November 7, 2009

How To Shoot Truly Artistc Glamour Images

The beauty of a nude body has immense artistic potential, that’s for sure. However, it's far from easy to shoot aesthetically flawless pictures without falling into vulgarity - so how can the latter be avoided? We will now investigate a little about how a glamour artist can accomplish mastery on this delicate subject.

Nude portraits are not about our physical desires – they are all about art. Even the most brazen nude picture must have a touch of idea and concept to it - otherwise it's anything but art. Enough talk of abstract matters - we need some practical knowledge!

Here you find 7 techniques and pieces of advice to guide you through the basics of nude Glamour Photographs and provide some valuable insight as well as priceless mindset.

  • Balancing artistry and vulgarity is a must: you don’t want the latter, you want the former. The main goal is not to expose nudity but to reveal the sensual and artistic beauty of the human body - ergo, focus on depicting shapes and texture. Unless you know what you're doing, refrain from depicting genitals - not many photographers know how to make them look appropriate on a nude glamour portrait. Let your sense of taste take flight – if you’ve got one (and you must have, otherwise why in the world would you take interest in glamour photography), nothing can go wrong;
  • Don’t overload your model with trinkets and jewelry – when it comes to nude photography, human body must dominate the shot. Think small, sophisticated and well-balanced items that could add some glamorous and beguiling touch to your concept;
  • For practical purposes one should always avoid using so-called "hot lights" in a studio. At all times, cold lights are more appropriate - for the sake of saving electric power, not sweating like a pig and having more space for creativity. In order to acquire more subtle light, use soft-boxes. In fact, softer lighting always contributes to the atmosphere of your nude portraits, so don't disregard with this opportunity;
  • Don't let the laws of optics stand in your way to creating a nude masterpiece: the shooting angle can alter the proportions and make your model either too tall and thin or too short. I guess neither is acceptable, is it?
  • Be creative. To break the limits and stereotypes, combine and try different approaches, styles and techniques - the outcome may be truly astounding;
  • Can't you forget that your camera has its limit of exposures and you have the limit of time? Seriously, you want as many photos as possible, in order to be able to choose from a vast selection of captions. No good photographer takes less than a thousand of pictures per session - just to have a vast choice;
  • Establish a connection with your model. She is not just an element within the frame – she is your vital partner and your very best friend when it concerns working in a studio. She is not simply posing nude but co-creating. A model who doesn't feel comfortable can ruin the shot, however skilled you are!

Nude photography is not easy – nor is Artistic Glamour Photography in general. Yet you can achieve a lot if you keep practicing and pushing on. A travel of many miles begins with a single step! Or, in our glamour photographers’ case – with one flash.

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Filed under photography by amauser

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