A. K. Nicholas - True Confessions of Nude Photography: A Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting Beautiful Models, Lighting, Photographing Nudes, Post-Processing Images, and Maybe Even Getting Paid to Do It.

Proofreader: JoSelle Vanderhooft

Developmental Editors: Jillian Schoff and George Nicola, Ph.D.

Consulting Psychologist: Tia Sukin, Ph.D.

Interns: Benjamin Jackson, Kera Linn

All images by the author unless otherwise noted.

Copyright 2012 by A. K. Nicholas

All rights reserved.

Ebook Edition

Double Ink International

Special thanks to the models who appear in this guide: Narza C, Nikki Dubose, Tawny C, Sarah Hyder, Tess Irah, Mallory Stiles, Ann Stokes, Lauren M, Kaitlyn P, Michelle W, Sara Right, Bonnie Rose, Meg S, Lauren K, Christi K, Gracie Jiles, Lexi Wilson, Elizabeth Winters

No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any meansgraphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, information storage and retrieval systemswithout written permission of the publisher. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is prohibited. If you downloaded this document, you may not physically or electronically copy or redistribute it other than for personal use.

Limit of liability/disclaimer of warranty: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. The techniques and equipment described in this book include inherent dangers including. Failure to take adequate precautions can cause injury or death. Attempt these at your own risk. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom.

The female body is a marvel of natural beauty and has inspired artists for thousands of years prior to the invention of photography. Although nudity has been both in and out of vogue in various periods and cultures, it has persevered as a subject for various artistic undertakings. The earliest nude photos were, predictably, produced not long after the refinement of photographic technique with nude daguerreotypesbecoming prominent in the 1800s.

Previous image: Daguerreotype by Eugene Durieu, 1855.

To benefit from this guide you need no prior experience with nude models. This book is aimed at novice to intermediate photographers. Although it covers the basics of nude photography, it is assumed that you have a digital camera that is more advanced than a point-and-shoot and that you already understand the basic operation of the camera. Proper technique is an important fundamental, though nude photography entails more than knowledge of equipment. There is a huge interpersonal elementmuch more so than in any other kind of people photography. The advice people most often ask me for is how to find quality nude models. Most guides on photographic technique assume you have already found a willing model. I assume that you are having troubleor at least are not finding models that you feel take your work to the next level. I will give you the system that I have developed for finding and recruiting models. My system shows you how to initially connect with models, ask them about nude shoots, what to say to them in the studio, and work with them long term. Each model that has stepped in front of my camera came to me through one of the techniques that I share in this book. I also assume that you do not automatically know how to go about asking models about nude shoots or what to say to them once you have them in the studio.

I will also share what I know about lighting and posing, including over a hundred fifty examples of my favorite nude poses. Each lighting setup includes a diagram ranging from basic, low-budget lighting to a full studio system.

Finally, you will find some tips on what to do with your images after you shoot them, including post-processing suggestions and marketing ideas (if you are inclined to attempt a commercial venture with nude photography.)

These pages are drawn from my twenty years of experiences with nude photography, some enlightening, and others humbling. I began working with nudes during my four years earning an art degree. Starting with those first shoots, I have learned something from each model. I will share insights gained through working with hundreds of models in the decades since then. I also draw on my career as a professional photographer, my stint as a photography instructor, and a freelance artist to round out the instruction. You will learn from my successes, and I will share the lessons I have learned from my mistakes. I hope to help you avoid making missteps that many photographers commonly repeat.

Do not expect to improve your photography by the simple act of reading this or any book. It is only by practicing that you will learn.

Only until you attempt and reattempt what is in this book, will you gain photographic skill. This guide contains the kind of knowledge I wish I had when I started shooting. I hope it speeds you on your quest to capture the beauty of the body, increasing your technical skills and giving you a well rounded comprehension of the interpersonal side of the art as well.

To me, nude photography is a celebration of beauty and spirit. Some novices approach it as full-length portrait photography minus the clothes, but this is shortsighted. If you recognize that nude photography is a discipline in itself, you will be two steps ahead of most beginners. The lighting and posing concepts for nude photography are different from those of portraiture and fashion. I am not going to tell you to forget everything you know about non-nude photography, because that knowledge is going to help you. There are similarities between genres, but the real strength lies in knowing the differences. My suggestion is that you neither forget nor rely entirely upon your general photographic experience. Instead, remain open to learning new things.

When you are getting started, trial and error may be your best friend. Shoot as often as you can and let your mistakes be steppingstones to greater knowledge. If the process of learning all the technical aspects intimidates you, take heart. Almost anyone can learn to operate photographic equipment and learn lighting with just a few pointers and a lot of practice. Getting to the next level is likely easier than you think.

• Nude Photography is more than photographic technique.
• I will share real-world, proven ways to find and recruit models.
• You will receive advice on how to go about asking models to pose nude.
• I have included hundreds of nude poses.
• Lighting setups illustrate exactly where to put each light.
• I will include tips on post-processing your images in Photoshop.

There are many reasons to take camera equipment seriously, but it is possible to achieve good results without spending a fortune. If you do not have a good camera setup now, there is no need to rush out and start buying equipment. Just know that you are eventually going to want to upgrade if you take your craft seriously. I do not want to fill these pages with general camera information. This book is about nude photography after all. However, for your convenience, I have assembled a few general photography tips that are relevant to figure work.