Elsewhere in this book, you’ll find a picture titled, “S” AS IN….”. That image illustrates the “S pose” and discusses it’s use in glamour and nude photography. I noted that the pose has no strict guidelines regarding placement of the model’s arms and hands and how models can use this variable to “make the pose their own.”

When compared with that image, the picture seen here is a good example of how the variable of arm and hand placement can make a dramatic difference in the overall feeling of a shot.

Holly’s body is in the classic “S” curve position. However, her arms and hands are placed behind her. This give the shot a sense of openness and innocence (exactly what you want to convey when shooting a young model like Holly). This contrasts sharply with the other shot that features a slightly older model whose pose conveys a far more sophisticated look.

Aside from the pose, this shot also includes an important characteristic that you’ll often want to feature when shooting younger models: a friendly facial expression brought about by a big smile and strong eye contact.

Though I’m a strong proponent of constantly searching for unique and overlooked shooting angles, sometimes simply shooting a model eye-to-eye will produce great results.

In this shot, the model is lying on a bed with her body nearly straight-on to the camera. I say, “nearly”, because the fact that she is not entirely straight-on is the key to this type of shot. If she were truly facing the camera straight-on, her lower back and thighs would not be visible. The slight adjustment makes a world of difference. Multiplying the effectiveness of seeing her lower body is the fact that she has also bent her left leg just enough for her left hip to come up off the bed and create an attractive curve to the leg.

Small details can turn average pictures into a good pictures and good pictures into great pictures. Unfortunately, these little details can’t always be anticipated before a shoot gets started. Sometimes you just get lucky.

Let’s take an overall look at this image. First, it’s an interesting crop; a close-up, but not an extreme close-up. The shot also has a grainy look to it that I think works well for this particular image. As far as wardrobe goes, plain white cotton panties are a proven staple of glamour and erotic photography. The model’s thumbs hooked over the top of the panties definitely add a sense of sensuality. The styling is extremely simple: a single bracelet and a simple curtain as a background. The lighting is soft and slightly directional (from left of the camera).

So far, there’s really nothing that would turn this picture into anything special.

However, I believe there’s a small detail that makes this picture far more striking than it would have been without it. What’s this detail? In my opinion, it’s the tan line. Without it, you have a beautiful tan body and white cotton panties (not a bad place to start); but with it, you have a picture that’s goes from merely sexy to extremely provocative.

This shot is good example of why it’s hard to go wrong with a photograph that combines a model with long legs, stiletto heels, and a pose that places the majority of the model’s weight on one hip.

This shot possesses an attitude of sensuality; and the centerpiece of that attitude (even more than the model’s facial expression) is her jutting left hip. 

In my opinion, the image would have been even stronger if nearly all the discernible shadows hadn’t been eliminated in post-production. This elimination of shadows makes the model appear to be floating in the frame and gives the shot a bit less substance than it might have otherwise possessed.

A multi-light setup was used; with special emphasis on highlighting key areas (the model’s face, left hip and lower back).

Additionally, oil was applied to the model to give her skin an added sheen.

One of the most popular niches in “Adult-themed” photography revolves around slightly older women (or as they’re often called, “MILFs” or “Cougars”).

This shot is of a 42-year-old woman and uses some techniques that might serve to inspire you in your own work.

Shooting from a high angle makes the picture more interesting than it would have been had I taken it at eye-level.

Not only does the higher angle allow her entire body to be seen, it also makes her breasts more visible. Additionally, the high shooting angle enables her to look up toward the camera. When a model looks up in this way it often creates a seductive and alluring expression.

Perhaps most importantly, the compositional technique of placing her body diagonally across the frame provides added visual interest to the image.

When doing nude photography shoots, it’s important to get the best model for the job. The shot seen here features a young woman named Ander. I’ve worked with Ander many times over the years and have always been happy with the results.

This image is a good example of how models have certain personality types and why it’s a good idea to take advantage of their strengths. For example, if you’re looking to shoot a lighthearted and casual set of pictures, Ander probably wouldn’t be the best choice . However, if your goal is to capture images that convey a sense of sultriness and sensuality, she’s the one for you.

This points out the importance of casting the right model for the job. Most likely, you’re going to be shooting many different styles of images. It’s important to give some thought to the type of model who will work best within the parameters of a particular type of shoot.

As for the specific image seen here, it’s a good example of the importance of strongly intense eye contact. Additionally, this shot benefits greatly from the curve Ander created by leaning strongly on her right hip. This simple move provides added impact to an already impactful photograph.

Quick Tip: Something as minor as the slight curve of a hip can mean the difference between a good picture and a really good picture.

Do you have any stories or anecdotes about hits or misses regarding models? Leave a comment and let us know.