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Serving Up Delightful | ||||||||||||||||
No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time. "Early 20th century artist E. J. Bellocq is best remembered for his down-to-earth pictures of French prostitutes in domestic settings in the red light district of New Orleans. In contrast to the usual pictures of women awkwardly posed amid drapery, veils, flowers, fruit, classical columns and oriental braziers, Bellocq's sitters appear relaxed and comfortable. David Steinberg speculates that the prostitutes may have felt at ease with Bellocq because he was ...so much of a fellow outcast" |
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Hey that's me too... A fellow outcast. Funny how we think like that. It's probably not true. But then again... Anyway, where were we? Ok, so you want to know more about artistic nude photography. Hey, why do you want to know about such a difficult topic? A topic like this is really not easy to write about. Even if you're a photographer as great as me. | ||||||||||||||||
So, your style, your type of camera, your set up, your arrangement and so forth, are not overly important. They fit into the grand scheme of things of course. But what we're looking for is the end result. The feeling behind it, your passion, and your idea is what matters. You've got to put the feeling into it. This is what counts. And think about it. What do you want to achieve? I'm sure you'll want to achieve some sort of aesthetically pleasing results. Your artistic nude photography should look good. For me, I'll be aiming to use natural light as much as possible, often avoiding interior lights or flash. But that's just my style. I'll be thinking about early mornings in nature and really using the fullest extent of light, specifically its softness and perhaps late afternoons when the light is richer and warmer. If you can work with a model, friend or companion who feels ok about being naked, in an environment that one can feel somewhat relaxed in, with a photographer she or he feels comfortable with, you're on track. It's important stuff. You have the potential to create great portraits. Some people have the flair, attitude, angle, perspective or sexiness that can make a picture everything. | ||||||||||||||||
| Artistic nude photography holds its own uniqueness... Ok, so the bottom line is... Just try it out. Look at how the masters did it. Look at how contemporary photographers do it. The thing is - everyone is unique. Everyone has their own unique signature, their own style, personality, that makes them what they are. Hone in on that. | |||||||||||||||
So let's practice relaxing with sexuality, nakedness and all that may relate to that. Hey that's how we come into the world and that's how we depart. It's not a big deal. But we can feel cautious and inclined to cover our nakedness when others see us. It takes real guts and some familiarity and awareness to walk around nude with family members or a friend or two, or a stranger. But the risk is a good one to take. Does it really matter? Doesn't great photography matter more? You're recording an important moment in life, and as strange as it seems at the time, it'll be valued in years to come as awareness changes and attitudes become more open. Believe me, it's important. Cherish the opportunity. Make the most of it. Go forth and create great things. | ||||||||||||||||
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