Sketch legend:
For most (potential) nude and erotic photographers, finding a model is extremely difficult. Who dares to simply approach strangers (and often extremely good-looking people) (usually of the opposite sex) on the street? Perhaps this is due to the fact that many photographers themselves cannot approach the planned shots with the impartiality that is necessary to achieve nude shots that go beyond the mere "photographing" of undressed ladies (or gentlemen).
Because even in a society like ours at the beginning of the 21st century, in which bodies with little clothing are widely accepted and have even gained a firm place in advertising, there are still people who suspect a voyeur behind every nude photographer and can only explain the motivation of nude models with exhibitionist tendencies.
With this latent bad conscience in mind, it is difficult for photographers to approach a person and ask them to make themselves available as a nude model who, with the most respectable of intentions, merely wants to "live out" their artistic urges. This is also the reason why many photographers will stick to the desire to take nude photos. The fear that third parties might dismiss our desire to create nude and erotic photos as dishonorable or immoral prevents more people from engaging with this beautiful area of photography.
But if you are creative and have ideas that want to "come out" of you, you shouldn't give a damn what the moralizers with their often existing double standards might think or say! Progress is never due to the timid or hesitant, but to those who have fearlessly gone their own way! In order to open up this fascinating chapter of photography with its countless facets, you need to have a strong artistic drive that cannot be stopped by any setbacks, even when looking for a model.
I also approached Jenny, the model shown in this photo, at some point simply "on the street". In the meantime, I have been able to take a number of beautiful photos with her, which is why I will continue to approach her spontaneously in future if I discover a suitable potential model - no matter where.
The "hit rate" for this type of model search is of course difficult to quantify, but believe me, there are many more people willing to be photographed erotically than you think! From the beginning of my career, I have "recruited" some of my best models in this way.
The choice between amateur and (semi-) professional models
For many nude photographers, the easiest way will be to use a (semi-) professional nude model for the reasons just described. However, in such cases the nude photographer has to dig deep into his pockets for high model fees plus travel expenses before he can start shooting. In return, however, he can expect reliability from the professional model, which is not always the case with amateur models. In addition, a contractual agreement with the professional model about the intended use of the photos should be easier and merely a matter of the agreed fee.
Professional models, such as the "Top Model of the World 2008" Alessandra pictured here, are not only experienced, but also reliable and work in a highly professional manner, which makes the photographer's work much easier.
However, these advantages also have some disadvantages, which is why I also like to work with amateur models who are only interested in unusual and personal photos of themselves and receive the most successful photographs as prints in return for the model: Firstly, amateur models are far more motivated than their professional counterparts. Secondly, the photographer puts himself under time pressure when shooting professional models, as he has budgeted a certain model fee in advance and is reluctant to go beyond this financial framework.
And thirdly, I could always recognize certain "typical" poses in the photos of professional models, which are probably often demanded of them, but are rather inhibiting for their own image statement. However, such a phenomenon can also be observed regularly in fashion shoots: Some models have rehearsed a few "standard poses" at home in front of the mirror and find it difficult to be directed into a different posture by the photographer.
And last but not least, it's always fun to see how motivated and unconcerned even initially shy models master this unfamiliar and admittedly somewhat unusual situation.
This photo shows a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl who makes a rather inconspicuous impression without make-up. The make-up artist transformed her into a provocative lady for this photo in just around ninety minutes. And after just a short time, the model posed gracefully in front of my camera with an astonishing naturalness and, to my delight, brought her own ideas to the shots. Something like this is always a confirmation for the photographer that his work is pleasing. It doesn't matter whether the person being photographed is an amateur or professional model, as long as the image idea could be realized.
Getting to know each other
When I approach a new potential model and we arrange to meet for the first time, I usually ask him or her to bring existing photos of themselves. This gives me a chance to see how photogenic the model is at the first meeting, and I can usually get a good idea of the model's figure from the photos they typically bring with them from their last vacation.
The question of how many photos the photographer should show the model during a preliminary meeting is not easy to answer: The number depends less on the amount of previous work and more on the quality. Initially, no more than twenty to thirty of the "best" photos should be shown.
If you show the potential model only a few, but really successful and aesthetic photos during the preliminary talk, she will certainly agree to a shoot with you! If your own nude images are still missing for the presentation, you should show other outstanding work, e.g. commissioned work or unusual portraits that reveal the photographer's style.
Beauty-style portraits are also a good way to show a potential model that you are committed and skillful with the camera and light. In this way, you may find your first nude model, as I did about 15 years ago, even if you have no previous experience as a photographer with erotic photos.
Whether the further procedure is discussed during the first meeting or at a later date at a second meeting is a matter of opinion and depends on the time that has already elapsed. The advantage of leaving the presentation to the first meeting is that the model can take her time to decide whether she wants to do this type of photo shoot.
If you rush things by immediately working out a finished concept for the photo session with the model, you may end up waiting in vain for your model on the appointed day - because she has changed her mind in the meantime.
Remember that the time you invest in getting to know your model during the first preliminary meeting will pay off during the shoot - for example, because the model will have gotten to know you better and will now trust you, allowing both parties to start the shoot with a certain degree of ease and familiarity.
The image idea
The image idea, which you should develop together with the model, has a decisive influence on the final result. For nude and erotic shots in particular, remember not to treat your model as a mere photographic object - she is a human being made of flesh and blood and wants to be treated by you as a partner - which requires the model to be involved in the brainstorming process. Here, an approach similar to the technique known as brainstorming can be used to stimulate creative thinking in groups, in which the participants make suggestions for solving the problem at hand (here: finding the image idea). These suggestions are expressed and collected spontaneously and uninhibitedly and are only discussed and evaluated later so as not to inhibit the production of ideas. This approach ensures that personal aspects of the model are also included, which ensures that the model identifies with the photos to be taken.
