Glamour & Nude photography - all the tips

[Claire]

I'm stealing this idea from Condyk's thread in the Urban Forum.

Ok, here is the aspiration:
There are many who want to try out glamour and nude photography. Some want to shoot glamour like Charles U, others may want Fine Art Nudes in style with Lorek's images, another person may want to shoot more erotic and experimental things. Many probably just want to try getting a decent sensual shot of our loved one.

Here's the process:

If you're a glamour/nude type shooter, all the time or just now and again, then drop in a tip or a load of tips here. No discussions about 'what is glamour, porn, fine art etc" - please take that somewhere else. The focus in this thread should be on delivering tips of any kind, may it be lighting, posing, clothes, makeup, how to make your model feel comfortable, post-processing etc, to how to get the best results with limited equipment.

/Claire

[Claire]

Here's a thread I started a while back:

A few suggestions from me regarding getting your wife/girlfriend to pose.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=139829

[weka2000]

Found this yesterday if you are looking for backdrops

http://www.backdropoutlet.com/

[JacobPhoto]

- make sure the location you are shooting is warm, but not too hot. too cold and your model will have goosebumps that you will spend HOURS touching out of the photo afterwards. Too hot and her hair will start to get 'knappy' and sticky, as well as make her sweat.

- make the model feel as comfortable as possible. This means as few assistants as you can handle, have her bring a friend if it helps her (but not a bf, as they are often overprotective), possibly put some music on, have some food / munchies around as well as plenty of water, etc. Also talk to her throughout the shoot. Tell her when she arrives what the timeline / game plan is, and walk her through everything. Make small talk when necessary. Remove any sexual innuendos from your mind while you are shooting - stay professional! If she's comfortable and having a good time, it will show in her photos.

[shavri]

Awesome tips JacobPhoto. Temperature is unbelievably important. I carry a small portable heater/fan with me to shoots when not working in the studio. Amazing what a difference having it available makes.

Also when you mention staying professional, very true, but be careful to make the model feel like a person. One thing I hear from models frequently is that the last photographer they worked with just "ordered them around from pose to pose" probably because that person was trying to stay "professional".

Give them a break when you are swapping memory cards. Let them stretch if they need it. Plan the shoot so that they get a decent period of time between changes if you are going to be shooting for a few hours. Yes, you might be paying them by the hour, but you may not get your moneys worth if you don't allow the model these breaks as she will look tired and run down in your images.

[Claire]

- make sure the location you are shooting is warm, but not too hot. too cold and your model will have goosebumps that you will spend HOURS touching out of the photo afterwards. Too hot and her hair will start to get 'knappy' and sticky, as well as make her sweat.

I've heard models should not wear tight underwear for a couple of hours befor a shoot. Otherwise the bra strap marks are shown etc. Just what I've read somewhere.

Ok, this is a personal issue for me, but if you have a model who's tanned, perhaps ask her to tan all over? If there are tan lines on the body I get very distracted when looking at the photo. I just see these white marks where the bikini was...

[shavri]

hehe, from a female perspective the tan lines distract. But for some reason all the guys I ask say they love them.

Yeah, most models I work with seem to know not to wear anything tight or restrictive prior to the shoot, but it wouldn't hurt to mention it to someone that doesn't model a lot. Also, might ask them to "refresh" their usual shaving/waxing a couple days before the shoot. Nothing glamourous about spending hours using the healing brush on razor stubble or razor burn on underarms, bikini, or legs.

As far as clothes, shoes ect. I find that those little cell phone cameras are incredibly efficient. Every model I have worked with tries to describe an outfit they think I might want to work with. It never works. Now they take a digital snapshot of it on their cell phones and I can say yes bring it, or don't bother :)

[Claire]

Shavri,
Great idea about the cell cameras! :)

I think that we should just post whatever tips and advice we have in this thread. Many are not used to taking nudes or glamour photos, so some things that may seem obvious for experience shooters may not be for a novice. :)

[condyk]

Hey, I know nothing BUT ... there is a TV show on one of the channels here in the UK called 'Celebrity Snappers' or something cheezy and it is actually invaluable to watch how real world top photographers handle themselves in a studio and work with models.

