How to Behave As a Nude Photographer

Co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: April 21, 2024 References

Nude photography is a beautiful artform that can produce stunning results. Knowing how to act when you’re photographing someone in the nude is essential—the more comfortable your model is, the better the photos will turn out.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Brynne Zaniboni
Professional Photographer

Expert Interview} If you’re heading into your first nude photoshoot, keep these tips and tricks in mind for an appropriate shoot that will leave both you and the model happy.

1

Tell the model upfront about the shoot.

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Make sure they know they’ll be in the nude before you hire them. You can search for models that are professionally nude, or you can hire ones that are comfortable with lingerie and states of undress. If you’re working with a newer model, be sure to tell them exactly what they’ll be doing and how nude you’d like them to be.^{[2]
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- If you don’t have much experience with nude photography, consider hiring an experienced nude model. They’ll need less direction and posing, which can make it easier to get the shots that you want.

2

Show the model what type of photos you want to shoot.

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Pick out shots from a magazine that you want to emulate. Send them to the model to make sure they’re comfortable with the type of shoot you’d like to do. Some nude photos are more artistic, while others are a little more risqué, and it’s up to your model to decide whether or not they’d like to continue.^{[3]
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- Be sure to send over shots that you actually want to shoot, not ones that you think will make the model feel comfortable. Switching up your style halfway through a shoot is bad practice, and it can make the model feel uncomfortable.

3

Use implied nudity if the model isn’t comfortable.

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Not everyone wants to be nude in front of the camera. If you’d like to photograph someone in particular and they aren’t okay with being fully nude, have them keep their underwear on. You can cover up their undergarments with bed sheets, curtains, long hair, or even other parts of their own body.^{[4]
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- This is a great strategy for boudoir photoshoots, since the subjects usually aren’t professional models.

4

Turn away as the model undresses.

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No need to stare as they disrobe or get undressed. You can ask the model to strip down as you set up your camera and focus on the lighting. Try to only have your model get nude when you’re ready to shoot so they don’t have to stand around in a state of undress for no reason.^{[5]
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- It can help to think about the model as an art piece instead of a nude human.

5

Keep the room warm.

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It’s something most photographers don’t think about! Your nude model will probably be a little chilly, especially if the room is big. Turn the heat up and ask the model if the temperature is okay before you start shooting.^{[6]
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- This can also help eliminate ripples in the skin. If your model is cold, they could get goosebumps, which can make their skin look bumpy.

6

Show example poses with your own body.

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Try not to touch the model throughout the shoot. If you need to redirect them, try mirroring the pose with your own body or explaining it in words. Most nude photographers caution against touching your model at all, so keep it hands-free as much as possible.^{[7]
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- Most experienced nude models will have a few poses that they know look good, too. When in doubt, trust your model.

7

Laugh and have fun with the model.

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Keep the mood of the room light and happy. Crack a few jokes, share a smile, and make sure your model is having fun. The more comfortable they are, the better photos you’ll get!^{[8]
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Brynne Zaniboni
Professional Photographer

Expert Interview}^{[9]
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- You could even try playing some music to keep the mood up.

8

Make sure the model is comfortable the entire time.

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It’s all about consent. If you ask the model to do something they don’t want to, respect their boundaries. Pushing a model into doing something is not okay, and they’re allowed to deny any request that you give them.^{[10]
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Brynne Zaniboni
Professional Photographer

Expert Interview}^{[11]
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- It’s nice to check in with your model periodically to see how they’re doing. Just a simple, “Hey, you doing okay?” is a nice way to make them feel more comfortable.

9

Shoot quality photos with good lighting.

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It’s easy to get distracted by the human form in front of you. Oftentimes, nude photographers focus too much on the human body and forget about everything else. Make sure the rest of the photo looks good, too!^{[12]
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- Framing, lighting, and posing are essential, even in nude photographs.
- It helps to have a really great set to work with. Brick walls, flowy white curtains, and bed sheets are all fun to play around with in nude photography.

10

Give the model a robe to cover up with.

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They don’t need to be naked if you're not photographing them. Keep a robe or a blanket nearby so they can cover up when they’re not posing. It will help them feel comfortable and keep the shoot more professional.^{[13]
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- If you don’t have anything on-hand, ask the model to bring something along to cover up with.
- It will help keep the model warm, too!

Expert Q&A

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Question

What lighting tips can you recommend during a photoshoot?

Brynne Zaniboni
Boudoir Photographer
Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge.

Brynne Zaniboni

Boudoir Photographer

Expert Answer

If you have access to a window with natural light, take advantage of it. Use sheer curtains to diffuse the light, creating soft and flattering illumination that complements your photographic vision. Alternatively, if you prefer more control over the lighting conditions, utilize blackout curtains to block out external light. This allows you to rely solely on artificial lighting sources, giving you the flexibility to adjust and manipulate the light to your liking.

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Question

If I'm under 18, can I take nude pictures of myself?

MusicIsEverywhere

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Yes, as long as you keep them for personal viewing only and don't share them with anyone else.

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Question

It is not right to say: “when taking pictures of very young children”? Don’t do that, with the exception of newborn baby photos for parents, that’s messed up, as a six year can’t consent!

MusicIsEverywhere

Community Answer

This article is about nude art, not pornography. Child pornography is illegal for the very good reason that it is predatory and damaging to children. Nude art, at least in North America, has no legal age restrictions due to freedom of speech and censorship issues.

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Tips

The model’s comfort level should always be your number one priority.

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Ask the model not to wear anything tight that might dig into their skin. If there are marks on the model’s skin, you might have to wait for them to disappear before you start shooting.

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