasize the model’s eyes as she looks up to the camera.

Besides the shooting angle, a wide aperture setting results in the background (including the model’s body) to be slightly soft in focus compared to her face and, most importantly, her eyes.

If a model’s eyes are tack-sharp, viewers will tend to consider the entire image to be in focus. On the other hand, if a model’s eyes are not sharp, viewers will tend to see the entire picture as out of focus.

On a more detailed note, it’s a good idea to focus specifically on the eye of the model that’s closest to the camera. In this particular shot, both eyes are the same distance from the camera. However, you’ll often face situations when this isn’t the case.

Additionally, the mild diagonal positioning of her body from the lower right to the upper left of the frame adds visual interest to the image. When composing images, keep an eye out for interesting diagonals.


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A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR A BEAUTIFUL NUDE PHOTO Reci pe for an Appealing Soft-Core Nude Photograph of a Young Woman: ✦

A young model (18 or 19-years-old).

✦

Facing the camera nearly straight on (or perhaps a slight turn of the shoulders).

✦

Gracefully twisting her long, flowing hair.

✦

A subtle tilt to of the head to create a barely perceptible “S curve” pose.

✦

A facial expression that conveys innocence and youth.

✦

A pose that doesn’t contain any overt sexuality.

✦

Soft and even lighting to make the skin look flawless.

✦

Natural breasts.

✦

No visible tattoos or piercings.

✦

The bottom of the frame cropped low enough to imply that the model is fully nude without actually showing that she’s fully nude.

It’s as simple as that.


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HOW TO TAKE SCULPTURAL NUDE PICTURES T

his is a very sculptural and artistic shot. Though the subject is a nude

woman, there is nothing overtly sexual or suggestive about this photograph.

To me, it appears to be more of a “study” of the human form than a true glamour photograph. It’s not difficult to envision this 3/4 pose existing as an actual sculpture rather than a photo.

The photographer’s decision to crop the photo just above the knee was a good choice and add emphasis to the curves of the body. It’s very important to learn to crop images at locations in the image that add, rather than detract, from the composition. As an example, imagine this picture cropped just below the knees of the model. Such a crop would greatly take away from the gentle lines that make this shot special. The image was shot against a brightly lit white background that enables the body of the model to truly stand out when placed in front of it.

The remaining lighting is fairly even (with a slight highlight on the model’s back).

Regarding the pose, the arms and hands are placed in an interesting and unique position. Additionally, the extreme arch of the back makes for an attractive and alluring curve.


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NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY MEETS ART PHOTOGRAPHY T

he image seen here is truly unique. It’s a

photograph that could appear just as easily in the pages of Elle, Playboy, or on the wall of a museum dedicated to fine-art photography.

The unique quality of the shot starts with the square composition. If you’re interested in experimenting with different styles of photography, I recommend that you explore the compositional advantages (and limitations) of a square image.

I’m not exactly sure what the photographer wanted to convey with this shot; but whatever it was, he nailed it. The extreme arch of the back, the somewhat unkempt hair, the deep red lipstick and fingernail polish, the placement of the model’s hand, and the unusual tone of the image all come together to create a very unusual shot.

From the soft shadow that can be seen on the backdrop, I would guess that a single soft box placed at a 45 degree angle to the model (right of the camera) was the main light source used.

The image also makes great use of “The Rule of Thirds.” If the model had been placed in the center of the image, a static and far less compelling shot would have been the result.


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A CLEVER COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUE FOR NUDE IMAGES T

his shot features a square composition with the model placed directly in the center.

While this goes against a strict interpretation of the “Rule of Thirds” guideline, the composition works well here. This is due in part to the fact the model’s center placement works well with the symmetry that exists elsewhere within the image.

From the catchlights in the model’s eyes, it’s easy to detect that a single light was positioned just above the eye-level of the model and slightly to her right.

I think the photographer’s decision to crop the top of the model’s head from the picture was a good one. This subtle move brings added emphasis to her eyes and the interesting position of her arms and hands.

However, the main reason this shot is highly seductive is that the bottom crop is as low as it possibly could be without showing anything that would turn the shot into something more explicit.

This image is a good example of how the most important decision a photographer can make is often what to leave out of a composition.


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SENSUAL VERSUS SEXUAL: THE ULTIMATE BATTLE I

n the world of glamour, nude, a n d e r o t i c p h o t o g r a p h y,

there’s a very fine line between sensual and sexual.

