Most people have the misconception that portrait photography means sitting on a stool in front of a camera. Many associate it with the concept of taking a passport or yearbook photo. While there are still people who think this way, photographers are moving forward by introducing new twists to such a classic and simple concept. A picture is worth a thousand words, and photographers are finding new ways to capture moments through portraiture. A good photograph is priceless. It speaks volumes of who you are as a person when taken beautifully and artistically. It has the power to encapsulate a moment in time and immortalize every subject. Here are illustrations of the two most popular types and ways you can make them more special.
Individual portraits are perhaps the most common and popular of the bunch. Everyone needs a good photo and this is the best way to do it. Getting one is a great idea especially for momentous life events like graduations or winning a competition. Portrait photography is also the choice of many parents who wish to have mementos of their kids as they grow older. Some even go to the extent of getting them taken every month (for infants and growing toddlers) or once a year. Doing so is a wonderful way of looking back and makes great keepsakes in the future. Such memorabilia are also a good idea for home decor purposes.
Spice up your pictures by bringing along different props. It is a great way of adding life to a photo and showing off who you are at a certain point in your life. Photographers might also suggest you dress up in costume, a common idea for things like high school graduation photos.
Another concept growing in popularity is nude photography. Consider this alternative especially when you are in your prime years. Taking photos in the buff is not about having the perfect body. Its goal is to expose who you are as a person with no inhibitions. It can also give life to the definition of a portrait being an "artistic representation" of a person. Nude photography captures your every essence by revealing who you are without all the different layers covering you - the clothes, the makeup, and whatever accessories you use. It is the most genuine expression of who you truly are as a person.
Couples
Portrait photography has the power to capture the special and unique bond between two lovers. It is a common way of celebrating love; and it works not only for romantic couples but for others as well. Couple portraits work whether it is with you and your mom, dad, sibling, child, or anyone you want to be with. Outdoor settings are always a great idea for these photos. It allows you to be more relaxed and carefree - that, and because candid shots sometimes work best for these kinds of pictures.
Nude photography can also work if you are taking the photo with a romantic partner. It is the best way of proving your devotion for each other and showing how comfortable you are. Shoots inside a studio are the best ways to go about it if you are interested in the concept. It allows you and your partner to be intimate to capture a more sensual and beautiful portrait.
Doing nude photography and being successful has a lot to do with manners. The first time I photographed a woman nude was sort of accidental. I was out cycling in my early days as a photographer in Toronto. Ahead of me on a bike was a pretty blond. We came to a red light at a corner and I asked if she had done any modeling. She rolled her eyes and started to move on and I quickly said, 'Wait, wait, I'm a photographer..." pulled out a business card and asked if she would call my wife to see that I was for real. She calmed down pretty quickly at this realizing that I was not trying to pick her up. At this point I had no intention or idea of photographing her nude but when we sat down at my studio a few days later (Yes, she did call my wife and make an appointment), she said that she needed some 'body' pictures. I had a concept that I wanted to try that was actually from a drawing from an old Vogue magazine that I thought would work well for this type of photo. For the first meeting (before the photo shoot) the model brought a friend. My studio was attached to my living space and my wife was there so she was comfortable enough to come on her own for the shoot. I generally recommend that a model bring someone particularly if there is not another female about. Give that person somewhere comfortable to sit and read a book or magazine. Within speaking distance. Definitely not in the same space where you are taking the pictures.
The photos turned out great. We both liked them and I have had nothing but positive comments in the years since. Here are some pointers that I consider important:
1. Give the model a place to change (in this case remove her clothes) in private.
2. If she does not have her own, provide a robe that can be worn when not actually shooting.
3. Ask her to wear loose clothing for a couple of hours before arriving and no bra if possible. The reason for this is that the lines on the skin created by the tight clothing can take quite some time to disappear.
4. Have some definite plan in mind of what you want to shoot. This can always change as you go and it is usually fine to ask or invite ideas from your model but if you are controlling the shoot then your model will be less likely to get nervous. Write some ideas down or print off some sample pictures that you want to use for inspiration or 'starting points'. If things slow down you can always check your 'cheat sheet'.
5. Never touch your model. Definitely don't touch her without asking. Ideally, show her. Use a photo or drawing or sit or stand the pose yourself to show what you want. If you need to move her chin to the left or right very slightly or move some hair out of her face, ask if it is OK that you do this and only do that. If she looks uncomfortable, don't do it!
6. Provide some bottled water for her to drink.
7. Never make lewd or suggestive remarks. Be professional in all of your actions. The more relaxed the model is the better the photographs will turn out. This is not to say that one cannot joke or have fun with it. And it is alright to tell her she is beautiful and that you love the poses and that it is going well. But do not make those comments sexual.
8. Make sure that she is comfortable with poses that you are planning. Best to go over this before the shoot. At least the type of pictures that you want to do. And do not ask for poses that you know she will not be comfortable with.
9. No complaining. Make sure that you are well hydrated and fed so that you do not become irritated or "ill mannered". If you did not get enough sleep last night, that is not something you want to talk about.
