I Still Shoot Film

March 24th, 2011

Do you have any experience taking nude photos? If so do you have any tips regarding this subject? Sorry if you have already answered this question.

Peace and Love,
P.W

p-rabbit

Yes, I love shooting nudes. I have been working on my nude portfolio for over 15 years and it seems like it will never be finished. Personally, I do 90% of nudes in black and white film, but that’s just my preference. I won’t lie, if you’re shooting women it will always be more difficult for you as a man… women can be weary of posing nude for male photographers because there are so many creepy weirdos out there.

You could start by asking your friends to pose for you and if they say no, you could always try self-portraits. I find that showing your subjects nude self portraits shows them that you are also willing to do what you are asking them to do - which is to be completely vulnerable in front of the camera. It’s about making the person feel comfortable. On the same note, you need to make sure that during the shoot your model feels as comfortable as possible. I usually do nude shoots on a closed set with as few people present as possible.

Finding your nude voice takes time and practice. The more you shoot, the better you will get ;)

February 17th, 2011

This is a series of photo-collages called “Consumption and Consumerism” that I did for Clam Magazine (the current issue “Experience,” which you can buy at Barnes & Noble if you’re interested). It was part mine and part commission; I had done the first one on my own a few years ago. It uses a black and white film base with a digital collage on top. The collage uses a juxtaposition of contradicting magazine cover headlines to make a statement about body image. The editor of Clam asked me to do several more. The resulting images are about plastic surgery and sex. I also did a fourth about self-tanner, but it didn’t quite go with the rest and therefore didn’t make the cut. These collages are 14 by 22 inches, so you can see all of the detail when enlarged. Thank goodness for the high resolution of film ;)

(Source: rachelrebibo.com)