So, the tip is either try and see a good photog working and learn and/or watch that TV show. The best are so obviously maestro's in combining technique, creativity and interpersonal skills.

[Claire]

I recently saw a UK (?) magazine fully dedicated to nude photography. Think it's called "New Nude" or similar. May be good for inspiration.

Looking in mags & on websites can be good inspiration in terms of poses etc.

[Claire]

Some links that may give good inspiration. Found on Google.

www.photographysites.com/html/nude-photography.shtml

I'd also like to mention a photography friend of mine - Christer Roswell - who specialises in Fine Art nudes and erotica. His website is: www.christerart.com

[weka2000]

Websites for ideas. These are others gallerys

Links for ideas (can contain nudity- not work safe)

Im always looking for ideas and poses. How people use light. (more links to follow.

http://www.pbase.com/digineil/root
http://www.pbase.com/paul/root
http://www.pbase.com/kevgre/models
http://www.pbase.com/esm93

http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4496967 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4496967)
http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4491541 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4491541)
http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4491809 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4491809)
http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4487660 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4487660)
http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4492253 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4492253)
http://photo.net/photodb/member-phot...oto_id=4487769 (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&photo_id=4487769)

[charlesu]

Work with models who have great expression

[Doug Rowan]

This was given to me by a Professional Make-Up Artist to post on my (former) site. It works equally well for film or digital. I ususally forward this to any model prior to working with her. I also tell her not to wear ANY makeup on her way to a shoot (younger models tend to use glitter eye makeup and I hate to tell them to redo it once they show up):

Makeup for Black and White Film

Dark tones appear to recede:

Used darker colors to accent bone structure, where natural shadows occur, such as the hollows of cheeks, temples, eye sockets. Do not use color on apples or planes of cheeks. Use only under the cheekbone, and blend well. Do not use color on eyelids or brow bones. Use only in crease of eyes, and around lash line. Blend well.

Light tones appear to come forward:
Use highlight to accent where the light hits, like tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone (under row arch), center of forehead. Use a light toned concealer under eyes only on inside corners, and blend well. Using under entire under eye makes the face appear wider at the eye area, and lowers the cheekbones.

Beware of harsh lines:
Blending is especially important in black and white. Remember that you will see only tonal values, not colors. Liquid and pencil liners are too harsh. Use dark shadows instead. Do not use lip liners unless your lips are very unbalanced.

Beware of textures:
Textures are more visible in black and white, since there is no color to distract the eye. Iridescent powders must be blended carefully, and used sparingly. The same applies for glosses and wet-look makeup. Keep lips matte, or highlight only the bow and center of lips.

Tonal values:
Use colors that are easy to judge how light or dark they will appear in black and white. Charcoals and browns are good choices for eyes, true reds for lips. Apply little to no tint to brows, as they will appear heavier, and draw the eye area down.
Match foundation to upper chest area, so face is not visibly lighter than rest of skin. Blend from face to neck, wetting sponge with water as you blend from jaw line to chest.


Principles of Makeup for Color Film

Studio lights and strobes:

Studio lighting flattens features, so contouring is very important. Accent bone structure, and blend into color. Flashes and strobes cause powdered skin to reflect light. Un-powdered skin absorbs light, which can cause powdered areas to look several shades lighter than bare skin. Powder neck, collarbone, and chest to achieve consistent skin tone. Strong lighting washes golden tones from skin. Use warmer colors on cheeks and lips and for contouring. Mauves tend to look muddy, so use truer pinks and wines.

Color balance:

To achieve uniform skin tone, use the color wheel to balance tones you want to appear neutral. The opposite shade on the color wheel cancels the shade you wish to eliminate.

1: Green: cancels red tones from broken capillaries, pimples, bites
2: Yellow: cancels purple tones from under eye circles, bruises
3: Orange: cancels blue tones in under eye circles, bruises

Setting:

Use makeup appropriate for the content you are shooting. Keep in mind what the focus will be, and how far you will be from the camera. Contour a little more heavily for full-length shots than for headshots. This is only a guide, but may help to get a greater variety of looks into your book. Feel free to experiment!

