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BY ROY BARKER

A lot of nude photographers start with a self portrait, and this is better than nothing in some cases. There are several other methods that can be used to find people to model.

Your first option is to hire professional (glamour) models. That can be expensive, and they’re not often familiar with that type of work.

The second option is to hire amateur models, or perhaps even nude still life models, the problem here is that the latter will have no inhibitions taking their clothes off, and may be able to sit still and hold a specific pose for long periods of time, however they may not be the best models to animate themselves.

The third option is don’t pay a model at all; find someone with a vested interest in making a portfolio work. Whilst thinking about this matter during the research for this article it occurred to me that the ideal person would be someone who would be prepared to model in exchange for a portfolio, or other photographic service. In other words, a model who has a reason to make the session work will undoubtedly put more effort into overcoming any technical difficulties. Perhaps you know someone who is pregnant who might want to model in exchange for the photos.

Secondly that type of model will produce better results, than some 18-year-olds with a perfect body and a bad attitude. A personal model with enthusiasm to explore different perspectives and techniques has to produce better results than a wooden, but perfect doll. It does not alter the fact that your model must be at peace with the thought of nude modeling as a whole, but a sensitive relationship with the photographer will work wonders here. The rules are no different for a photographer here than a portrait photographer, he or she must first have self confidence. If you cannot get that across to your model he or she will be reluctant to give it their best shot.

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Roy Barker is the publisher of Income from Photography which is dedicated to coaching you on how to start your own photography business, placing a very strong emphasis on your profitability issues and guidelines.