Nude Photography & Graphics
Members should have a keen interest in nude photography and/or graphics. Photographs and graphic representations of the nude form may be posted here. Display serious work, only. Discussions regarding all aspects of this field are welcome..
- created by macnude
Sunlight, shadows, composition and setting
Return to DiscussionsHello. I am new to this group and to TN. I am really jazzed about this group, as I am passionate about outdoor nude photography.I uploaded several photos to the group during the last couple days to add to the others that are in this vein.I am hoping that these and natural-environment photos posted by others can provide the beginnings of a discussion about combining sunlight/shadow, composition and setting to make powerful and iconic nude images.I am an amateur, and come to my photography skills by way of two professional photographer partners, a little training in document design, intense interest and some practice. I use very simple equipment and very minor editing for the most part...taking a series of shots trying to capture the image perfectly in the viewfinder is my goal.While I take many types of photos, my favorites are nudes because of the amazing beauty, complexity and variation in the nude human form. I enjoy using color, shadows, movement and direction in the environment in contrast or in complement to the human form.I would appreciate your comments about this approach and any expansion on this topic you choose. I look forward to a lively discussion on this and in the other threads. Best!
To go back to the originator's question I think normal sunlight conditions are best used if there is a shadow on my thigh. The light and shade gives my body shape whereas sun directly behind the camera gives a flat look. And the countryside gives a superb back drop.
PalmSpringsGayNaturalist, I love the way the rock dominates the left side and puts the whole scene in perspective. The ocean meeting the sand in the lower right corner makes the whole scene balance.
I agree with you, Oilygrumps, about straight-on sunlight vs at-angle. This is an interesting observation. I find that slightly at-angle sun offers many more opportunities than straight-on sunlight to explore and highlight subtleties in the human form in capturing body language and expression of mood.Strange as the analogy may seem, to me it is somewhat like the experience of a baseball fielder who either has to track, intercept and catch a line drive hit to a point that is slightly to one side vs directly at the fielder. The ball hit to the side has much more perspective and the flight path is readily understood, making it relatively easy to understand what path would intersect the flight of the ball. The ball hit directly at the fielder has no depth perspective and it can be very challenging to track and catch. A straight on full-sun photo comes off as flat without the depth that is useful to really grasp the subject as fully as the one with subtle shadowing.