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Keep your nudes tasteful

There is a distinction in photography between ‘nude’ and ‘naked’, although the line may sometimes seem blurred. The latter suggests blatant exhibition of the undressed body, whereas a nude suggests subtlety and privacy. A successful nude portrait uses lighting and posture to capture the shape and form of the subject. Although the full figure may be revealed, more often than not private areas are concealed by body and limb position and careful use of lighting. In addition, the identity of the nude is often concealed, as it is not important to the success of the image. The key to the shot is to produce a graceful or interesting image where the human body forms a virtual landscape of curves and shapes. Skilled use of lighting, whether through natural lighting or studio flash, is vital to achieving the perfect result. By controlling the play of highlights and shadows on the body, it is possible to include the entire human body in the frame while keeping the image tasteful and the subject’s modesty intact.

CONCEALED

Although entirely ‘naked’ and facing the camera, this nude nevertheless remains tasteful and protects the model’s modesty. The photographer achieved this in three ways. First, the model’s face was cast in shadow. Second, placing an arm across her torso meant that her breasts were not exposed. Third, the lighting was positioned so that areas of the body in highlight or shadow were carefully controlled. A strip light above and behind the model allows control of the figure’s contours and shadows, while a second, harder light was aimed at the shoulder to add a dimension of depth to the image.

Canon EOS-1DS, 17–40mm f/4 lens, 1/125 sec at f/8, ISO 100.