Today we will be answering some excellent questions posed by photo-enthusiast and reader, Alan. We will be approaching these responses in a new and interesting way:
There will be two points of view represented in each response: the photographer’s [Dan] and the model’s [Chloe]. The questions and answers both fall under the pretense that you either are a nude/glamour model or you book them as a photographer for a shoot (please keep that in mind).
It is easy to focus primarily on the head of your model. But the nude body is as equally as important as the face and you should not divide your attention between the two. Each area deserves its own focus because you cannot have a good photo unless both are looking beautiful.
Really, the closer your model looks to what you want your finished product to look like—the better.
Nails
What do you think about doing your own finger and toe nails? Is this something you do, or is it part of the make-up artist’s job? If it is up to you, how do you decide what color palate to use, ie: pastels, bright and bold, or funky and blingy?
[Dan]: Regardless of the job, whether it is for a client or for myself I ALWAYS have a MUHA (makeup & Hair Artist) on set. I find it important that somebody carries out this vital duty in a professional way so that I am allowed the time and freedom to concentrate on the set/lighting/communicating with my model etc.
If there is an obvious theme for the shoot I am about to do, I generally have a nail color already planned out. Sometimes I collaborate on this decision with my MUA and will inform my model prior to showing up how she presents her nails. The MUA is then responsible for making sure the model does show up in the requested style/color. There are instances where we have to tweak things either before the shoot or after in Photoshop.
Most models have artificial nails these days and it’s always a good idea to ask before booking if she is willing or unwilling to remove them for the shoot. Whether you book the girl with a lot of nail accessories is up to you.
Since not everybody is going to spend the money for MUHA, you should keep the thought and effort surrounding the nails to a minimum. Tell the model beforehand to prepare her nails in whatever way necessary because if she does them in studio, it will take entirely too much time which in turn…equals money.
[Chloe]: I leave my nails plain most of the time, especially when going to a shoot or a booking. In my opinion it is not professional for a model to show up with gaudy, flashy nails that distract from her physical appearance. In my free time, sure…I paint my nails all sorts of crazy colors but this is just for me. When it comes time to work, I will either wear a classic French tip or just a nice clear coat and that is all.
I have been on a few, more stylized shoots where the photographer asked for my input on hair and makeup which included my nails. In the end, it is up to the photographer and I just offered my opinion, my job is to pose, not style.
I do not wear fake nails because they are too time consuming and my natural nails look just as good. A photographer should be able to create a piece of artwork with a model, in that she is a blank canvas and he is the painter. The less there is on the canvas, the easier it is for him or her to create.
Tan Marks
If you wear a ring permanently (like a wedding ring) it eventually leaves a permanent mark on that particular finger. Do you remove the ring when you do a shoot or do you leave it on and remove it when asked to do so by the client and if so how do you hide the telltale mark?
[Dan]: I always remove all model’s original jewelry because it never fits the mood I am creating (though I then mostly bring in some selected pieces on my own). This also applies for more permanent things such as engagement and wedding rings. The tan lines or marks left behind by rings are easily removed with the use of the “Healing Brush Tool” and/or the “Clone Stamp”-tool in Photoshop
This also goes for marks and tan lines left by bikinis, slips or bras. You have to be very aware of the slightest impression or variance. Most professional nude and glamour models are very careful not show up with tan lines or marks on their skin
It is a good idea to always ask about the condition of a model’s skin before book, because if she showed up just back from a holiday with serious tan lines you would have a big problem.
[Chloe]: Though I am not married, I do wear several rings almost all the time. One of them I have worn for ten years, (my grandmother’s engagement ring) and never take it off…except when I work! My rings have never been an issue simply because I am careful. Sometimes during a shoot I have worn my own jewelry because the photographer requested it, but I have never just made that choice on my own. All jewelry stays hidden away in my bag when I show up to work.
As far as marks/tan lines go, again, it is all about being professional. Only a novice would consider lying out on the beach only to develop some serious tan lines and then expect a photographer NOT to be upset. Like I said earlier, your nude body is like a canvas and you have to make sure it is free of marks.
Pale Nipples
Let’s say you have pale nipples, do you ever use makeup to enhance them? If you do use makeup is it you responsibility or do you allow a makeup artist to work with them?