Regarding the picture seen here, I think the photographer did a great job pushing “sensual” to the absolute limit without it becoming “sexual.” On the other hand, many viewers might put this in a more “sexual” category simply because it’s a close-up of a particular area of a woman’s body. In the end, it’s all in the eyes of the individual viewer. Different strokes for different folks, so to speak.

As far as the image itself, I think it’s a beautifully executed composition. The hands in the shot are used as a great framing device and deliver an extra touch of visual interest.

On the technical side, strong side-lighting was used to accentuate the curves of the body as well as the drops of water on the skin.


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SHOOTING OUTSIDE YOUR EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY COMFORT ZONE A

s they say, “Every man loves a woman with an attitude.” Or do they say, “Every man hates a

woman with an attitude”? To be honest, I really have no idea what they say. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter in regard to this shot.

The point is that it’s often very rewarding and interesting to experiment with styles of photography that may be out of your comfort zone. It’s a great way to improve your skills and stretch your abilities and imagination.

So unless your comfort zone already includes photographing a woman wearing latex thigh highs, 6inch stiletto boots and black panties while flipping you off, perhaps this is the type of picture you might be interested in experimenting with.

At the very least, seeing this image should give you some ideas regarding what types of photos may be out of your comfort zone and, therefore, worth challenging yourself with.

Stretching your predetermined limits doesn’t mean you have to go in the direction seen here. If you usually shoot indoors with flash, try going outside and using only natural light; if you tend to be fairly regimented in how you direct models, try a more casual approach.

I guarantee it’ll be an interesting experiment and well worth your time.


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HOW TO INJECT MYSTERY INTO YOUR NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY T

he main reason I like this picture is because – at first

glance – there’s just a slight touch of androgyny about it. Though it doesn’t take long to figure out the reality, the brief doubt that accompanies a viewer’s first glance at the shot helps to make for an intriguing image.

Little mysteries such as this one help to make truly memorable photographs. However, trying to “force” them into your shots rarely yields good results; but when you come across an idea for a legitimately interesting twist, don’t hesitate to go for it.

As far as the actual picture seen here, it’s beautifully executed by both the photographer and the model. Soft, directional lighting coming from left of the camera delivers classically beautiful light.

The photographer makes great use of the square composition. To me, the most clever choice by the photographer was to crop the model’s head just above her eyes. This seemingly small decision results in the model’s full lips becoming even more prominent than they would have otherwise been.

And in this case, that’s a good thing.


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HOW TO CREATE SEXY NON-NUDE PHOTOS T

his image is proof that a picture doesn’t require even a hint of nudity to still be

seductive and compelling.

For this shot, I bounced two flash heads into umbrellas to create a fairly even lighting situation.

If you’re just starting to learn about lighting, it's often a good idea to limit yourself to two light sources. Move them around, adjust their power outputs, and so forth. Simply play around with them and learn the various lighting possibilities they offer.

This particular image was taken early in a set of pictures I shot for a major magazine. Though later shots in the set were far more revealing, this image is my favorite.

I like the calm, yet confident, expression on her face. I also like the strong eye contact she has with the camera.

While you’ll often find yourself taking pictures with your models looking away from the camera, I think it’s a good idea to encourage strong and confident eye contact early in a shoot. I've found this often sets a good tone for the pictures that follow.


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HOW TO WORK WITH WATER IN NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY H

ere’s something you can nearly

always count on regarding

glamour photography: If you take an attractive model, put her in clothing that becomes transparent when wet, and add water–you’re well on your way to creating a very seductive image.

When it comes to glamour and nude photography, the equation above is as close to a guarantee as you can get.

Not surprisingly, most photographs that include water are shot outdoors. Because of this, I find the indoor image seen here to be much more intriguing than most outdoor shots - especially when compared to the stereotypical “Girl in bikini washing a car” picture.

The composition of this image is unique and nicely executed. Even though the shot includes a 3/4 body shot of a model wearing very little, the true focal point of the picture is her hand. This small detail gives a definite sculptural feeling to the shot.

When working with water, there’s a valuable technique you should know: If you want to obtain the look of water “beading” on a model’s skin, simply apply baby oil to her before any water is introduced.


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USING MIRRORS IN YOUR NUDE PICTURES T

he use of mirrors can be an interesting creative choice when shooting nude images. If executed

properly, mirrors can be used in an infinite number of ways to create interesting shots.

