When it comes to nude photography ideas, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with the combination of a model with a fit body, a hot light that can be easily positioned, a mist bottle filled with water, and a light coating of baby oil.

This mixture has long been a reliable method for photographers of all abilities. The method works well whether you’re shooting traditional glamour shots or more abstract pics like the one seen here.

This particular image also serves as a great example of pushing the limits regarding the concept of nudity. While the shot is not explicit in any way, it definitely gets as close to the boundary as possible (especially with the bottom crop).

Technically, pictures of this type are relatively easy to do. You simply need the equipment described above, as well as a black backdrop that absorbs light, and a good feel for composition.

However, there is one important factor you’ll need to take care of in order to get an image like this one. That factor is finding a model with a very fit body. The “hard” lighting used in this shot is ideal for accenting all the crevices and indentations that very fit bodies possess.

You’ll find that women who are very serious about their fitness are good candidates for this type of image.

Quite often, the only difference between an average nude photo and a great nude photo is your shooting angle. I’m a strong proponent of searching for unique shooting angles when shooting nude and erotic photographs. Finding an interesting shooting angle is one of the easiest ways to turn an average picture into a very good one.

However, I believe most photographers don’t devote enough time to thinking about the angles from which they shoot. I believe there are two main reasons why this is the case. The first reason is that many photographers simply don’t realize the transformative qualities that unique shooting angles can have on an image.

The second reason is that shooting from new and unusual angles is more physically demanding on the photographer. Photographers shooting in this way have to be in constant motion and always searching for new perspectives. In my view, however, the added effort is almost always well worth it.

As an example, I shot this photo while the model was standing on a ledge and I was on the floor. This allowed me to shoot from a very low angle and helped to produce an interesting image that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

A few more details about this shot: Notice the position of the model’s feet (up on her toes, feet pointed). If she and I had been less aware of the position of her feet, this picture wouldn’t have the same impact.

In addition, the blue walls contrast nicely with the tone of her skin. Remember, you don’t need a lot of props (or any, for that matter) to create striking images.

If you’ve have some information to pass along regarding shooting angles, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Nude photographers often speak of “The Magic Hours.” This is a very important concept when it comes to lighting nude photography. This term refers to the brief periods of time just after sunrise and just before sunset. It’s at these times that the sun is low in the sky and casts a virtually shadowless and flatteringly golden tone onto subjects being photographed.

This type of light is in contrast to the hard shadows that are cast at other times of day when the sun is higher in the sky. At these times, photographing people in a complimentary way can be extremely difficult; in large part due to the harsh shadows that will appear on your subject’s face and body.

However, there are ways around this problem.

The image seen here is a good example of how it’s possible to shoot at midday and still get good results. By playing detective, you can determine the location of the sun at the time this picture was taken. The hard line of shadow that cuts across the model’s right breast and stomach is evidence for the sun’s location (almost directly above the model).

A shaded area can be produced in many different ways: large trees, walls, and even having an assistant hold up a piece of cardboard can all work well.

Additionally, a reflector was used to bounce a bit of light onto the front of the model to fill some of the harsh shadows.

Shooting glamour shots at midday isn’t impossible, though it usually requires some extra effort.

I’d love to hear any thoughts you have about solving tricky lighting situations. Share your expertise with other readers with a quick comment.

When it comes to the topic of how to do high-quality nude photography, there are certain poses that consistently deliver great images. Furthermore, these poses tend to appear within the various styles of nude, erotic, and even fashion photography. The picture seen here is a great example of the classic “S curve” pose that is often used in all types of modeling that includes the female form.

Whether you’re looking at photos from Playboy or Vogue; whether you’re looking at photos from 1940 or from yesterday; you’ll see this pose being used by models of all types.

The “S curve” is one of the most flattering, sexy, and alluring positions that a model can execute. The pose works equally well with a clothed, partially clothed, or nude model.

Because it accentuates the female form so well; erotic models, fashion models, catalog models, and any other type of model you can imagine have, at one time or another, used this pose to great effect.

It’s easy to see why it’s called the “S” curve. Starting with the tilt of her head and progressing to the curve of her torso that is caused by placing her weight on her left hip, the pose ends with her lower right leg angled in a way that duplicates the angled tilt of her head.

