Next week I am going to have my first nude model shoot. The model (a male) is into Fetish Lifestyle so it should be interesting to say th least. But I will be happy with just some good nudes. This is his first time modeling so... My wife will be assisting me and I have a few things already worked out. I have 2 locations both are old homes so that atmosphere should be wonderful. He has atire and the body for the job. I will have plenty of batteries and extra film and memory cards as well as multiple cameras. I know I will have to work around some things such as backgrounds and that type of thing. I can handle the expected and common sense stuff. I was hoping that y'all could point out the unexpected. What should I plan for that I may never think of? How do I expect the unexpected? Both locations are cool, he owns one and my mother owns the other. There won't be any outdoor shots simply because it is too darn cold! What sugestions might everyone or anyone have? I am excited and nervous at the same time! I want this to work out so I can add to my portfolio! Magick Michael aka zhounder

make sure you have an agenda ahead of time... don't go into it blind. have a set number of shots u want to get, and get them, anything else is gravy. since its his first time modeling, try to walk him thru it as much as possible, giving the best direction you can, but dont be pushy. talk to him, have conversations about everyday things during the shoot, so he wont feel like a some pot of flowers... but a person. im not sure what kind of looks your going for, but sometimes the simplier the better... dont get worried about really elaborate backdrops - they can overpower the human body sometimes, rather then compliment it last - bring baby oil - have him cover himself - but not w/ the whole bottle, just a thin layer will add some sheen to his skin tones

Mike what are you using for lighting? If you are using natural light reflectors are good things to take; I use my projector screen. :0)

Just thought of something else, tight clothing can leave marks if you are doing nude work, socks are a classic. :0)

Attached Link: mikepanic.com v3.0

it all really depends... ive used 500w halogyn lights that construction workers use, the kind that are 10 bux from home depot, ive used clippy lights w/ differant watt bulbs in them, again from home depot, natural light, natural light w/ a gold/silver disk reflector (usually on the gold side) - and ive been in a friends studio w/ 2 strobes, and various differant settings, some w/ umbrella's, some w/ barn doors, some w/ soft boxes, some w/ clamp on diffusers... it all really depends on the mood, settings and the final outcome that u want from the photos

Kind moving of topic, but Mike since you mentioned it have also tried using the halogyn construction lights in my make shift studio, are you using filters to conter act the color casting, or shooting digitial and adjusting the white balance on a digital camera. I had found I am getting horrible casting. I was able to fix by shooting a macbeth color chart on the first and last frames, saving a color curve to correct and batch processing the role. but would be interested in what you do. jstuarj

when shooting digital, i adjust the white balance.. when shooting film, i make sure i dont use the light directly on the subject, i usually bounce the 500w light off a wall or ceiling first, and cause its so powerfull, if your in a medium sized room, bouncing it will give u more then enough light most of the time... an nd filter, or polarizer may help as well, but u will loose 1/2-1 stop if u do use them

Here we go with the construction light conversaiton thread. =:-) If you do go for the 500wat lights dong forget to have something to diffuse the lights. As far as something which may be unexpected. What if your mother walks in and she is not expecting this GREASED man to be posing nude? Also don't forget to bring towels and soap so he can "DE grease" himself after you are done? And brings towels ect for yourself if you happen to get the oil on your hands as well also remember to bring your release forms and several cold drinks for you and your wife. Bsteph

you lucky dog you!

i was wondering what to do if he gets an erection? Do you stop and take a ten minute break, or do you bring out the macro lens? Interesting thought to ponder....

to address a few questions... I will be using Painters lights with home made difuseres. If my mother walks in, well she will probably watch so no biggy there. If he gets an erection, different list of shots! If he gets an erection and I need the macro lens well then I just turn him around! (show me a woman that says seh doesn't like a good butt shot and I will show you a liar) cynlee all I can say is WOOF! I was at this guys house for New Years and I just said "hey, I was wondering if you would like to pose in the nude for a photo shoot" He said "Sure!" Now if I can get women to say yes that easily... Magick Michael

LoL . Anything i had to shares already been said. Some shoots I go on its a big no no to touch the model. So you do allot of this " No left , No your other left . .... Tilt your head up a bit , no a bit more , to far ERRRR . New models are a bit hard and nead lots of coaching unless there a natural . So they need lots of positive reinforsements. Like ohh thats good hold that . A lot of my friends who shoot new models push them to fast , Take it slow work your way there. Last girl I worked with was naked when i got there I had to have her put her clothes back on. I was the one who was shy . So it works both ways. One last thing is Every one has a sweet spot . I try like hell to find it . Left side of the face doesnt alwasy look as good as the right does. I some times have them stand 1/2 in the shadow and slowly turn so I can see then better. Have fun Ohh yah I forgot , Fetish lifestyle can mean allot of things but your models probley going to be whats called a bottom . Some one who likes to be dominated. If so then you need to be a bit careful becasue they trust other to make there judgment calls for them. Meaning its hard for them to say no . So you have to read there body language instead. Good luck .