Earlier this year, I felt the urge to deal with the Classic Art Nude style since it actually is a part of the Sexy Women Photography basic elements. So I forced myself into a self-prescribed lesson regarding this topic...
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Hey Dan,
A pretty good start to your classical figure understanding. Figure nudes don’t always have to be drenched in shadow, but you’ll usually see a higher contrast ratio than you will in most modern glamour work. Based on your lighting diagram, I’d suggest two things: first, make your light more directional – put a grid on the Octa and consider even using a strip box fom that position. Second, move the light closer to your subject. If the light is closer, the fall off to shadow will be more rapid, and you’ll inject more contrast into your shot. Use a bounce, rather than a second light, to open the shadows a bit.
I’ve attached a photo depicting the more dramatic, higher contrast style
Hey Joe, thank you! And thanks for the advice. I will put that into action next time I get the chance to shoot figure nudes.
Great image, thanks for sharing. Very “dramatic” – I like the defined and numerous “rim” light areas depicting all the body lines a lot.
I think figure/form nudes are an excellent expressive form. When done correctly, it shows a respect for women. I don’t think it’s as “static” as described. The mindset for form nudes and glamour nudes are different (a faster pace on glamour then on form). I want to see what else you come up with in this field.
Not all form is standard color and b/w. Some of the worst lit photos I have in form comeback in interesting ways in photoshop.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ad0lx9cvnp338n/0528v2%20copy.jpeg?dl=0
Matthew, thanks for your POV. You’re right: It’s probably not that static in the images itself. I guess it’s more related to my feeling during the shooting process because I was missing the interaction between the model’s play (direct posing expressions) and camera 🙂
Thank you for sharing your image. Good example to display results in a different way than one automatically is used to (B&W…).
More to come 🙂
Great post Dan,
To answer your questions I actually started shooting figure art nudes before the pin up style simply because the area of the US that I happen to live in has far more of art models readily available to collaborate with than the classic pinup and glamour models. I personally enjoy the active teasing play style more but have an appreciation for the classic art nude and shoot it regularly as there are a bit more opportunities to have the work seen in the local galleries various exhibitions. I do look forward to seeing your future experiments in blending the two styles to create something that is unique to you.
I neglected to mention that the shot was made with a single mono bloc with a standard reflector and grid attached.
Thanks for sharing your shot and insights about your styles (progress), Dru!
Very nice image & shadow play – love the placement at this particular spot in the infinity cove 🙂
Let’s see if and how I can blend the 2 styles – alluring glam and graceful body lines – in a future shot. I just made a note for a small, new project next year 🙂 Thanks for the spark!
Hi Dan.
It’s good to see you doing something different, out of your comfort zone almost. As a long life time Artist foremost to taking up Photography, my personal aesthetic has always been toward this particular artistic style. If has always been about the body form for me. However, I am learning to love the sexier looking style of come hither boudoir and pin-up girls as no man could deny there’s just something about them…. I’d like to see you do more with your personal project and as suggested above a strip-box with grid at a bit closer to your model should give you a bit more drama, but I personally wouldn’t use a reflector to push light back into the shadows. I’ve always been a lover of the more Noir style and would definitely advise you to do it on Black background next time. Sincerely Mark. Thank you for checking out my website and making comment on my FB page as well, it’s much appreciated.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your insights and advice. Next year I will work more on different areas that are not yet in my repertoire. I’m just keen to explore if a) I will like the different styles myself (like artistic, pin-up, beach etc), b) if I’m capable to adapt my working & lighting approach and c) this will translate to business benefits (appreciation & potential by/with my clients).
I will find out…
Your website/FB: You’re most welcome; always supporting fellow photographers 🙂
I have only shot a couple of artistic nude sessions, but I’m learning.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing – stunning image and setting!
I always wished to shoot once in an area with a desert/dried-out lake – quite impossible here in Europe…
Keep posting images here please – and all the best on your shooting journey!
Dan,
Most of the time when working with figure art models, they tend to be experienced. This is a good thing, because it helps the photographer and model communicate more effectively.
I have been very fortunate recently to have come to know a young woman who has zero experience in modeling, but wants to learn art modeling. So, I have been coaching and mentoring her. Diane is quite tall at 180 cm (5′ 11″) and has a classically sculptural figure. In just a few short weeks, she has gone from an awkward “what do I do now” beginner to a novice model with increasing confidence. In our last session, we concentrated on classic poses in the European style from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In keeping with this tradition, I have rendered her in a modified calotype style.
Diane has at least two more years at our local university, so I am hoping to create a well-rounded catalog with her!
Allen
Thank you for sharing another excellent image here on B+, Allen.
I really appreciate to see your work here guys. It’s so fascination, inspirational and insightful.
Diane looks classy and I’m happy you found an adorable person to start a collaboration with! I’m certainly looking forward to more images along the way.
Idea: Think about writing down notes/impressions/steps like a little diary. I would love to publish here a report/best practice/showcase in case you (and Diane?) are up to/interested.
Wishing you great shoots ahead,
Dan