Comments | RSS

It is a matter of getting the model to be comfortable in front of the lens.

I suggest that you ask them to arrive at the shoot about 30 mins to an hour before.

Chat wioth them for a while and get to know what their personality is like. Ask them to bring a robe with to change into aboout 15 mins before the shoot so they can get used to being naked in your company.

NEVER have your camera set up when they arrive. You can do this once you have chatted with them for a while and they are more relaxed. It is very intimidating to be faced with a camera knowing you are going to be posing naked soon.

Have some chill music on quietly in the background to help them relax. Take a few ahots of them with the robe on and when you see they are more relaxed ask them to remove it.

It is inevitable that the first few shots ar egoing to be stiff and awkward because the subject will still be nervous. So allow enough time for the whole shoot. After a few shots the subject should feel more relaxed and the facial expressions will become more natural.

Bottom line, DON'T RUSH IT. Nudes are exposing ones flaws to the world and everyone has insecurities no matter how well they are built. The sooner you can make your subject feel safe and relaxed the sooner you will be getting great images.

Good Luck

That makes alot of sense - thank you. I have a tendancy to be a little hyper and it can make people on edge. I will make myself slow down!

Your probably nervous yourself too, which is also understandable.. I like what Sprink said, defintely tell them to bring a robe, and make them a cup of nice herbal tea or something before the shoot.. just tell them that you photograph lots of nude subjects, and that most people find it very liberating once they get over the initial nerves..
Give them a BIG smile when you've finished and give them their robe and another cup of tea if they want it!!
I cant top what Sprink said anyway, if you follow that good advice I think you will get it!!
Look forward to seeing them!
Hilary