Nude fine art models - DPChallenge Forums

02/15/2006 11:56:43 AM · #1

I know this has been a topic in the past, but I wanted to narrow the subject field a little. For those of you who have access to models, how do you go about finding models for nude photography? I've experimented some with fine-art nudes, and always use my wife as my model. The problem is, although she is a wonderful model, very patient, etc., she doesn't really enjoy posing for me. Personally I think she is beautiful and has nothing to be shy about, and if it was up to me, I would only use her in my photography. I hate putting her in an uncomfortable setting at the expense of my photographic endeavors, but this is a style I would really like to explore more. It's not about finding women to "get nekked", it's about exploring an art form I have a strong interest in. Unfortunately most women don't see it that way. My wife doesn't mind me shooting this particular style, so that doesn't factor in the equation at all. Anyone have any insight?

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/15/2006 12:00:07 PM · #2

I use Myspace ... works for me pretty well. 112 potentials on my friends list

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

02/15/2006 12:32:06 PM · #3

How do you go about actually finding the potential models once you're on MySpace?

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

02/15/2006 12:36:57 PM · #4

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

How do you go about actually finding the potential models once you're on MySpace?

It takes a bit of searching, but you get a feel of the camera hounds...

Now, they are adding me to thier friend's list and asking me if I can use them.

MPRPRO

Olympus E-5

02/15/2006 12:40:40 PM · #5

Ask, be professional, have a model release, make sure they know you will ask for proof of age. All in all if you are open and upfront (use your real name and address) and don't play games you can find models who once they work with you will recommend you to others.

Whatever you do don't try to pick up chicks using nude fine art model ads.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/15/2006 12:56:54 PM · #6

Originally posted by MPRPRO:

Whatever you do don't try to pick up chicks using nude fine art model ads.

I agree whole-heartedly. I'm a happily married man and plan on staying that way, I want to avoid the appearance of "picking up chicks" like the plague. I have no problems being professional, it's the "asking" part that's difficult.

fotomann: How do you phrase "will you pose nude for me" on MySpace which is notoriously full of people who lie about their age, and use it for personal conquests rather than artistic endeavors? I must admit I've toyed with the MySpace idea since reading one of your earlier posts, but I have a hard time buying that people really believe that your intentions are purely artistic and you're not "uncle creepy". (The term you is meant to mean you, me, whoever uses this approach, not directed at you specifically)

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

02/15/2006 01:08:20 PM · #7

My experience in this? Zero. But I have seen similar threads on various sites over the years. Have you tried model agencies? That may require some outlay of cash, but I've heard that you can also get by often with offering prints for the models for their portfolio (especially if they are new to the scene). Seems like the most up and up way to go about it.

Fotomann has that hipness you and I probably lack for MySpace (it's probably the cheese). I think I'd feel like an old perv trolling for Barely 18s. I'd also be worried I had an FBI agent on the other end of the line... ;)

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/15/2006 01:10:43 PM · #8

I've never used them, but I've heard of people having luck with www.modelmayhem.com.

Message edited by author 2006-02-15 13:12:12.

02/15/2006 01:11:11 PM · #9

I'm still trying to perfect my use of Myspace, but so far it's been fairly sucessful.

You can't just say pose nude for me. That is a quick way to an ignore list.

I start out with simple portrait request or non-nude "fashion" type shot. Gain some confidence and get a feel for the model. Then, after they have worked for me and I feel they may be comfortable with me, I send samples or descriptions of what I'm looking to do and ask if they would be interested in doing this sort of shot.

Never ever post nudes on myspace. You don't want to give the feeling that the photos are going to be all over the net. My profile does mention that I am looking for nude, semi-nude models, but the only photos that come close to nudity I have on it are swimsuit pics.

I try to keep all comments on my profile censored, don't want anything that makes me look perverted. Keep the profile clean and professional. Join photography and modeling groups.

02/15/2006 01:14:41 PM · #10

Oh, and one more thing. NEVER ever post in a college forum group... they will chastise you and make you feel like the biggest pervert that ever walked the face of the planet. Believe me, I made that mistake and felt like a complete moron for doing it.

Some other tips that have worked for me in the past

Message edited by author 2006-02-15 13:16:24.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/15/2006 01:20:31 PM · #11

Thanks for the input guys. Definitely a good starting point.

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

02/15/2006 01:34:29 PM · #12

I have done extensive model shoots and here are some tips:

You join any model association. There are many in the internet.

Before you do so you need some sort of a portfolio. The best thing to do is to built up portaits and character studies images. Make sure they are top quality and make sure they are creative enough to arouse interest.

Bear in mind that shooting a model is no easy thing until you have mastered your lights and camera. It is a big step from shooting a portrait to shooting a full body.

Keep in mind that there are many interesting images that you can shoot with someone clothed and this is something you want to exploit because it will give you practice in the interaction needed.

You then offer a PFT which is simple prints for time. You get a model release and inreturn for their time you promise to give them a cd's along with several prints. Always deliver on time and soon your name will be passed and more will come your way. The nude thing will just take place once you are set off and rolling. Always read the models profile as some indicate that they do no nudes.

Message edited by author 2006-02-15 13:35:35.

notesinstones

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/15/2006 03:03:23 PM · #13

edit - duplicate

Message edited by author 2006-02-15 15:16:26.

notesinstones

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/15/2006 03:11:03 PM · #14

Well, having BEEN a nude model for an art school - I\'ll pitch in my 2 cents from my own experiences.