1: Fashion: deep cheek contour, basic lips and eyes.
2: Glamour, Swimwear, Lingerie: light cheek contour, accent lips (deep color) or eyes (smokey)
3: Beauty, Hairstyle, Swimwear: medium cheek contour, trendy eyes, medium lips.
4: Fine art: Neutral colors, accent on bone structure.
5: Lifestyle, Fitness: High color cheeks, neutral eyes, bright lips


Model Makeup Bag Basics

Foundations:

Liquid or crème; matching chest
Creme or stick; 2 shades darker than chest

Concealors:

White
Yellow
Green

Powders:

Translucent loose
Highlighting (Revlon skinlights are good)
Pressed, matching chest


Tools:

Lash curler
Lash comb
Large, soft powder brush
Wedge shaped sponges (for blending)
Circle or teardrop sponges (for foundation and powder)
Large eye shadow brush
Flat and pointy eye shadow sponge applicators
Small, slightly stiff blush brush
Eyeliner brush

Pencils:

Black liner
Basic brown liner (no golden tone)
White liner
Brownish flesh tone lip liner

Shadows:

Ecru (slightly yellow toned) powder
Golden brown powder
Basic brown powder
Charcoal powder
Raisin powder
1 set of fashion colors (no mauves!)


Blushes:

Golden brown (for contouring)
Peach-toned pink
True red
Hot pink
ABSOLUTELY NO MAUVES!

Lips:

Basic true red
Brown (not beige) neutral
Wine or raisin
Neutral (not bubble gum!) pink gloss
Bronze gloss


Extras:

Black mascara
Water mist bottle
Q-tips
Anti-redness eye drops
Lotion
Large powder puff
Razor
Tweezers
Cornstarch-based powder
As many lipsticks as you can carry!


With these colors and tools, you can create many different looks by playing with combinations and color placement and shapes for variety.
_________________
Gayle Elizabeth
http://www.gayle-e.com

[ImagineTNT]

Wow, great info. Thanks Gayle and Doug! I'm sure everyone else wants to know this too so I'll ask: Would both of you give us permission to reuse that on our own sites (giving credit to the author)?

[Doug Rowan]

I'll ask Gayle.......AND NO MAUVES!!!!!!!

[Doug Rowan]

I'll ask Gayle.......AND NO MAUVES!!!!!!!
Gayle says OK, as long as her link remains active wherever you post it. I don't need any credit for it....she made it, not me.

Another tip:
Never try to talk someone into modeling for you. If you see a prospective model, approach her in a friendly manner, compliment her and hand her your card. Mention that you are a photographer and would be interested in photographing her some time for free (after all, you are the one wanting to work with her). Always carry professional business cards with a Website address where prospective models can view your work. I've found many models that weren't the ones I actually approached...they mention it to a friend, she looks at my images and contacts me instead. You might be suprised.....I've worked with Doctors, Lawyers, News women, Firefighters, etc.

[ImagineTNT]

Thanks Doug! And please thank Gayle for us too :)

[Claire]

There was another thread asking about male poses. I told the guy to look into Cosmo mags, music mags for teens etc. Calvin Klein has some great poses as well.

http://store.soliscompany.com/caklckadliby.html

[condyk]

Nice post ... lots of great posing ideas in there.

[Claire]

A link to a Swedish TFP/TFCD website. http://www.modellbilder.se/photosessions.php
One can choose category of the photos as well in the drop-down menu. There's casual, fashion, bikini, lingerie, potraits, wedding, action, sport - fitness, fine art, fine art nude, glamour, advertising, commersial, nature, art - painting, hair & makeup, Gothic, Fantasy and others.

[Lorek]

- make sure the location you are shooting is warm, but not too hot. too cold and your model will have goosebumps that you will spend HOURS touching out of the photo afterwards. Too hot and her hair will start to get 'knappy' and sticky, as well as make her sweat.