10. Keep things light and pleasant. You are in control.
It is all about manners really. If your mother didn't teach you any, well then, learn. Read a couple of books. Do some research online. Knowing and using the right manners for any situation can make or break it. If your model asks you a question, do not ignore it. Acknowledge what she says. Listen. It is your shoot so if you try something of hers make sure that you gently take control back afterwards.
When it comes to choosing a nude lipstick color, the general rule is to select a shade that is either the same shade or a little bit lighter than your skin tone. If you have pale skin, then you should choose cooler shades of lipstick, whereas if you have darker skin, you'll want to choose warmer nude shades. While these guidelines may seem easy enough to follow, selecting the perfect nude lip color for you may be a bit overwhelming at first. You may find several shades that you like, only to find out that once you've put them on, they are either too dark, too light, or not compatible with your skin tone.
A little-known secret to achieving the best look with nude lip color is to apply lip gloss, lip balm, and concealer. Use the same concealer that you use to cover blemishes on your face. You can try experimenting with various colors of concealer to find the shade that works best for you. Before you even start applying color to your lips, you'll want to clean the area by using a lip exfoliator. The lip exfoliator is meant to make your lips smooth and remove dead layers of skin. Next, apply your favorite lip balm, and then use your fingertips to blend concealer into your lips. Do not use an excessive amount of concealer, or your lips will look muddy. Finally, add some clear lip gloss, and you have now achieved a natural, nude lip look. If you'd rather not use the above technique, then you will to search for the perfect nude lipstick. If you have light-colored skin, you can try Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in the color Biarritz, or try Clarins Limited Edition Rouge Hydra Nude Lipstick in the color Nude Rose. For a medium skin tone, try nude shades of true beige or light pink such as Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipstick in the color Devilish or Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in the color Café Chic. For darker skin tones, you'll want to choose brown-based nude shades. Try L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolour in the color Lingering Mocha or Shiseido's Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in the color BR 304.
The bottom line in selecting nude lipsticks is that fair skin is suited to shades that have a touch of champagne color, medium skin tones work best with beige or light pink shades, and darker skin tones are complimented by brown colors.
The nude human form, both male and female, has been forever inspiring to the artist. Throughout time, the shapes and forms provide a creative stimulus for those who wish to capture the body's sensuality and beauty. Even in cave drawings, the human form was designed and etched in artistic impressions adding aesthetic features to their creations. Ever since, art of the nude has remained present is art history. In Greco-Roman times, Paganism was predominant with Pompeii probably being the most noted leader to saturate Rome with exquisite nude sculptures and paintings. During this time, mythological gods and goddesses were portrayed with celebrations of human form. Being mythological perfection, their nude images were exquisite. The culture and societal values of Greco-Roman culture viewed the nude as classic and romantic.
With the downfall of Roman rule, Gothic art and architecture superseded this period with the nude have a more slender and frail appearance. As the early Christian church developed with a focus on chastity and celibacy, nudes became very rare. Few Medieval pieces of nude art surfaced during this time. Giovanni de Paolo's Expulsion from Paradise in the 15th century was one of the few depicting the nude as weak and defenseless tying nude form to the original sin and fall from grace.
However, by the mid 15th century, Renaissance artists began to restore the nude to its creative form. Danatello portrayed the first statue of David bridging the gap between Christianity and this nude revival by painting a biblical hero in classical nude form. This was followed by other Renaissance artists including Pollaiuolo and Michelangelo. Michelangelo of course also did his own version of David and painted many male nude forms in his works with classic mythological antiquity.
Venetian painters also adopted a return to mythological nude figures focusing on the female nude in much of their work. Some examples of this include Titian's Venus and Adones as well as Lucas Cranachs's Judgment of Paris. Most of the work of the Renaissance recreated the ancient portrayal of the nude by reestablishing creations of gods and goddesses of Roman and Greek mythology.
In the 17th century, the fascination with the nude of antiquity continued, but as the Baroque Art period evolved, allegorical depictions of personified values such as Grace and Truth were created as undressed nude human forms. As Romanticism flourished and Neo-Classical Art replaced the Baroque period, ancient sculpture techniques of the nude continued. However, a freer attitude was developing about the human body and painting of live models began to be common practices.
By the late 19th century, the nude was being removed from mythological contexts. Instead of mythological creations or settings of fantasy, female nudes were depicted in contemporary situations. Artists such as Edouard Manet were one such artist taking bolder risks and challenging social morals. This extended into the 20th century with artists such as Renoir and Degas. This has continued to evolve with rapidly changing opinions of the nude most notable in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, nude art takes us where it has never before with a wide array of nude genres from contemporary to classical. Its robust increase within current cultural norms is evident by the number of nude art events flourishing around the country. Events such as Nude Nite Orlando, Seattle Erotic and Dirty Detroit are just a few of the more popular art exposes.
While the history of the nude has also been art inspiring, it also has been the birth child of the social climate and cultures of the times. Religious and political views have molded the presentation of nude art throughout history. Today is no different. The human body continues to allow us to express the social climate of the day through wonderful art. The nude in essence captures humanity across the ages.
