What comes to mind when we hear or think of the word nude photography? Oftentimes, it is associated in a taboo sense, a restricted subject we should keep hush-hush. I’m here to tell you, it is none of those things! Nude portraits are immensely captivating, filled with vulnerability, compassion, and beautiful art. As a boudoir photographer, my clients end up falling in love with their nude portraits the most from their session because it captures the raw form of the individual. You see the parts that make YOU unique and the history your body has written. Our bodies are amazing, and should be normalized and celebrated. Here are 5 tips to help you with your nude portraits (Taking them on your own, or getting them done professionally)!

Consent is King

It is one of, if not the most important tip to find an artist that makes you feel comfortable throughout your entire experience. A boudoir session itself is already a very intimate and vulnerable experience, your photographer should always be asking permission when touching/repositioning you, and doing everything in their power to make you feel safe! Ensuring small details are ready, such as keeping the room at a warm temperature, safe/inclusive verbiage, customised music to your liking, and sufficient preparation prior to your session.

Manipulating Light

Understanding how light can dramatically change the mood of your images is so advantageous; it’s insane how many different emotions can be felt by slightly different lighting. Directing a single source of light onto one side of our body can outline and sculpt the curves of what we want to highlight, creating a bold and dramatic feel. This can be great for photographing up close to the lips, elongating the legs, or even defining the curves of the back. One of the most beloved images from my clients is of the mid/lower section of their body, highlighting their bare chest and stomach, often showcasing the scarring or stretch marks from giving birth. It is truly emotional!

Angles/Curves

Think of all the different points of major rotation/joints on your body. Neck, shoulders, elbows, ankles, and so on. Each and every single one of those can be used to create a pose that pulls the viewer in and engages some sort of emotion. A very popular method is the “Triangle Method” where one creates triangles within their pose, which can draw more attention to the face, hips, back, etc. A more angular look (ex. Hands sliding up the waist) can create a loud and strong image, whereas curling up with knees close to the chest creating a large curve with the back can show a reserved, vulnerable and intimate feel.

Movement

You know when you hold a smile for a photo too long and your mouth starts to tense up like Chandler in Friends? You can move! Don’t feel like you have to be restricted to a pose for a certain amount of time. Feel free to incorporate movement into those arms, tilting your chin, and my favourite, eye contact (looking away and back at the camera). Some of the best portraits come from a spontaneous moment. Bonus tip! Breathe in through the nose and out the mouth. You have no idea how common it is to just hold in your breath and it creates this tense and strained look to the images. Breathe in and out during your poses, almost like you’re in a yoga class. Physically calming your body and giving your mind to focus on something else.

There is no template

Go into this taking nude portraits with an open mind! You are unique and different from every single person, so your portraits will be custom, one-of-a-kind to you. For many, it helps to be intentional with your nude portraits. What do you want to feel? What do you want to see? What makes you feel powerful and confident?