- make the model feel as comfortable as possible. This means as few assistants as you can handle, have her bring a friend if it helps her (but not a bf, as they are often overprotective), possibly put some music on, have some food / munchies around as well as plenty of water, etc. Also talk to her throughout the shoot. Tell her when she arrives what the timeline / game plan is, and walk her through everything. Make small talk when necessary. Remove any sexual innuendos from your mind while you are shooting - stay professional! If she's comfortable and having a good time, it will show in her photos.

I fully agree with the above but one point: Don't tell her to bring a friend! Instead tell her not to come!
If she need someone it means she does not feel safe/confident/confortable. Having a friend will not change anything! Of course she will feel stronger but the stress will be still visible and will make all your action/request suspicious for both the model and the spectator. On top of it the friend will not have the save vision angle than you and so will (for sure) have a wrong idea of what you are doing.
For nude session I recommand no assistant and no friend. Trust between you and the model is vital and is the clue of a good session (and so, the key for good photos).
Better not to work than to work with a girl not motivated and not feeling safe with you. She will be stressed every time you ask someting, she will tell everybody that you are strange (for people, it is always the photographer the bad boy. Never someone will concider she can be wrong) and your pictures won't be good because the stress is VERY visible on a nude picture.
At the end of the day you loose a model, your reputation, possible recommandations, your time, your money, a pleasant and constructive session, you did not improve your skills, etc... and if there is a friend this will be spread around twice faster!
Believe me, tell her to go home and to contact you when she will be ready! (if she is around 20 it may take around 10 years but when she will reach her 30's she is will be willing to pay you more and will say "I have been stupid not to do it before" ;)
Hope this will help
Lorek

[RohanB]

I fully agree with the above but one point: Don't tell her to bring a friend! Instead tell her not no come!
If she need someone it means she does not feel safe/confident/confortable. Having a friend will not change anything! Of course she will feel stronger but the stress will be still visible and will make all your action/request suspicious for both the model and the spectator. On top of it the friend will not have the save vision angle than you and so will (for sure) have a wrong idea of what you are doing.
For nude session I recommand no assistant and no friend. Trust between you and the model is vital and is the clue of a good session (and so, the key for good photos).
Better not to work than to work with a girl not motivated and not feeling safe with you. She will be stressed every time you ask someting, she will tell everybody that you are strange (for people, it is always the photographer the bad boy. Never someone will concider she can be wrong) and your pictures won't be good because the stress is VERY visible on a nude picture.
At the end of the day you loose a model, your reputation, possible recommandations, your time, your money, a pleasant and constructive session, you did not improve your skills, etc... and if there is a friend this will be spread around twice faster!
Believe me, tell her to go home and to contact you when she will be ready! (if she is around 20 it may take around 10 years but when she will reach her 30's she is will be willing to pay you more and will say "I have been stupid not to do it before" ;)
Hope this will help
Lorek

So true Lorek so true. friends make nude shoots uncomfortable for the model and also what happens at times is the giggle factor that sometimes comes into play being nude in front of the friend that makes the model feel uneasy. I try to avoid it especially with new models...

[MagicallyDelicious]

Hey, I know nothing BUT ... there is a TV show on one of the channels here in the UK called 'Celebrity Snappers' or something cheezy and it is actually invaluable to watch how real world top photographers handle themselves in a studio and work with models.

So, the tip is either try and see a good photog working and learn and/or watch that TV show. The best are so obviously maestro's in combining technique, creativity and interpersonal skills.

i watched that n loved it. one of my friends was on it.

[MagicallyDelicious]

There was another thread asking about male poses. I told the guy to look into Cosmo mags, music mags for teens etc. Calvin Klein has some great poses as well.

http://store.soliscompany.com/caklckadliby.html

great site"! i went for the fimmel pics first! haha

[Akchas]

Okay first tip Communication
Your Job as a glamour or fashion photographer is to make that model feel great about what they are doing, this is not just being a salesman, selling them on the idea of being a model, you have to build trust.

Here is what I do to help build the trust of new models,
First at the studio I layout tape markers on the floor, kind a like building a box for the model, I explain to her/him, this is your area inside this “box” outside is mine and my assistants ( if I am using one). I run the first sessions that way. The rule is
“I never touch a model!” Yes this makes it hard to get them to adjust their hair or move their leg, just so slightly, but they feel more comfortable, and that makes the images better. The first session is always the hardest.

