Nude photography

[codylechien]

I'm starting this post in an effort to get inputs to help develop nude photography skills. I'm definitely an amateur with a pension for using paint shop. I posted a couple of my nude collage attempts in the members photo album section and viewed a number of the other albums. But I'm interested in chatting with people - maybe sharing photo essays - about lighting,composition, themes, artistic outlets, etc. I've attached a sample I call "Nude Reflections". It's one of a series I did as a result of a really, really wet spring and really awesome green folliage on the trees outside our 3 seasons room. The sun and the trees just begged to be captured. Taking pictures of me clothed seemed to insult the natural beauty the God created; nude seemed more appropriate. Comments? Inputs? Suggestions? Start of an on-line workshop?

[codylechien]

I'm starting this post in an effort to get inputs to help develop nude photography skills. I'm definitely an amateur with a pension for using paint shop. I posted a couple of my nude collage attempts in the members photo album section and viewed a number of the other albums. But I'm interested in chatting with people - maybe sharing photo essays - about lighting,composition, themes, artistic outlets, etc. I've attached a sample I call "Nude Reflections". It's one of a series I did as a result of a really, really wet spring and really awesome green folliage on the trees outside our 3 seasons room. The sun and the trees just begged to be captured. Taking pictures of me clothed seemed to insult the natural beauty the God created; nude seemed more appropriate. Comments? Inputs? Suggestions? Start of an on-line workshop?

[nakedjohn]

Well, you gave me the push to look into taking photo classes. I am sure I will find an evening class somewhere in our area.

[Frodo]

I am also an amateur photographer very much interested in nude photography. But, I have not yet found people willing to pose. In addition to fine art type photos I want to do some classic couple and family portraits. An online workshop sounds great. Modern high quality tasteful nudist photgraphy would be great. Most nudist photos I've seen online are very small and poor quality. Most digital cams today are 5+ megapixels. Even the instacams have decent lenses and exposure controls for their size.

I have also retouched and tweeked others photos in Photoshop. It would be fun to have people post their photos and see what we could do with them, from image manipulation to composition suggestions. I think the only stumbling block would be the number of people willing to post themselves nude in an image larger than an avatar.

A video forum would be great also. I want to videotape nudists in their natural environment so to speak in a way that communicates the lifestyle to other nudists, but again many are afraid to be on camera nude.

[Fresh Air]

quote:

I'm starting this post in an effort to get inputs to help develop nude photography skills. I'm definitely an amateur with a pension for using paint shop. I posted a couple of my nude collage attempts in the members photo album section and viewed a number of the other albums. But I'm interested in chatting with people - maybe sharing photo essays - about lighting,composition, themes, artistic outlets, etc. I've attached a sample I call "Nude Reflections". It's one of a series I did as a result of a really, really wet spring and really awesome green folliage on the trees outside our 3 seasons room. The sun and the trees just begged to be captured. Taking pictures of me clothed seemed to insult the natural beauty the God created; nude seemed more appropriate. Comments? Inputs? Suggestions? Start of an on-line workshop?

I like the concept. I think it might have been even more interesting if it had not been mirrored, but instead a composite of two different poses with the line flush to a post so the trees were not mirrored down the middle. That would have emphesised more for me the "staring at the soul" aspect of the composition.

[Fresh Air]

quote:

I am also an amateur photographer very much interested in nude photography. But, I have not yet found people willing to pose. In addition to fine art type photos I want to do some classic couple and family portraits. An online workshop sounds great. Modern high quality tasteful nudist photgraphy would be great. Most nudist photos I've seen online are very small and poor quality. Most digital cams today are 5+ megapixels. Even the instacams have decent lenses and exposure controls for their size.

I have also retouched and tweeked others photos in Photoshop. It would be fun to have people post their photos and see what we could do with them, from image manipulation to composition suggestions. I think the only stumbling block would be the number of people willing to post themselves nude in an image larger than an avatar.

If you really want it, then don't sit around waiting for a model. Be your own model AND post your own pictures of yourself.

If your not willing to pose for yourself, or post yourself, then you can't exactly complain about the willingness of others.

[Frodo]

Fresh Air, I tried being behind the camera and in front of it at the same time, but it didn't work well. Also, I'm not looking for people only to post their pictures online. Some may want private photos for themselves, but it would give me an opportunity to practice. Some are perfectly comfortable posting their pictures online, but others are not. Just because they don't want their pictures on the internet doesn't mean they should not have them taken.

[Naturist4Ever]

Codylechien:
>> help develop nude photography skills

From the rest of your message I assume you mean "nudist" photography, as opposed to "fine art" nude photography?

On the latter subject - fine art photography - there are zillions of excellent websites with examples, and plenty of good books on technique. Finding a model can be difficult if you are starting out and don't want to hire (I recommend the latter option to get an easier start). In both cases you should be good in people photography. Not only that will allow you to get better shots, but most importantly you will need to develop people skills! If you lack all of that, go make pictures of nude statues! (that isn't so silly as it sounds, it can be quite fascinating!, and they do not move nor complain).

I understand you have checked the INA photogalleries. Then, try to select in a particular category (say sport-like activities, or singles) a few of the images you like best and a few that you don't like at all and try to put to words (for yourself) what it is that you like/do not like. Remember that next time you are out shooting yourself.

>> The sun and the trees just begged to be captured.
There you go - there is no sun visible in the image! Also, I assume the reflection is a imagetrick rather than some natural reflection (say mirror or so). Next time, try to work with a mirror, or maybe take the picture from the outside where you capture your own reflection in the glass (works well if the inside is dark). Finally, the bottom part (below the knees) is to dark, it doesn't work well. Crop it out & good luck.

[bravebare]

I have a digital camera and take lots of pictures. I like working with the pictures on the computer. I like adding effects, adding fun things or just inhancing. Havent done much nude photography. It is hard to find a subject.

[Alida]

I'm interesting to pose.... but I'm italian...

[G I Joe]

quote:

Originally posted by Frodo:
I am also an amateur photographer very much interested in nude photography. But, I have not yet found people willing to pose. In addition to fine art type photos I want to do some classic couple and family portraits. An online workshop sounds great. Modern high quality tasteful nudist photgraphy would be great. Most nudist photos I've seen online are very small and poor quality. Most digital cams today are 5+ megapixels. Even the instacams have decent lenses and exposure controls for their size.

I have also retouched and tweeked others photos in Photoshop. It would be fun to have people post their photos and see what we could do with them, from image manipulation to composition suggestions. I think the only stumbling block would be the number of people willing to post themselves nude in an image larger than an avatar.

A video forum would be great also. I want to videotape nudists in their natural environment so to speak in a way that communicates the lifestyle to other nudists, but again many are afraid to be on camera nude.

Interesting how things go isn't it? You want to do nude photography, but have no one to pose. I want to pose, but have no one to do the photography!