These images represent my entry in the 2010 Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) "Non-Event, Informal" category of the album competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was honored with a score of 88. Upon further review by the judges, I was awarded 2nd place in the category. I feel extremely honored by the award and I wish to thank Janine for her patience and perseverance as we created this work.
These images represent one of two entries in the 2010 Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) "Non-Event, Informal" category of the album competition. I was honored with a score of 83. This score garnered me an Award of Excellence. I wish to thank Carly for her perseverance as we created an extensive portfolio of work during the course of her pregnancy.
"C" came by my Los Angeles studio for a fine art nude portrait session. She first heard of my fine art nude work through her friend who I hope to see later this month. Although these photographs were to celebrate this time in her life, I believe she also plans give a print to her boyfriend as a Valentine’s Day gift. If you were giving one of these photographs as a present, which one would you pick as your favorite?
To help you better understand my process, I’ve assembled several frequently asked questions about my fine art nude commissions. If you have additional questions that I’ve not addressed here, please send me an e-mail or give me a call. I’d love to speak to you further!
Why do I need fine art nude photographs of myself?
I’ve created fine art nude photographs for folks from all walks of life. Every one of them had a different reason for participating. For some of my subjects, the photos were intended as a unique wedding, anniversary, birthday, holiday or valentine gift. For others, the photographs symbolized a reward for reaching one of life’s milestones. Other folks have approached me to document their appearance before and after a significant physical change (weight loss, surgery, pregnancy). In all of these cases, my subjects have admitted that the photographs we created provided each of them with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence.
What will happen during my fine art nude photo session?
When you first arrive at my studio we’ll chat a bit about your expectations for our session. This brief conversation will allow you to become more comfortable with me as your photographer. I’ll then give you a brief tour of my studio; this will allow you to become more comfortable with your surroundings. Once you’re ready to begin, I’ll direct you to a private changing room. Upon your return from the changing room, and once you’re comfortable, I’ll ask you to disrobe and we’ll begin making photographs. During the course of the session I’ll show you some of the photos we’re creating so you can be more comfortable with the project. As my previous subjects can attest, it’s really quite easy. And this whole process doesn’t take much time. Because of many hours I’ve spent refining my technique, I’ll probably finish my work in less than thirty minutes. Then, after we’re done with the session, I’ll process your photos on my computer so you can review them before you leave!
Why are most of your photographs black and white?
Although my cameras record color images, when I process photographs I often convert them to black and white. Simply put, I prefer black and white fine art nude photography over color photography. I feel that a black and white presentation lends certain sophistication and artistry to the images. Additionally, it’s been my experience that nude photographs presented in color don’t enjoy the same global artistic acceptance as black and white nude photographs.
Will you photograph me in color?
If you hire me to produce a commissioned work, I’ll be happy to provide you with color photographs (instead of black and white photos) if that’s what you’d prefer.
Do I have to be nude?
You don’t have to appear nude to appear in my photographs. Instead, if you prefer, I can use shadows, hands, arms, fabrics, and clothing to completely obscure your nudity. This style of photography is called implied nude photography. If I photograph you in this style, the resulting photographs won’t be more risqué than images you might see on any television show.
May I bring a chaperone?
Certainly! However, to ensure the integrity of our session and avoid distractions, I’d prefer that any chaperone you select be of the same sex and not be your parent, minor, or significant other. Based on past experience, I’ve found that this policy provides us both with the best possible comfort levels as we create your photographs.
How do you avoid the sexual aspect of your photography?
For thousands of years people have made connections between adult nudity and sex. Those same folks have convinced others that there’s something shameful about the nude human form. As a photographic artist, I hold a different perspective. When I’m behind my camera, I see the nude human form as an elegant, beautiful, and sometimes surprising collection of shapes and shadows—one that is associated with sensuous rather than sexual contexts. I take my work ethic seriously and guarantee my professionalism as your photographer.
Will you post my nude photographs publically?
Unless someone provides me with specific written permission, I won’t publically display recognizable nude photographs. As you can see from my portfolio, I typically don’t reveal a model’s face except in unrecognizable silhouette.
There are many factors to consider when you’re getting ready for your fine art nude or implied nude photography session. Here I’ve listed a few details you might wish to review. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll present yourself in the best possible light in the nude photographs we capture. Remember, this information is intended to serve as helpful guidelines and should not be considered requirements for your session.
considerations
You should pay particular attention to facial and body hair. Even if your facial or body hair is masked by makeup, it can still appear in your photographs. Personally, I don’t think you should not worry overmuch about this particular consideration if you want to appear wholly natural in these photos. The rule of thumb here is to simply take whatever grooming steps you think are necessary in order to make you the most comfortable both during your session and in your nude photographs.
It’s essential that your skin be free of unnatural indentions during our session. To help ensure we avoid this common problem, for your travel to my studio, please consider wearing loose fitting clothing (think warm ups) that won’t constrict your body. Additionally, I’d strongly recommend against wearing undergarments or jewelry as they can often be more constrictive than outer clothing and will cause skin indentions that will appear in the product of my fine art nude photography.
Feel free to bring simple accessories like earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, flowers, or cloth wraps. Based on what you have available, we may elect to use those during your session. Or, for the purity of the session, you may choose to ignore all accoutrements. Please do not wear these items as you travel to the session, but instead have them available upon your arrival as those items may cause unnatural indentations.
So that you’re not asked to be nude when you’re not being photographed, you’ll probably be most comfortable if you bring a robe or other covering for those moments when I’m adjusting lighting or between photographs.
I recommend that you use moisturizer immediately before we begin our portrait session. I also recommend that you have a manicure a few days before the session as your hands may be featured in the photography.
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your photo session and avoid alcohol. You’d be amazed how easily bags under your eyes can detract from your photos! You should also avoid stress during your photo session. Since my goal is to make sure you look natural, bring things that help you relax. We can even play your favorite CD. Avoid stressors like your ringing cell phone or arriving late to your photo session after a long drive.
If you’re a photographer and you’d like to use this information on your own web site, please place the following statement and link (URL) wherever you use this text: “This information was provided by fine art nude photographer Rob Greer (http://www.robgreerfineart.com).” Thanks a bunch!