Unless the model has sought me out for Glamour, Fashion, or Portfolio work, I never even mention it. ( though 90 percent are seeking me out for that.) I approach people all the time about being a model for one of my projects, which is the only time I accept TFP/TCD. Everyone else is expected to pay for the services.

As for the friend issue, I don’t care weather they bring a friend or not, I suggest they do to the first few shoots for security. Rule 2 if your friend becomes an issue the session is over, at a loss of the setting fee and session. You would be surprised how just one warning on this issue has so much impact. No I have not allowed people to abuse my time. I have closed sessions over “Boy Friends, Husbands, Wives, Moms, Dads and my best friend, it’s their loss not mine.

Remember you also represent every other photographer when you are working with models, ask them what thier limits are, stay within those limits, working with models is hard, it's not for the faint of heart, provide them with refferences, samples etc. you take care when you are at the shoot to get the very best image, take the same amount of time and care about the model. If the model is a good person they will respect that, and you all the more.

I will post a few more of what works for me, if you all want that.

Chas

[hickory]

.......
Remember you also represent every other photographer when you are working with models, ask them what thier limits are, stay within those limits, working with models is hard, it's not for the faint of heart, provide them with refferences, samples etc. you take care when you are at the shoot to get the very best image, take the same amount of time and care about the model. If the model is a good person they will respect that, and you all the more.

I will post a few more of what works for me, if you all want that.

Chas

I like all of what you said but the part about asking their limits is an excellent point to get up front. When I started asking this question things got a lot more relaxed and models seem to feel more comfortable about themselves.

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

thanks Chas.

Tom

[Photodawg1]

Found this yesterday if you are looking for backdrops

http://www.backdropoutlet.com/

This is exactly what I was looking for!

[Luminarex]

View your model as a human being and try to convey some emotion or idea through the photograph. That's probably the best advice I can give. Far too many perverts with cameras are preying on models with TFCD offers and hiding behind the mask of "an artist".

* Treat your model with respect, as you would your sibling (that means you're not trying to have sex with them, in case you're from Alabama).

* Meet with them in advance and discuss your concepts in detail (what emotions or ideas you are trying to convey) so that they know what to expect.

* Learn how to draw well enough to show them sketches of what you are looking for in advance and let them keep the sketches over night to practice the poses in private (or in front of a mirror).

* Have your model remove their clothes and wear a robe at least an hour in advance (so there aren't any lines from clothing).

* Learn to shoot from the hip so that you can maintain eye contact with them throughout the shoot and keep the energy alive.

* Play music in the background with the appropriate energy for the shoot you are doing.

* Have them sign a release afterward (don't want to get sued later on because you don't have it).

* Give them a CD/Scandisk with all of the finished photos on it (it's a nice thing to do).

That's what I can think of off the head. There's a lot more, but I'll leave room for others to add their thoughts.

[Luminarex]

Remember you also represent every other photographer when you are working with models

I strongly disagree with this. The guys who use their cameras to get women naked don't represent me.

working with models is hard

Disagree with this also. It is the easiest job in the world. I've been drawing nude women since I was 7 years old (and recently got into photographing them). I've done a lot of things and nothing is easier than taking pictures of beautiful women . . . if they like being around you. If they are uncomfortable with you it's likely something about you that makes them uncomfortable. Not "you" you, that was a rhetorical "you".

[Luminarex]

If you have your own studio then the model has no reason to bring a friend along. That's just goofy. If you don't have a studio then the model should have a friend along just to ensure that you're not a nut with a nice camera.

If I were a woman modeling I wouldn't model for somebody who doesn't have their own studio, unless I already knew them for quite a while. Too many weirdos walkin among us.

[Karl Johnston]

That said the outcrop of studios these days usually involves as little as someone setting up with a couple of speedlights in a garage/basement/spare room (which isn't a bad thing). Some people don't like working in studios, and some simply can't afford the rental space.

