Nude photography is usually viewed in two ways: either as pornographic or as fine art. The key to successful nude photography is learning to do it in such a way that when you look at the photos, there is no doubt that they are clearly artistic.
Nude photography rules
First of all, there are a few clear rules that photographers who want to shoot artistic nudes must follow.
Rule 1. Never take a nude photo of anyone under the age of 18 and never without the person’s full awareness and consent. The person being photographed must not only be 18 years of age or older but also have common sense, be legally responsible for themselves, and have sound judgment, i.e., not be disturbed by alcohol, drugs, or anything else.
The only exception to this rule is taking ‘naked baby’ photos, and most photographers use the ‘only one year old’ rule for these photos, with parental consent and in the presence of a parent.
There are some occasions when parents will take a snapshot of a child over a year old sitting naked in the bathtub, running around the house after learning to undress, and the like, but this is also the exception—and this is with your own children or grandchildren.
Rule 2. Always make clear agreements, preferably in writing, with the model about how and when the nude photos will be used, printed, or published and by whom. I could write a whole article about that alone, but that pretty much sums it up.
For the purposes of this article, “nude photography” refers to posed nude photos of legal adults. That said, let’s focus on creating tasteful, artistic nude portraits.
Take your clues from the work of the masters.
Spend time studying the masters’ tasteful nude paintings, famous nude sculptures, and tasteful nude sketches like those displayed in an art class, displayed in art books, or on cathedral ceilings. It should be noted that while these nudes were once potentially controversial, they are now clearly considered art, like Michelangelo’s statue of David.
Keep the focus on the lines of the body.
There are several differences that make up the fine line between art and pornography. Fine art nudes celebrate the lines and shape of the human body as it is, but put no special emphasis on genitals or other body parts. Fine art nudes are not intended to be sexually or sexually suggestive. They are not intended to arouse sexual interest in the viewer.
Pornography, on the other hand, is intended to tantalize, tease, and suggest, and the images are expressly designed to stimulate sexual attraction or desire. Through the use of poses, lighting, or props, pornographic photos often specifically target genitals or body parts that are normally covered by clothing.
Shooting a portrait with light
Artistic nudity photography is more than just a naked body. It also includes the study and deliberate use of light to sculpt and illuminate the body, its lines, and form. It requires the ability to pose the body in a way that suggests the grace and femininity of femininity and the power and masculinity of masculinity. It requires an artistic vision that goes beyond taking a photo. It is the art of making portraits.
Many nudes look best—and most artistically—when rendered in black and white or duotones rather than full color, emphasising the lines and curves and the shadows and highlights captured in the photography. This
article was written by Mark McKnight, owner of Digital Photography Tricks. With the right tips, anyone can learn a few digital photography tricks. Whether you just want to take better vacation shots or take beautiful landscape photos, we’ll help you master digital photography. If you want to share some tasteful nude photography with us, post it here: Female Photography