An inherent challenge in Fine Art Nude Photography is finding men or women willing to pose "sans-clothing" for your art. So, where do you find these people anyway?

This is an often asked question which I'll offer my two cents on and hopefully others will want to contribute too.


We might include some of the ethics and social issues associated with this subject too.

First off lets distinguish that we're talking about Fine Art Nude photography as differentiated from Glamour, Pinup, or Pornography where there is a stronger sexual implication/presentation. This will be important to whoever you talk to about modeling.

Important elements involved in this dynamic are:
Trust or Confidence
photographic Proficiency or Competence
Intent
Usage

First off, I'll discuss the HOW and then the WHERE to find people to pose for you.

How to find people to pose for you:
The women (or men) you talk with will want to be satisfied in each of the above mentioned "important elements" before they agree to pose for you.

TRUST - CONFIDENCE
My most important suggestion is to be HONEST about each of those elements with the person you're discussing the possibility of posing for you. Nothing will suck the energy out of your conversation quicker than if he/she senses you aren't being forthright and honest with them. Conversely, nothing bolsters your prospective model's confidence and ease with you more than feeling you are being honest with them -even if you lack experience or confidence.
Explain this is a new field that you would like to branch out into -with their help. Bring along some nude images from other photographers that you like. You can bring in a magazine like Not Only Black + White or Focus Magazine that feature fine art nudes. Indicate what it is you want to accomplish. Relate as best you can what your inspiration is (form, line, texture, grace, strength, musculature, etc.). Your enthusiasm and sincerity will be conveyed and go a long way to convincing your prospective model to pose for you (even if they aren't open to posing they might be so inspired that they refer you to someone they know who will pose for you! -has happened more than once). I've also shown some images of master painters that reflect the look and feel of what I'm going for. All of this adds up to giving the prospective model a good idea of what you wish to accomplish -which instills trust and confidence that you're NOT trying to get a Date or just seeking sexual "thrills" by getting them naked.

Photographic Proficiency or Competence
Next, show them some of your art (even if you haven't done nudes before). Show them portraits or other images that represent your best work. Show enough of your art -but not too much. Only show your best work. 10 or less is good. You don't have to go into any contest winnings or awards -what they're interested in is seeing your proficiency with your camera. Most people won't want to pose for someone who hasn't mastered their equipment yet, not wanting to be the subject of "bad" images.

Intent
Likely covered during your relating of your inspiration for shooting nudes. Be clear where you intend to "go" during the photo shoot, meaning: what look or feeling you're seeking from the image (and consequently from your model). Talk about lighting and how it will enhance the image. Talk about the setting (out in nature? or studio?) and how that adds to the look your intending to create. Is there a theme you're working off of? (mythical, social commentary, realism, archetypal, etc.)

Usage
Initially, (as Jay mentioned in another post) the model might require that the images not be publicly shown (you might be able to renegotiate this if there are one or two outstanding images that result -and you both agree to). Its OK if you are shooting "just for practice" or to get experience. At some point, you'll want to show what you've created. Wait until you have some really good images and only show these. The temptation is to show something of lesser quality because its a new thing for you. This will end up hurting your chances of getting more models since they will judge you by your art quality. In any case, be clear with the model about how you will use the images and then stick to that. Don't tell her you won't show them and then put them up on the internet!
If you want to show your images you should get a "model release" particularly if his/her face is recognizable in the image. Definitely get one if you want to sell any of the prints.

WHERE to find models?
Art schools and colleges are excellent places to start. They use "Life Drawing" models for sketching and painting classes. Usually, they are open to working with photographers -even just starting out in nude imagery.

Asking friends is good, if only because they know you and where you're coming from, and hopefully have some confidence in you as a photographer already.

Put up a post on Craig's list (www.craigslist.com) or on Tribe. Be clear about what you want and what you are trying to accomplish. Be up front about payment or trade -and then fulfill that commitment in a timely manner.

Lastly, approaching strangers does produce results -its just more difficult and you need a strong ego that accepts rejection. Be careful because in some communities this could be taken VERY much the WRONG WAY. If I do it, I usually just ask: "Have you ever been asked to do any ART MODELING?" and then explain "I'm a Find Art Photographer and I'm looking for someone to collaborate with me on my art project." Framed in this way the inevitable question "what kind of photography do you do?" or "what type of modeling are you wanting me to do?" is less of an obstacle when I reply "I photograph the nude in the environment." If that doesn't get a negative reaction I follow up with "I'd like to show you some of my images" and arrange to show my portfolio.

Well there's a primer -at least from my experience.

There's probably a lot more to add -so please do!

What's your experience? or What questions do you have?

Peace,