Is there any photographer who does not dream of a photo shooting session with a beautiful portrait in a sensual atmosphere? This area of photography gains more and more popularity, last but not least because of numerous media reports. This range stretches from nude photography right up to the Before/After effect. A nude photograph of one own body as a present for the partner or for himself/herself can, already today, be found in most photo albums. People are very open to this type of photography.

Since the definition of erotic photography as a style is widely divided and we have no intention to start a new major discussion, we will not go any further in explaining this term. In this professional tip we stick to the general definition, according to which images are represented under sensual and exciting aspects. We hope for your kind understanding.

Nude photography

In nude photography one distinguishes between semi-nude and fully-nude photography of the human body. Nude photographs generally put the forms of a naked body into the foreground. A nude photograph can belong to both styles, the nude and the erotic photography. However, an erotic shot does not necessarily have to show nudity. Hardly any other image style in photography can be artistically interpreted to such an extent, as the nude photography.

In most cases one confines oneself to poses and the representation of forms by means of nude body or parts of the body. This is also why the background is in most cases faded out or kept as simple as possible. Already in medieval times the depiction of a human in nude was used for religious purposes. From the 19th century one tried to express emotions by means of nude paintings. 

The invention of photography opened another possibility, away from painting, to express ones feelings by means of nude photography. The expressiveness of nude and erotic photography is much more distinct in black and white photography. Some artists use nude photography to express provocation. The setup of illumination for a nude shooting is frequently limited to just two flash heads. Many photographers do completely without and work just with the avauilable daylight, which is most suitable under a cloudy sky. 

Erotic photography

This is at present the most popular style in portrait photography. To have oneself photographed in a sensual pose and provocative lingerie has in the meantime become a standard present for Valentine’s Day.

However, one thing is the most important prerequisite for professional photos. Trust between photographer and model. This will only be achieved if both sides freely express their wishes and pursue the same target. Especially in this case extensive preparation of the photo shooting is a basic prerequisite.

These points must be clarified before the shooting:

• Meet with your model a few days before the photo shooting and discuss the whole procedure.
• Discuss also the intended poses and visual messages. There is nothing worse than the photo ideas of the photographer not matching the ideas of the model.
• Clarify the rights on the photos. Should you want to use these for your website, the permission of your model is in any case required. For this a model contract is indispensable.
• Give the model also the possibility to bring along the partner or girlfriend. This builds up trust.
• If necessary draw sketches of poses for general understanding.
• Should the model like to listen to music during the shooting, just determine which music this should be.
• Please remember to hire a make-up artist, if this is desired.

Prepare the shooting in due time:

• Prepare the location in due time.
• Ensure a pleasant temperature to support the well-feeling of the model. Even the nicest goose pimples have no effect in nude and erotic photographs.
• Plenty beverages should be available and also the possibility to get changed should be no question.
• Measure the exposure time already beforehand. Please bear in mind that the first photos have the purpose of getting used to the situation. Choose poses appropriate for this purpose.
• Allow for ample time.

This is how your model prepares for the shooting:

• For nude and erotic photography it is highly recommended not to wear any tight fitting clothes (jeans or tight fitting underwear) before the shooting.
• A substantial selection of lingerie creates flexibility.
• The body should not be covered with body lotion.
• Sunbathing before the shooting is also inappropriate.
• As a measure to facilitate posing it is recommended to make exercises in front of a mirror.
• A bathrobe protects against feeling chilly.
• Own music relaxes the atmosphere.
• Bring your own make-up, unless a make-up artist has been hired.

The photo shooting

Start with some small talk about the session and the procedure of the shooting. The main motto should be “Everything should be done voluntarily and nothing will happen without agreement”. At the beginning any poses should be limited to simple and easy to present body postures. Give the model time to become used to you and the situation. Please remember that not everybody has experience with photo shootings. A layman as model must also be able to get used to the camera.

The distance between model and camera should be a bit bigger, to avoid distortions. For this purpose you better use a bigger focal length, so that the distance will automatically become bigger. Talk to the mode and, if necessary, put something in her/his hand as a requisite, this will help to calm down and give some security. A great deal of praise will increase the self-esteem. After some time show the photos you have made. Discuss the desired poses with the model and keep in eye talk contact.

Make a short break in between. During this break the model can warm up a bit or put on the bathrobe. This also gives a certain security. Schedule the type of shoots with e.g. wet effects to the end of the shooting. A little snack will loosen the atmosphere.

After the photo shooting it is recommended to ask for a feedback, in order to make changes to the procedure.