There are no rules or guidelines regarding the placement of the arms and hands of the model with this type of pose, thus providing talented models the opportunity to truly make the pose their own.

Do you have a favorite pose you tend to rely on when shooting nude pics? Feel free to leave a comment and share it with the group.

One of the most popular niches within the world of nude photography revolves around women’s feet and legs (commonly known as “Foot fetish” and “Leg fetish”). If you’re a nude photographer who has a desire to make money from your photos, it’s a good idea to learn the techniques of this style. I cover this topic in more detail in my eBook, SKIN: How To Take Stunning Nude Photos.

There are a number of magazines devoted entirely to images of this type (Leg Sex and Leg World, to name just two). However, if you’re going to have success getting your pictures purchased by magazines (or websites) that specialize in these types of images, you’ll have to learn a few specific factors that fans of these pictures want to see.

Like all fetish fans, foot and leg photography enthusiasts have extremely specific preferences about what they want to see in the pictures. Consequently, if your desire is to make money from your nude photography, it’s your job to deliver photographs that highlight these preferences.

The picture seen here is one I took of an Australian girl named Cori. As you’ll see, it includes many of the aspects that the discerning foot and leg fan is looking for.

Let’s go over some of them:

First, the model’s foot is definitely the main subject matter of the photograph. To help accomplish this, I used a 24 millimeter lens. A moderate wide-angle lens likes this one helps to create a bit of visual distortion that causes the foot to appear larger than anything else in the image.

In addition, I shot the picture from a relatively low angle. Many fans of this genre like pictures that convey a sense of “dominance” on the part of the model. Shooting from a low angle will help deliver this feeling because the model is essentially “looking down” on the viewer.

Adding to this sense of power is the somewhat haughty expression on Cori’s face. Within this genre, you’ll rarely see models smiling. Instead, you’ll see models with facial expressions that are supremely confident and even a bit stern at times.

As long as the legs and feet are featured, foot and leg fans like to see a wide variety of shots within a set. They enjoy seeing shots of feet in heels, shots of feet wearing only stockings, and shots in which the model is barefoot. The shot seen here contains two of those three.

When the shoes and stockings come off and you find yourself shooting barefoot models, you’ll want to take advantage of this by showing the feet and toes in a wide variety of positions. Some viewers like to see the toes spread wide, some like the toes crinkled, some like to see the toes pointed, others like to see the sole of the foot, and the list goes on and on.

As far as wardrobe goes, stockings and heels are always very popular. As this picture demonstrates, it’s hard to go wrong with fishnets. They’re a very popular choice for leg and feet images.

Finally, this image contains an additional factor that is also quite popular with this kind of image: Though the model’s feet and legs clearly dominate the image, the model’s face and entire body are also visible.

So there you have it: All the information you’ll need to create an image that will result in a foot and leg lover’s dream and will also put some money in your pocket.

What’s your favorite photography fetish? It’s easy to let us know by leaving a quick comment.

When it comes to erotic photography, there are a million and one styles that can be used. The image seen here is just one of them. I like the feel of this picture. It’s a sexy, documentary style photo that will definitely leave an impression on any viewer. When viewing this shot, it’s almost inevitable that a viewer will come up with his or her own speculation about what may be occurring (or has just occurred).

For example, my personal narrative involves a young French girl from the country who ran away to Paris, got caught up in prostitution, and is now having a breakdown in an extremely brightly lit alcove on the Champs-Élysées. Don’t worry, I’ll spare you further details.

In spite of the tears and overall sad vibe of this image, it’s still a sexy and glamorous shot in it’s own way (torn fishnet stockings have a way of doing that). Certainly, this picture is staged (the bright reflection of the light on the wall gives away the fact that artificial lighting was used).

However, I find images like this to be interesting. More than anything, they remind me of still pictures taken during the process of making of a film.

If this style of photography appeals to you, an important thing to remember is to resist the urge to overly direct your model. Instead, encourage her to get lost in a role; in much the same way a film director would advise an actress.

There are two additional things to learn from this picture. First, lighting for nude and erotic photography can be a tricky business. So be careful not to reveal your lighting setup as easily as this image does. Second, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with a combination of fishnet stockings and smeared mascara.

What do you think about this kind of documentary-style imagery? Leave a comment and let us know.