Do you need nude models? Do These 7 Things First!

I always hear from beginning photographers how difficult it can be to find willing models, especially if they are trying to do nude work. Well, that’s because in this age of cheap digital cameras, everyone is trying to do nude jobs. And unfortunately, many of these aspiring photographers don’t have the best of intentions.

I constantly hear horror stories from photographers who, at some point in their contact with the model, made it clear that art was not the only thing on their minds. So models have their guard up these days and it’s getting harder for a beginner to find a willing model, especially for nude work.

Establishing credibility is first about building a foundation. Here are some tips that you will find useful.

1. Study and study, then study some more.
There are plenty of guides online and in print for taking better photos. Get as much information as you can about how your camera works, lighting and exposure, composition and poses, shapes and perspective. Having a good understanding of the basics will help you when you start…

2. Take pictures. A lot of pictures.
Hand in hand with reading about photography is practicing photography. Get out there and start taking photos. If you can’t find people, shoot things. Landscapes, animals, abstract concepts, anything that interests you.

3. Magic can be done in “post”.
Many newbie mistakes can be cleaned up a bit later on the computer. If you can’t afford a powerhouse like Photoshop, use one of the many online photo editors like pixlr (http://pixlr.com/).

4. Connect and socialize.
Create a website and social accounts for your new calling. Don’t worry if you don’t have site building experience. Use Tumblr, Blogger, WordPress, or any of the other simple methods you’ll find online to quickly and easily create a website. It may not seem top notch, but do what you can for now. Update your site as time and/or finances allow.

If you want something a little better than the do-it-yourself options, hire a freelancer. Dozens are on Vworker, Elance, and Craigslist.

Most site building options allow linking of your social media accounts. So after you create your Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts, make sure they are all linked to your main website.

5. Put a watermark on your photos.
When you put a photo online, it’s almost impossible to keep track of where it will go (although reverse image search engines like tineye.com can help). That’s why all images you post online must be “watermarked” with your name and website. Yes, a given person can and will remove your watermark if they really wanted to, but having it there certainly increases your chances of being contacted by someone who wants to work with you.

6. Don’t be afraid of video. Video is your friend.
When you get a chance to work with a model, record your shots. Edit your video until it’s about 10 minutes long and post it on YouTube, Facebook, and any other social media accounts you have that allow video posting. Windows Movie Maker and iMovie on Mac are perfect for beginners. Your video account must be linked to your website.

7. Don’t be a stranger.
Use your new website and social accounts to let everyone see what you’re up to and how you’re progressing photographically. Without fail, at some point someone will contact you about a project or a job.

Don’t make the same mistake as so many other newbies in the field. Spend a little time building a “base” for your trade first and you’ll have a much easier time not only finding models but also paying clients.