The photo above shows a female painter. During the search for an image idea, it was immediately clear to both of us that the photos should have something to do with her profession. Once the actual idea for the picture had been decided, all we had to do was find a suitable location for our project - to douse the model with a bucket of wall paint.
On the other hand, it may also be that you have been pursuing a certain idea for years but have not yet found a suitable model for it. For example, the idea of photographing a well-built woman with blonde hair in a mown cornfield had been "haunting" the back of my mind for two years until I found the right model. In such a case, the photographer is then required to infect the model with his enthusiasm for the idea in order to motivate her enough to lie down in such stubbly straws, for example.
The right way to deal with models
The most difficult thing about erotic photos is overcoming the first five to ten minutes and thus getting started with the nude or erotic photo session. The model (and the photographer) must first come to terms with the unfamiliar situation, which is not always easy. You should therefore try to see the model's nudity as something natural.
You should also avoid looking directly at the model's body; in my opinion, it is better to just look the model in the eye during a conversation if possible. As soon as you start shooting, the tension of such a scene is usually released.
Experience has shown that semi-professional models like the student pictured here find it easier if they don't immediately start with Helmut Newton-style photos. Photos that cover more than they show are a good introduction to the unfamiliar situation for the model. After a while, when the model has got used to the new situation, she will act more confidently in front of the camera. A natural environment also helps in such cases to pose in a relaxed manner.
Most photographers underestimate how important the model's motivation is for the success of the shoot. If the photographer manages to get the model really enthusiastic about an image idea, the model is also prepared to invest some effort (and this is always associated with posing!) for the decisive moment.
This erotic Christmas photo also demanded a good deal of courage and, above all, stamina from the model.
Only amateur models who really care about the result are prepared to make such a big effort! Motivation therefore also includes constantly encouraging and entertaining your model and - of course - praising her in detail for a particularly successful pose.
As the time available for this type of shoot is very limited, the location, ideal framing and lighting conditions should be studied in detail before the session. The fact that you have equipped your camera with a sufficiently large memory card (which has been formatted in advance so that it is ready to take pictures quickly) and have also brought warm tea in a thermos flask for the model should not really need to be mentioned at this point.
If the model cannot understand a pose requested by the photographer by verbal description alone, then the photographer should not be afraid to demonstrate this pose (clothed, of course!). This is certainly amusing and usually leads to success more quickly than complicated explanations. Only one thing should be clear: Never touch your model to direct them into a certain position. It could misunderstand this, which would mean that you would have to take care of a new model...
Music to the model's taste helps to create an atmosphere in which the model feels comfortable. Also make sure that there are enough drinks and snacks available. And make sure that the room in which the photo session takes place is at the right temperature, because the model is probably wearing much less than you are, and she will also cool down more quickly because she usually moves much less when posing than a photographer who is always frantically "scurrying" around the model in search of the right perspective.
I have often heard that other photographers offer their model a glass of champagne or other alcoholic beverage at the beginning of the shoot so that the model loses her nervousness and can start the shoot in a more relaxed manner. However, I don't always think this is advisable, as you might have to put up with the accusation that you deliberately got the model drunk in order to get her to take the revealing photos.
A nice conversation, music to suit the model's taste, a sufficiently high room temperature and the model's involvement in the image idea create an atmosphere in which the model can feel comfortable even without alcohol.
To build trust, I explain to the model as often as possible during the shoot what I intend to photograph and how.
In the run-up to this self-confident, provocative back view, I also explained the planned image composition to the model, which also accelerated the realization of my image idea (due to the better understanding on the part of the model).
And none of my models have ever had a problem if I wanted to photograph individual details myself, such as breasts or buttocks; the model just wants to know this beforehand so that she can adjust to it.
Legal problems
Even if the conclusion of contracts is a rather annoying way of reaching an agreement, it is strongly recommended not to neglect this part of the organization. There are two areas in particular for nude photographers that make it advisable to put agreements in writing: These are the photographing of models who are not yet of age and the later planned commercial use of the nude photos.
If you have been able to inspire a model for your nude photos who is not yet of legal age, make sure you obtain a declaration of consent from their parents or legal guardians! In this declaration, the parents of the model to be named should agree to the nude photos of their son or daughter. It is best if one of the parents attends the shoot.
Be aware that such a procedure is solely for your legal security!
The model depicted in this snapshot-style photo had turned 18 shortly before the shoot, just in time to avoid having to ask her parents for their consent. Even if taking photos of minors is not a punishable offense, you should avoid doing so if you want to use the photos in any way later, unless you have written permission from the parents.
If the photos are to be used commercially, be sure to discuss this with the model beforehand! Obtain written confirmation that your model agrees to the planned use. Otherwise, you may end up producing excellent photos just for your archive ... Conversely, you should give the model a written commitment that the photos will only be used for the purpose described. This way, both parties can be sure that a sudden change of heart on the part of the other person will not lead to unpleasant surprises.
I would never have been allowed to publish this beautiful photo of the racy Puerto Rican woman if I hadn't had the model's consent - in writing, of course - during the shoot.
However, the model may want to see the finished photos first before giving permission to sell the erotic photos. In such a case, it is a good idea for the model to view the results first and then sign the photographer's declaration of consent for commercial use for a few selected photos. This gives the model the opportunity to prevent the unauthorized photos from being published; on the other hand, she will generally have no objection to publication if the photos are really good.
However, self-confident models know before the photo shoot whether they agree to the publication of the photos and sign a contract before the shoot that regulates the use of the photos taken.
A sample contract for a model release is available as working material.