I wouldn't judge a service based on who has the shiniest equipment or the biggest building ! Pro glamour photographer http://bertstephani.com/Site/bert_stephani_home.htmladvocate pride in not having a solid studio environment to work in, and their style excemplifies it.

those points as well as the model being comfortable has everything to do with how well you shoot her, so if she's uncomfortable the shoot will always suck.. and any little thing that helps loosen her (or him) up especially a family or friend coming along to offer support will only help you out

[Sharpstat]

If you have your own studio then the model has no reason to bring a friend along. That's just goofy. If you don't have a studio then the model should have a friend along just to ensure that you're not a nut with a nice camera.

If I were a woman modeling I wouldn't model for somebody who doesn't have their own studio, unless I already knew them for quite a while. Too many weirdos walkin among us.


Charles Rathburn had a studio right? What happened to Linda Sobek? You don't need a studio or "nice" equipment to be weird or a murderer!

[sydev]

Also when you mention staying professional, very true, but be careful to make the model feel like a person. One thing I hear from models frequently is that the last photographer they worked with just "ordered them around from pose to pose" probably because that person was trying to stay "professional".


"ordered them around from pose to pose" is not being "professional". It is being an arse.

[candyshop]

This was given to me by a Professional Make-Up Artist to post on my (former) site. It works equally well for film or digital. I ususally forward this to any model prior to working with her. I also tell her not to wear ANY makeup on her way to a shoot (younger models tend to use glitter eye makeup and I hate to tell them to redo it once they show up):

Studio lights and strobes:

Studio lighting flattens features, so contouring is very important. Accent bone structure, and blend into color. Flashes and strobes cause powdered skin to reflect light. Un-powdered skin absorbs light, which can cause powdered areas to look several shades lighter than bare skin. Powder neck, collarbone, and chest to achieve consistent skin tone. Strong lighting washes golden tones from skin. Use warmer colors on cheeks and lips and for contouring. Mauves tend to look muddy, so use truer pinks and wines.

Color balance:

To achieve uniform skin tone, use the color wheel to balance tones you want to appear neutral. The opposite shade on the color wheel cancels the shade you wish to eliminate.

1: Green: cancels red tones from broken capillaries, pimples, bites
2: Yellow: cancels purple tones from under eye circles, bruises
3: Orange: cancels blue tones in under eye circles, bruises



Hi there,

I am a newbie in this industry here in the South East Asia but quite familiar with this 'color balance' thingy.

The only issue I am facing now is my budget. Someone has suggested to get a brand named Kryolan from Germany but it is quite expensive. As the niche for Kryolan in the SE Asia is not that big, it is quite difficult to get at the counter. However, the end result by using this colorful 'face corrector' is quite AMAZING.

(I have tried that) to cover up pigmentation, pimples, dark circles and scars.. it works wonderful with MAC Make Up. Moreover, it can last up to 5-8 hours (with a minor touch up).

As I am venturing to do a make-up for long hours bridal and studio photography, here I would like to know, what brand do guys use? Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[ntinlizi]

ive seen lots of tips for shooting women, but what about men? how do you get good shots of men? im not talking full frontal or anything but like their body lines, the muscles and masculine features. ive tried taking shots of my husband, they just didnt turn out like i wanted...what can i do to get better pics of him and better angles/posses

[tsnake]

My biggest obstacle posing wise is getting the model to hold still.
Many of them think that as soon as you've taken a shot that they have to move.
I have leaned to take command and tell them to hold the pose, otherwise some of them are moving into that next pose before you've had a chance to get you camera focused on the first shot.

[Karl Johnston]

Here's a tip I learned recently when posing or directing poses.

I was talking to a model about her experiences with working with other photographers and she mentioned that she hated it when they touched her, and once encountered one that was almost creepily touching her or holding his hands on her too long.

She met another photographer long after him who instructed her by his finger tips. If he wanted her to tilt her head or move a body part in a direction he would pinch his fingertips and tell her to move that bodypart to where they were being directed.

I tried it out a bit and it worked really well. It also works a lot better than "Move your head 2 inches to the right...(which right? my right? your right?)