However, shots that include mirrors can be a bit tricky and often require some extra thought to make the images work.

The most obvious potential problem is keeping unwanted objects or people out of the shot. To be more specific, it’s important to keep both the lighting equipment and yourself (the photographer) from being visible in the mirror. After those issues are taken care of, it's important to make sure that the lighting is not causing any unwanted reflections to appear in the mirror.

The shot seen here is an excellent example of how a mirror can be used to create a very beautiful and unique image. The positioning of the model allows her to be viewed from both the front and the back (a difficult task in a two dimensional medium).

Additionally–at the level of the model’s stomach and thigh–you'll notice that the mirror is cracked and weathered. This small touch adds an aesthetically pleasing texture to the shot that wouldn’t have been present had the mirror been in perfect condition.


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GIVING YOUR NUDE MODELS THE FREEDOM TO PLAY G

oing into shoots, I tend to have a clear idea in my head about the types of pictures I want to

capture. Because of this, I tend to be fairly involved in directing my models.

However, when I’m shooting more than one model at a time, I usually take a far more relaxed approach.

I do this for two reasons:

First, it can be quite difficult to position multiple models in very specific ways. There are simply too many arms and legs and fingers and toes to keep track of. A slight movement by one model can significantly effect another's position. The process can quickly get very frustrating for everyone involved.

Second, I’ve found that giving models the freedom to come up with their own things will often lead to very interesting shots.

My best advice when shooting more than one model is to create an environment in which the lighting looks good and the basic composition of the shot is to your liking. After these two criteria are met, give the models a general idea regarding your vision for the pics. After this, let them then know they have freedom to interact with each other and come up with their own creative ideas.

I guarantee that you’ll rarely be disappointed by their efforts.


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HOW TO DO NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT

P

hotographers often speak of “The Magic Hour.” This term refers to the brief periods of time just after

sunrise and just before sunset. It’s at these times that the sun is low in the sky and casts a virtually shadowless and flatteringly golden tone onto subjects being photographed.

This type of light is in contrast to the hard shadows that are cast at other times of day when the sun is higher in the sky. At these times, photographing people in a complimentary way can be extremely difficult; in large part due to the harsh shadows that will appear on your subject’s face and body. However, there are ways around this problem.

The image seen here is a good example of how it’s possible to shoot at midday and still get good results. By playing detective, you can determine the location of the sun at the time this picture was taken. The hard line of shadow that cuts across the model’s right breast and stomach is evidence for the sun’s location (almost directly above the model).

To combat the harsh shadows, an area of shade was located in which to place the model so her face would not be directly hit by the sun. This allowed for a soft and even light to fall on her face and most of her body.

A shaded area can be produced in many different ways: large trees, walls, and even having an assistant hold up a piece of cardboard can all work well.

Additionally, a reflector was used to bounce a bit of light onto the front of the model to fill in some of the harsh shadows.

Shooting glamour shots at midday isn’t impossible. However, it usually requires some extra effort.


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HOW TO CAPTURE CASUAL NUDE PHOTOS T

his may seem hard to believe, but it’s not easy to take a picture like the one

seen here. In fact, it can be extremely difficult.

Why is this the case?

Admittedly, from a technical standpoint, it’s a very simple image. The absence of sharply defined catchlights and the soft and relatively flat lighting is good evidence that a very simple lighting setup was used. In fact, since the light is uniform throughout the shot (even in the background), it’s quite possible that nothing more than natural light was used.

So far, very simple.

Additionally, her makeup is fairly light and her entire wardrobe consists of a single bracelet. Once again, very simple.

As far as her pose, she’s simply sitting on a bed. She’s not smiling or making strong eye contact. To be honest, she looks a little disinterested in the whole process. Oddly, these are the factors that make this image more difficult to capture than you might think.

Taking pictures of models appearing casual and extremely relaxed is not easy. The main reason for this is that experienced models have a difficult time turning off their instinct to “pose” and inexperienced models are often too nervous or unsure of themselves to truly relax.

So, how do you get a shot like this one? Patience, patience, and more patience.


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Other books by Michael Charles:

SKIN: How To Take Stunning Nude Photos The Complete Guide To Nude Photography Available at HowToDoNudePhotography.com

To lean more about nude and erotic photography, visit: HowToDoNudePhotography.com Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2013 Orange Dot Projects


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