[Dan]: During one of my first shoots (when I was relatively inexperienced) I worked with a blonde that had very pale areolas. I had exactly this idea of making them appear darker with the aid of makeup. I asked my female MUA to follow through with this. After a few shots however, I just sensed that it looked very fake and would be difficult to reverse later in post. So we removed a majority of the color and left just a small amount in order to achieve a nuance of contrast between the skin tone and actual areola. The rest was done in Photoshop with “Dodge & Burn” tool, using the “burn” function. If you don’t know this function yet, you need to make it your best friend. It is help in nearly every photo post and you achieve quick fantastic results in everything from eyes, hair, makeup, pubic hair and nipples.
[Chloe]: Personally, I do not have this problem but have known other models that have experience something similar. What I have heard coincides with what Dan mentioned, in that a MUA applied makeup to the girl’s nipples. If a photographer didn’t have a MUA, I would feel comfortable applying it myself. It would be no different than doing my own regular makeup, just in a different place. It would seem easier, just in my opinion, to be aware of your model’s complexion before shooting so you didn’t run into these problems.
(Nipple) Piercings
If the client is looking for what appears to be pierced nipples, do you allow faux jewelry to be applied and if so who applies it, you or the makeup artists?
[Dan]: Good question! In order to shoot in my style, I always remove as much jewelry and tattoos as possible but I did do a little research and found this: “Non-Piercing Nipple Jewelry”: www.google.com/search?q=non-piercing+nipple+jewellery which includes, nipple shields, nipple rings, magnetic earrings and nose studs. I did not find a fake nipple ring that appears to be stuck through the nipple itself, like a barbell. Everything I found was in a ring form.
Either way I would suggest asking the model to apply it because they are going to be better at working with their own body than anybody else. Perhaps if they requested assistance have your female MUA or somebody else the model would trust on set to lend a hand. Here a few Youtube videos on “How to fake a piercing” (unfortunately no nipples examples since it seems to be a PG kind of thing, you know…): http://goo.gl/ezuhhh
[Chloe]: I actually have worn fake jewelry before, (not in my nipples, in my nose for a punk rock style shoot) and wanted to take the ring home I liked it so much! I put the fake ring in myself and it was really easy. If the photographer wanted me to wear a fake nipple ring, I would want to put it on myself rather than having somebody do it for me because…well…I don’t want a MUA accidently hurting me. If for some reason I couldn’t do it without help, the MUA is the person to ask.
Pubic Hair
Obviously if you are completely shaved between the legs then this question would not apply, however, if not, who does the hair down there? When you get out the shower and you dry yourself the hair falls into a natural pattern, but once you put on and then take off your panties it’s not the same?
[Dan]: That’s a seldom asked question and situation though, which is unfortunate due to the lasting trend of being completely shaved. Personally, I do enjoy shooting a model with natural pubic hair every once in a while. Though I am not a huge fan of the look, it is boring to shoot the same look constantly. Obviously, it is impossible for a model to shower every time she removes her bottoms but there is a simple solution. I sometimes just suggest that she rub or fluff the longer pubic hair in order to get the desired look. It is a pretty simple and effective method I find.
[Chloe]: I have run the gamut when it comes to pubic hair and have never had a problem “styling” it myself. Just like if you get hat hair during the day and don’t have the chance to shower, all you really have to do is run your fingers through it to bring it back to life. I would say that it is often more difficult to maintain a trimmed or totally shaved look than a natural one. It is very easy to get razor burn down there, (which requires makeup or work in post) or if you have very “stylized” pubic hair, like a landing strip or design, photographers won’t want book you because it doesn’t fit their style.
Blemishes, Spots and Bruises
What about body blemishes such as dark colored skin spots or patches? Who is responsible, you or the makeup artist for covering up or hiding them?
[Dan]: Blemishes, spots and bruises can be reduced with makeup. Depending on the skin tone, it’s a hard work effort and it will often show in the photos. As long you are shooting stills (not video): my experience has proven that it better to not cover darker, smaller areas too much. It’s a waste of time and it makes your work in post more difficult. If you leave a bruise on a fair skin tone untreated (makeup) it’s easier for you not to miss it in post. You can easily correct them (make invisible) in Photoshop with the use of “Healing Brush Tool” or the “Clone Stamp”.