I pinch my fingertips and say "Use your nose to follow my fingertips, please" and raise them above my head to the left of me and stop when she's too far, move back slightly to adjust.

Same concept with just about anything; arms, legs, hips, chest; I call it "puppet stringing."

[krissears]

i think the best model you can have is youself.. just don't forget to put some art on it..

there are so many nice nude art pictures on art sharing websites, i think the most famous photography, painting and etc types of art is deviant-art website..http://www.bargainscreeners.com/blog/photocamel2.gif

you can get so many ideas there since you're going to see various art expression all over the world...

[HMetal]

I never put hands on a model unless there is a history of working with her and she is genuinely okay with it. Most of the time, if I want to adjust a model's head position, I'll use the "o'clock" system. e.g. look to the right and pretend you're looking at an object at the 8 o'clock position on the clock. Most of the time this is all I need to do. If I'm looking for a particular pose, I'll even show the model by getting into the pose myself, ridiculous as it might look for me to do so. :)

If I were a model, I would find it extremely creepy for a photographer to touch me while I was nude or partially nude. They're there to create images, not be a GWC with his hands all over you, drooling incessantly.

Here's a tip I learned recently when posing or directing poses.

I was talking to a model about her experiences with working with other photographers and she mentioned that she hated it when they touched her, and once encountered one that was almost creepily touching her or holding his hands on her too long.

She met another photographer long after him who instructed her by his finger tips. If he wanted her to tilt her head or move a body part in a direction he would pinch his fingertips and tell her to move that bodypart to where they were being directed.

I tried it out a bit and it worked really well. It also works a lot better than "Move your head 2 inches to the right...(which right? my right? your right?)

I pinch my fingertips and say "Use your nose to follow my fingertips, please" and raise them above my head to the left of me and stop when she's too far, move back slightly to adjust.

Same concept with just about anything; arms, legs, hips, chest; I call it "puppet stringing."

[lens pirate]

Care about your model and treat her like a human being. Pick up on emotional signals. Be interested in her comfort and well being. Keep a respectful distance.

Be mindful of your environment, make sure your not walked in on while she is posing or nude. Watch out for sharp pokey things. Make sure she has a place to pee. I keep some baby wet wipes handy for models to clean up with.

Be generous and kind. Listen to her and pick up on things like what words she uses to talk about body parts. Be respectful and don't use words like "tits" and "ass".

Talk to her and actually show interest in what the model has to say. Actually be interested. Ask her to suggest a shot or talk over a concept they have always wanted to shoot.

Why? Because your second shoot will be awesome if your model genuinely likes and trusts you. No matter how professional the model you will get better work from her if she wants to please you and make you happy.

Life is short and we can not fill it with to many friends. There is nothing wrong with making a new friend on a photo- shoot.

And last say thank you!!! When the shoot is over and your shaking hands before she leaves it never hurts to tell her how much you enjoyed the shoot and how beautful she is. Look her in the eye when you tell her this.

Bottom line when a beautiful young woman meets you somewhere and is willing to disrobe for photographs its a act of trust and a gift to anyone the cherishes the female form. Honor that.

I have made more friends in the last few months of shooting nudes than I have in the last decade. I also cut my losses. If I don't click with a model I make sure I discharge my responsibilities to her quickly and cut ties. No need to torture each other chasing something neither one of you enjoy.

Ok that was nothing about actually making images, but I think it applies.

[scombridae]

This was given to me by a Professional Make-Up Artist to post on my (former) site. It works equally well for film or digital. I ususally forward this to any model prior to working with her. I also tell her not to wear ANY makeup on her way to a shoot (younger models tend to use glitter eye makeup and I hate to tell them to redo it once they show up):

Makeup for Black and White Film

Dark tones appear to recede:

Used darker colors to accent bone structure, where natural shadows occur, such as the hollows of cheeks, temples, eye sockets. Do not use color on apples or planes of cheeks. Use only under the cheekbone, and blend well. Do not use color on eyelids or brow bones. Use only in crease of eyes, and around lash line. Blend well.

