How To Direct Erotic Nude Models: Tips and Techniques
How To Direct Erotic Nude Models: Tips and Techniques
It's important to realize that every model you work with will have a different level of ability when it comes to posing. Furthermore, each model you work with will have a different personality and will respond differently to direction. The type of communication style that works well with one model may not work at all with another model.
You'll need to develop a keen sense of a model's personality and then customize your communication style to fit her individual needs. As with many things covered in this book, there is no one "right" way to direct a model. With a little experience, you'll develop a method that feels natural to you and compliments your individual shooting style.
However, no matter what method you use, you'll sometimes come across a model whose specific personality requires you to severely alter your style. It's important to keep in mind that each shoot must be taken individually. In spite of how well planned a shoot may be, there will always be times when something isn't working out the way you had hoped. In these cases, don't panic and don't get outwardly frustrated (this will negatively effect the model). Simply continue on in the best way possible.
In many ways, the role of the photographer is one of a "problem-solver". I recommend that you develop an attitude that views any problems that arise as simply issues that need to be dealt with. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, Money Shots (http://moneyshotsbook.com).
The concept that individual models require different types of direction may seem to be a simple one. However, in reality, things can be a bit more complicated. As an example, an experienced "Glamour" model will probably be very good at posing in the traditional, sexually explicit way that appears in magazines such as Penthouse and Score. Thus, if you're shooting a model like this in a "Glamour" style, your directing duties for this particular shoot might be relatively light (in essence, she'll know what you're looking for and she'll know how to give it to you). However, complications may arise if you want to shoot this same model in an "Amateur" context. In this case, you may have to direct her in ways that will override her automatic tendency to pose in a very sophisticated, experienced, and professional manner.
Another interesting situation could occur if you're shooting a young woman with no prior modeling experience. In a situation like this, you might want to use her inexperience to your advantage. It's amazing how a slightly nervous model will often stumble upon poses that are extremely cute, innocent, charming, and utterly unique.
I'm going to end this section with an extremely basic, but often overlooked, aspect of model direction. Simply, it involves the issue of "right" versus "left". No matter what style of photography you're doing - as long as there is a model involved - you'll find yourself giving directions based on right and left; for example, "Move a little to your right." I suggest you give some thought regarding how best to convey this type of directional request.
You'll need to get accustomed to seeing "right" and "left" from the model's perspective. By doing this, no matter what position the model finds herself in, you'll be able to easily give her directions as they specifically relate to her. However, make sure to tell her before you start shooting that you'll be directing this way. If you don't let her know, a very simple request such as, "Turn your head to the left", will inevitably be met with, "My left or you're left?" Trust me, it's a classic comedy bit that you don't want to get involved in.
It's important to realize that every model you work with will have a different level of ability when it comes to posing. Furthermore, each model you work with will have a different personality and will respond differently to direction. The type of communication style that works well with one model may not work at all with another model.
You'll need to develop a keen sense of a model's personality and then customize your communication style to fit her individual needs. As with many things covered in this book, there is no one "right" way to direct a model. With a little experience, you'll develop a method that feels natural to you and compliments your individual shooting style.
However, no matter what method you use, you'll sometimes come across a model whose specific personality requires you to severely alter your style. It's important to keep in mind that each shoot must be taken individually. In spite of how well planned a shoot may be, there will always be times when something isn't working out the way you had hoped. In these cases, don't panic and don't get outwardly frustrated (this will negatively effect the model). Simply continue on in the best way possible.
In many ways, the role of the photographer is one of a "problem-solver". I recommend that you develop an attitude that views any problems that arise as simply issues that need to be dealt with. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, Money Shots (http://moneyshotsbook.com).
The concept that individual models require different types of direction may seem to be a simple one. However, in reality, things can be a bit more complicated. As an example, an experienced "Glamour" model will probably be very good at posing in the traditional, sexually explicit way that appears in magazines such as Penthouse and Score. Thus, if you're shooting a model like this in a "Glamour" style, your directing duties for this particular shoot might be relatively light (in essence, she'll know what you're looking for and she'll know how to give it to you). However, complications may arise if you want to shoot this same model in an "Amateur" context. In this case, you may have to direct her in ways that will override her automatic tendency to pose in a very sophisticated, experienced, and professional manner.
Another interesting situation could occur if you're shooting a young woman with no prior modeling experience. In a situation like this, you might want to use her inexperience to your advantage. It's amazing how a slightly nervous model will often stumble upon poses that are extremely cute, innocent, charming, and utterly unique.
I'm going to end this section with an extremely basic, but often overlooked, aspect of model direction. Simply, it involves the issue of "right" versus "left". No matter what style of photography you're doing - as long as there is a model involved - you'll find yourself giving directions based on right and left; for example, "Move a little to your right." I suggest you give some thought regarding how best to convey this type of directional request.
You'll need to get accustomed to seeing "right" and "left" from the model's perspective. By doing this, no matter what position the model finds herself in, you'll be able to easily give her directions as they specifically relate to her. However, make sure to tell her before you start shooting that you'll be directing this way. If you don't let her know, a very simple request such as, "Turn your head to the left", will inevitably be met with, "My left or you're left?" Trust me, it's a classic comedy bit that you don't want to get involved in.
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