Skin blemishes and spots in the face are different and should be covered in makeup as much as possible. You have much less skin area for cloning with when you work on the face in Photoshop. So the better the recorded image (tones, structure) already is the better for you in post-production.
[Chloe]: This is something I think most models have dealt with one time or another. Depending on the style of the photographer, they may cover up a freckle or birthmark you have, or they may leave it. I have a small birthmark on my hip and it really splits 50, 50 whether the photographer has it covered in makeup or not. Either way, this often done by the MUA but if there is not a MUA on set, I will do it myself if requested. I also make a point of not playing a lot of hard contact sports to avoid bruises, but have shown up to a few photo shoots feeling embarrassed about a bruise I got bumping into something. It happens though, nobody is perfect.
Body Painting, Fake Tattoos
Do you allow your body to be painted as in body paint or these stick on tattoos to be stuck onto your body?
[Dan]: I can’t answer anything as this is not the style I shoot. Chloe…?
[Chloe]: I wore body paint once, super early in my career. The photographer hired a professional painter who did an amazing job and I had no problem with it. At the time I wasn’t as picky, but now I would be concerned that it could be bad for my skin and would be sure to ask a lot of questions about the chemicals in the paint. If it seemed cool, as long as it was applied by somebody who knew what they were doing…I still wouldn’t have a problem with it.
You Have to Make Decisions
No model is going to be absolutely perfect though and it is important to balance your priorities when it comes to achieving your desired look. Some issues like a bruise or spot can be taken less seriously, because if you fixate too much energy on covering them up in makeup, you will be wasting your time. Most blemishes can be photo-shopped out but this is always going to mean more work for you.
Being prepared is the most important factor in creating a great photograph. Have a plan, create and execute your photograph and if you are prepare enough you will be closer to perfection in the beginning and will not have to spend a tone of time in post, fixing a lot of avoidable little things.
One Last Thing to Mention: Avoid Model’s Dry Skin
Be sure your model has smooth skin, not dry! Keep an eye on elbows and knees as they are problem zones. Professional models apply lotion regular (one that is not shiny or oil in appearance) before the shoot and during breaks to keep her skin little good and moisturized. If they do not, don’t force them too as they could be allergic. But if you noticed elbows and knees looking dry, ask politely if you wouldn’t mind applying some lotion. This will make your production process much easier!
PS: read a great tip about “full-body makeup” in a recent comment written from by our reader Allen here: /nude-photography-101/makeup-for-photo-and-hair-style#comment-1890.
Cheat Sheet: Ask Before You Book!
The impression of a model you get from online portfolios is often wrong and seldom up to date. When making first contact and before the settlement, always ask and get assurance about these things:
- Piercings (belly, tongue, nipples etc)
- Tattoos (any kind of…)
- Tanning marks
- Actual hair length
- Actual hair color
- State of nails (acrylic or natural)
- Newly “applied” cosmetic surgery
Interesting post. It’s definitely a good idea to ask about these fines details as experience as taught me that some models aren’t totally upfront about recent changes they have or will have made by the time you shoot them. I once turned up for a shoot to discover the model had had a spray tan the previous day and salon hadn’t allowed her to go fully naked for the spray. She had to decide if she wanted tan marks on the top or bottom half and she didn’t worn big pants to the salon so could put on a g… Read more »
Firstly Dan Happy Birthday and I do hope that you are enjoying your name day . As ever the comments and the blogs add so much – and I am learning more and more. As to the latest blog I always carry two bottles of water, hand wipes, bay wipes, a towel , disinfectant spray, spray on plasters and all sorts of assorted bits and bobs . But ultimately for a nude it has to be all about the model hopefully having flawless skin I was wondering if have considered allowing those of us who follow you to have a… Read more »
Hello William, thanks a lot for your hints! Regarding a gallery/board: I am planning to implement a free members-area (101 course, posts, diagrams etc) which also will include a forum. This hopefully will happen around March 2014. I would like to strengthen the community’s communication and allowing discussions. The implementation certainly takes some times as it’s an additional engine and I want to do this properly to have a base for a lot more features later on. In short: a gallery-forum will be coming definitely. And everybody will be able to join for free. Congratulations for the re-tweet! Glad you… Read more »
PS: use meanwhile my G+ community to post your work (non-nude/implied nude photos):
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/100243284468092219125
Hi William,
Stop by the Google+ community that Dan hosts and post your images. I’m always interested in what others that follow Dan are shooting. I’ve posted several of mine there, take a look… and join the group.