Light tones appear to come forward:
Use highlight to accent where the light hits, like tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone (under row arch), center of forehead. Use a light toned concealer under eyes only on inside corners, and blend well. Using under entire under eye makes the face appear wider at the eye area, and lowers the cheekbones.

Beware of harsh lines:
Blending is especially important in black and white. Remember that you will see only tonal values, not colors. Liquid and pencil liners are too harsh. Use dark shadows instead. Do not use lip liners unless your lips are very unbalanced.

Beware of textures:
Textures are more visible in black and white, since there is no color to distract the eye. Iridescent powders must be blended carefully, and used sparingly. The same applies for glosses and wet-look makeup. Keep lips matte, or highlight only the bow and center of lips.

Tonal values:
Use colors that are easy to judge how light or dark they will appear in black and white. Charcoals and browns are good choices for eyes, true reds for lips. Apply little to no tint to brows, as they will appear heavier, and draw the eye area down.
Match foundation to upper chest area, so face is not visibly lighter than rest of skin. Blend from face to neck, wetting sponge with water as you blend from jaw line to chest.


Principles of Makeup for Color Film

Studio lights and strobes:

Studio lighting flattens features, so contouring is very important. Accent bone structure, and blend into color. Flashes and strobes cause powdered skin to reflect light. Un-powdered skin absorbs light, which can cause powdered areas to look several shades lighter than bare skin. Powder neck, collarbone, and chest to achieve consistent skin tone. Strong lighting washes golden tones from skin. Use warmer colors on cheeks and lips and for contouring. Mauves tend to look muddy, so use truer pinks and wines.

Color balance:

To achieve uniform skin tone, use the color wheel to balance tones you want to appear neutral. The opposite shade on the color wheel cancels the shade you wish to eliminate.

1: Green: cancels red tones from broken capillaries, pimples, bites
2: Yellow: cancels purple tones from under eye circles, bruises
3: Orange: cancels blue tones in under eye circles, bruises

Setting:

Use makeup appropriate for the content you are shooting. Keep in mind what the focus will be, and how far you will be from the camera. Contour a little more heavily for full-length shots than for headshots. This is only a guide, but may help to get a greater variety of looks into your book. Feel free to experiment!

1: Fashion: deep cheek contour, basic lips and eyes.
2: Glamour, Swimwear, Lingerie: light cheek contour, accent lips (deep color) or eyes (smokey)
3: Beauty, Hairstyle, Swimwear: medium cheek contour, trendy eyes, medium lips.
4: Fine art: Neutral colors, accent on bone structure.
5: Lifestyle, Fitness: High color cheeks, neutral eyes, bright lips


Model Makeup Bag Basics

Foundations:

Liquid or crème; matching chest
Creme or stick; 2 shades darker than chest

Concealors:

White
Yellow
Green

Powders:

Translucent loose
Highlighting (Revlon skinlights are good)
Pressed, matching chest


Tools:

Lash curler
Lash comb
Large, soft powder brush
Wedge shaped sponges (for blending)
Circle or teardrop sponges (for foundation and powder)
Large eye shadow brush
Flat and pointy eye shadow sponge applicators
Small, slightly stiff blush brush
Eyeliner brush

Pencils:

Black liner
Basic brown liner (no golden tone)
White liner
Brownish flesh tone lip liner

Shadows:

Ecru (slightly yellow toned) powder
Golden brown powder
Basic brown powder
Charcoal powder
Raisin powder
1 set of fashion colors (no mauves!)


Blushes:

Golden brown (for contouring)
Peach-toned pink
True red
Hot pink
ABSOLUTELY NO MAUVES!

Lips:

Basic true red
Brown (not beige) neutral
Wine or raisin
Neutral (not bubble gum!) pink gloss
Bronze gloss


Extras:

Black mascara
Water mist bottle
Q-tips
Anti-redness eye drops
Lotion
Large powder puff
Razor
Tweezers
Cornstarch-based powder
As many lipsticks as you can carry!


With these colors and tools, you can create many different looks by playing with combinations and color placement and shapes for variety.
_________________
Gayle Elizabeth
http://www.gayle-e.com


How about asian women? example chinese? can be used your recommendation??