Erotic Nude Photography: Using Wide-Angle Lenses For Fantastic Fetish Shots

In photography, a "normal" lens is defined as having a field of view most similar to that of the human eye. Traditionally, a 50 millimeter lens has been considered a "normal" lens. Consequently, any focal length other than "normal" can result in a distorted perspective (at least in comparison to how the human eye views the world).

A wide angle lens will create a perspective that appears to add more "depth" to an image. Objects closer to the camera will appear larger than normal, and objects farther away from the camera will appear smaller than normal.

In contrast, more narrowly angled lenses (telephotos) can give a "flattened" perspective to an image. This flattened perspective can result in objects that are some distance from each other to appear as though they are actually quite close to each other. This is quite a difficult concept to describe in words. However, with a little experimentation, you will find that it's quite simple to see how different focal lengths can create different perspective distortions.

At this point, I would certainly understand if you are a bit confused regarding how distorted perspectives can be used effectively in the creation of nude or erotic images. However, as you progress, I assure you that the concept will become more clear to you. For now, I want to give you some insight into perspective by explaining how it can be helpful in the creation of a specific type of erotic photograph:

A popular niche within the adult photography market focuses on the feet of models (in other words, "foot-fetish" shots). Fans of this niche like the emphasis of the photographs to be on the feet. However, these fans often don't want shots that show the feet only. Instead, they want to see the entire model; with the feet being the primary thrust of the picture. This effect can be accomplished in different ways.

My preferred way is to use a wide-angle lens. By using a wide-angle lens and taking the shot from fairly close to the feet, I'm able to emphasize this part of the body in a very interesting way.

More importantly, since I'm able to emphasize feet with this method, it stands to reason that I'll also be able to emphasize any other section of the body by using the same method. This technique is very important to know because, trust me, there are specialized fetish markets for just about every part of the body you can imagine.

Erotic Photo Shoot Tips: Making Your Nude Models Comfortable

The ability to make your models feel comfortable at shoots is imperative if you're going to have success in the business. I'm now going to cover a few things that will definitely help you in this regard.

Soon after the model arrives, I take her (and her wardrobe bags) to a room in the house that I use in a variety of ways during shoots. Primarily, this room will function as her "dressing room". Additionally, this room is where she and I will spend any downtime during the shoot, where we will take care of all the necessary paperwork, and where we will discuss any details or ideas about what we're doing.

I will then have her show me what clothing she brought. Obviously, by the time she arrives for the actual shoot, I'll have already talked to her and told her what types of things I'd like her to bring. For example, if it's a "MILF" shoot, I'll request that she bring a lot of lacy lingerie, stockings, heels, etc. In contrast, if it's a "Teen" shoot, I'll ask her to bring things like jeans, T-shirts, and cotton full-back panties. Some models tend to bring a ton of stuff, while other models bring very little.

Some models have their clothing incredibly well organized (with everything folded nicely, color-coordinated, with accessories for every outfit). On the other hand, some girls show up with random clothing items crammed tightly into a small bag. You can learn a lot about a girl just from the way she packs her clothes.

Next, I show her the bathroom that she will use for her hair and makeup. Prior to the shoot, it's a good idea to make this bathroom as clean and neat as possible. She will definitely appreciate it.

Now that these things are done, it's time to start preparing her for the first set of pictures. The first thing you'll want to do is have her try on different things so you can decide what will work best for the first set.

You'll find that different models have slightly different comfort levels when it comes to initially changing in and out of their clothes in front of you. Many women walk into the house and immediately take off the clothes that they arrived in. Others take a bit longer to get acclimated.

Some photographers think it's a good idea to offer the model a "changing robe" (a robe she can put on during breaks in the shoot). However, I don't believe this is a good idea. I want the model - even if she is very shy - to quickly get comfortable being naked in front of me. If she feels comfortable being nude while she's simply putting on makeup or doing various other things, she will certainly feel comfortable being nude once the actual shoot begins.

There isn't a simple checklist you can follow that will instantly make a woman feel comfortable taking her clothes off in front of you, However, you should keep in mind two specific things that will always be helpful: First, let her know you think she is beautiful and that she is perfect for the particular shoot that you'll be doing together. Second, treat her in a way that conveys to her that she can feel completely safe and secure with you. If you can consistently do these two things, you'll be well on your way to starting off each shoot in a positive way.

How To Direct Erotic Nude Models

If you're working with an inexperienced model (or an experienced model who simply doesn't have a good feel for posing), it's your responsibility to direct her in a way that will lead her to the desired body positions as simply and efficiently as possible.

Keep in mind, you are the only one who is viewing her from the same perspective as the camera (even models who are great posers cannot know exactly how they look from the camera's viewpoint). To direct a model into a specific pose, you must be aware of the details that go into making that pose work. In reality, unless your model is some sort of posing savant, "Get on your hands and knees" is rarely a request that will elicit good results.

What follows is a detailed example of how a photographer might communicate with an inexperienced model in order to obtain a specific pose:

"Okay, I want to do a few pics of you from behind. Face directly away from me and go down on your hands and knees. Okay, now look over your right shoulder so I can see your face. I need you to rotate your body just a little bit to the right. Good. Now go about two inches wider with your knees and then bring your feet out a little wider than your knees. That looks good - except I don't want your feet to be up on the toes like that. Okay, now put more arch in your back. Slide your hands out in front of you so your chest gets closer to the floor. Great. Bring the right hand a little towards me and let your fingers relax - I don't want it to look like you're straining to hold that position. Good. Okay, now lower your upper body even more, stopping just before your right breast touches the floor. Almost there. Arch your back and bring your hips as high as possible. Good. Now lift your head just enough so you can look back at me over your right shoulder. Softly bring your eyes right here and give me just the slightest hint of a smile. Perfect."

And, "click" goes the camera.

Obviously, this is a very detailed example of model direction. However, the need to direct to this extent is not as rare as you might think (especially when working with inexperienced models). Admittedly, it's a lot of time and effort to invest in just one image.

However, when you get a model into a good position, you'll be able to take additional and unique images in a fairly short time by simply making subtle tweaks to the basic pose. Also, you'll only need to be so precise with a model one time with each basic pose. In other words, when you ask her for that pose the next time, she'll move into it more easily.