Lots of great details to keep in mind… thank you Dan & Chloe! Here’s a detail/tip that I learned from another photographer when shooting nudes on the beach… Have in your kit a box of clear, waterproof, large-size “elbow and knee” adhesive bandages (the kind used for covering/healing cuts and scrapes). Ask the model to apply the bandage to cover that very sensitive area between her legs to help keep the beach sand out and reduce the chance for irritation later. I am told that this form of protection can be a girl’s best friend, when rolling around all day… Read more »
Hello Dana,
you are welcome!
Thanks for your tip regarding the adhesive bandages for a ‘on the beach’ shoot. I must admit that I have almost no experience in shooting in this settings. Really looking forward to get somehow the opportunity once to use this bandages 🙂
PS: I love gaffer tape! I will dedicate a blog post about this miracle soon;)
Thanks Dan and Chloe,
My training and general “modus operandi” is to get everything possible right before taking the shot. Leaving blemishes, bruises and perhaps certain skin colours for photoshop is therefore not quite the answer I expected, but I agree is makes good sense.
Thanks for an interesting article. I think if I have learnt anything its that communication with the model, detailing the planned shoot and making sure you know what the model looks like and that she meets your expectations before you start is almost more important than the shoot its self.
Regards
Alan
Hello Alan, thanks for your comment. Regarding “leaving bruises for Photoshop”: I think it really depends on the kind of production and time frame one’s in. Just two days ago (commercial glamour production) I’ve had again a model with some blemishes on the leg (she returned from a beach shoot where she was ungently hit by a parasol…). We had to produce 4 sets in 5 hours and to change the clothes/lingerie/outfit all the time. The facial makeup & hair styling took a load of time so we decided to skip the blemishes on the thigh as this is a… Read more »
Hi Dan,
An excellent article as always and certainly learnt something new. The main thing I wanted to put over, is in relation to makeup and post production. To spend less time at the computer for correcting blemishes etc etc, have a look at this product I saw some time ago on a shopping channel of an amazing demonstration using a new makeup product by Sheer Cover Studio.
http://www.sheercover.co.uk/
Thanks for posting this one up.
Hi Roy,
thanks for your comment and input. I will ask a MUA about these products for her opinion as the product-line (idea, approach) looks indeed very interesting.
Thanks for sharing!
Dan, Following up on my previous comment, several of our members have embraced the “get it right in camera” philosophy, including me. To be sure, the dodge / burn tool is a viable technique for those who are proficient with it and have the time to invest in post-processing. Whenever possible, I like to have the makeup do the heavy lifting as shown here with this image of Willa. A good MUA – one who understands the difference between photographic makeup and “street” makeup is gold, and Heather (my stylist) is detail-oriented enough to have contoured and blended Willa’s nipples… Read more »
Hey Allen, thanks for your POV and approach insight. I totally agree that a good MUA is gold. When starting out here in Prague a decade ago I hadn’t had the best one in the very beginnings. So we did a shoot with a very pale redhead (Arielle). I asked the MUA to tone down the areola and the result after 10 minutes of work was – well – not that great. We ended up removing the “paint”. Of course I’m now working with a MUA wonder (Aneta) but especially for this area I’m now used to just finish it… Read more »
One of my favorite models is Augusta, a natural redhead with extraordinarily pale skin. Concurrent with her delicate skin, her areola are practically invisible under studio lights. With Augusta, anyway, I seem to have the opposite issue you discuss in your blog post. I have tried darkening them in post (using the burning tool), but they always look fake. So I use a light touch of blush (actually, I ask her to do it!) and that seems to do the trick. It helps that she is a highly skilled MUA herself. The key is using a very subtle touch –… Read more »
Hey Allen,
Thanks for posting the shot and the detailed explanation – very interesting!
And I like the shot, skin tone, and photo look. It reminds me somehow on a classic painting.
Very accurately done and strongly expressive. Superb!