Coy – a nude study

Coy

Finally after having it on my todo list for close to 8 years I did a nude shoot with a profesional model. I absolutely love artistic nudes but I found it to be somewhat intimidating to get into my self without having any experience what so ever. Ideally i thought it would be best to learn from an experienced photographer in the field by means of assisting on s couple of shoots. However that opportunity  never arose so at one point I decided to just go for it. I hired an experienced model (which was also a first) and planned a shoot.

Although I was very nervous on the day of the shoot I couldn’t wait to get started. The day before the shoot I decided to go online and collect works in the style and atmosfeer I like. This preparation payed of, on such first shoot you’re going to be nervous and being able to just show a set of 12 images to a model which visually explain the direction you want to go into is a lot easier then having to explain it verbally. I wasn’t planning on copying work (although i think there’s nothing wrong with that for learning purposes) it was merely to set the mood.

As the model got undressed I did a final check on the lighting equipment and made sure everything was in working order and roughly setup for the type of light I wanted. After that I switched the heating up a bit so my model wouldn’t be cold and feel uncomfortable. When she came we started up with a couple of simple standing shots. The first lesson I learned was that shooting a nude model really isn’t that much different from shooting a dressed person. When I’m shooting I’m fully focussed on the result, thinking about light, composition and of course keeping up rapport. Between my preparations and her professionalism we got of to a flying start. I found I could focus much more on the photo as I didn’t have to coach a nervous person intimidated by my camera.

As the marks on the skin left there by undergarment faded so did the remainder of my nervous. Ideas developed further and the images were getting better and better. Every now and then I offered my model to hand her the drink I pored  or if she was warm enough. No matter if I hire a model or working with a client I always try to make sure they are comfortable and treat them with respect, what you give you’ll get back. And it almost goes without saying but I never ever touch a model or client, not even to brush away a stray hair. If I can’t communicate something I lead by example, which obviously has let to hilarious moments. The shoot of that day was no different.

That days shoot turned out to be one of the most fun shoots I ever had. The model I was working with was interested and really joined in. So what did i learn from this experience? Lets sum it up:

• Will I pay for a model again for my own creative outbursts? Definitely! First thing I did is ask when she would be available again.
• Will I plan an artistic nude shoot again? For sure. When shooting cloth people I always prefer that there clothing is as neutral as possible, if not you just run the risk of the clothing stealing the attention from the person/expresion/character. Shooting nudes is wonderful, not only the shape but every edition you make in the form of a prop becomes stronger. But maybe even more important, it inspires and feels right.

Hope you enjoy the image as much as I enjoyed making it.

portrait photography