WHERE to find a nude model - I got started because I was a friend of a sculptor. Once the art-studio got my name, they started calling me weekly to model for classes. I met most of the people I modeled for through them. Go to artshows and gallery openings to meet local artists - they have models they usually work with regularly and getting to know them can give you some connections. Otherwise, check agencies in the larger cities, as well as the internet for modeling-groups in your area. Craigslist is also a helpfull place to check out if your near a major city. I have met people through all of those, though chose to work (even now) with only a few trusted artists (and to be honest, I usually avoid photographers because past gigs have led me to believe we are as a group unruly and rude concerning nude models. :) )

And other stuff to know about working with nude models -

- DO keep your model warm. Space heaters are a nekkid persons friend. A fluffy bathrobe for between shots is appreciated too.

- DO have an assistant nearby if shooting in a private studio, there is safety in numbers and a pro model is taught to NEVER go to an unsafe location and to follow your gut about any situation. Treat this caution with respect.

-DONT touch. Ever. If you need to adjust something (hair for instance), ask the model to do it themselves and if they can\'t - dont invade your models space or touch without permission to do so first. Always remember your model is a person, not furniture.

-DONT whistle, click, hoot, ect. to get your models attention. Use a name please. Dont flirt with your model in an attempt to get a flirty look back. Man, we have heard it ALL. Just ask.

-If you recognize your model on the street dont say \"Oh HI Jenny! I didnt recognize you withthout your clothes on!\" keep it professional, k? (And yes, that actually happened to me in a crowded coffee house in my very small hometown...)

-DONT say disparaging things about a models looks or bodytype. We have fragile enough body images as it is. DONT be lecherous either, complimenting a look or a pose is great - but telling a model shes got a \"hot-bod\" will probably creep out your average model.

- DO be gracious. The little things will bring a model back - cabfare, hot tea, respect and trust.

- If you are privately hiring a model pay them upon completion of the job. Cash or check in hand goes a long way to paying the rent and buying groceries. If you are giving prints - the sooner you can get them to your model the better.

- Never threaten to not pay your model if they dont do something you ask. If they arent going to work, ask them to leave and take the complaint up with the agency. If its a private-hire, your probably out of luck. Pay the model for thier time and count your losses.

-DO talk to your model and get to know them and let them get thier bearings and relax, no matter how many times you have stripped down infront of strangers it is ALWAYS nerve-wracking for a little while. Getting nekkid changes the relationship - and the model is waiting to see how you react and will adjust accordingly. If you are comfortable, they will be too. Nudity implies weakness or vunerability - you need to get past that initial gut reaction on both your parts to get to a comfort level that will work. Even if your trying to achieve a vunerable look, your model should feel confident and safe.

-DO let the model retain a sense of control. Ask about comfort and respond to the models needs immediatley, if the model asks for something (potty break?) - try not to get lost behind the lens and not respond. This goes a long way to building trust and better shots.

-And most importantly - Models are not for dating. Please dont ask them out. If you meet a model and want to date them - dont hire them first.

Thats all from experience - hope that gives some insight from the models point of view....

Jenn

Message edited by author 2006-02-15 15:12:50.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/15/2006 03:27:10 PM · #15

Originally posted by notesinstones:

Well, having BEEN a nude model for an art school - I\'ll pitch in my 2 cents from my own experiences.
...

Thanks for the input. I will have to say that's exactly how things should be done (to me common sense, but maybe not to everyone). I have had one other model (other than my wife) for this maternity shoot. The session went really well and your post is exactly how she was treated. I understand how uncomfortable it can be for someone to take their clothes off for someone else then pose in front of a camera. I tried to treat her with the utmost respect (one of the reasons I haven't posted any of the nudes I took that day). I had the room warmer than I could stand prior to her arrival, kept her comfortable, etc etc. I would also like to add that we started with her fully clothed and worked our way slowly to the nudes which were done last. The model in my maternity shoot is a friend of mine who saw some maternity images of my wife and wanted some taken of her. It was kind of a fluke thing and she approached me. I would like to venture more into this type of photography, but it's the approach I have questions about. The actual shoot is not too difficult.

Originally posted by notesinstones:

-And most importantly - Models are not for dating. Please dont ask them out. If you meet a model and want to date them - dont hire them first.

Thats all from experience - hope that gives some insight from the models point of view....

Since you have experience, would you be interested in doing some modeling? Maybe we could go for coffee afterwards? ;-P

notesinstones

Nikon D200

02/16/2006 07:44:14 AM · #16

LOL, I know Lee, it SHOULD be common sense but it really isnt. People acting like boneheads is much more the norm when it comes to nudity than the opposite. Don't get me wrong, I have had some incredibly good experiences too, and learned a LOT just by being on the other end of the camera. I just throw out the common sense bits wherever I can - to save another model the harassment from people who just DONT realize.

Photography can be like a ciggarette - it puts an unapproachable and impersonal object between you and the subject and works like a barrier, its easy to hide behind, and it makes an effective "safezone" for the photographer against nervousness and vunerability. So the photographer feels invincible, but it can isolate the subject and make the photography cold. Any photographer who can move out from behind that barrier and make a connection with the model is a step above and it completely shows. You see it in street-photographs of the homeless - you see photos of the homeless ALL THE TIME, but the amazing ones are the ones where the photographer connected and put that into the film.

As for modeling, Id happily do it in exchange for modeling. You model for me, I'll model for you. Im running out of willing friends and its nigh impossible to find male models in these parts of the woods. LOL! However, I'm terribly far away and you wont win any DPC challenges with my un--fashion-model body type. Lets say, I'm perfect for sculptors and Spencer Tunick type work, and that was primarily the bulk of the work I did. I'll let you know the next roadtrip and I'm down in your area. :)

LOL, sorry I kind of ranted and killed your thread. Its an important topic to me (models rights). ***sheepish blush****

Jenn