No matter what youre doing, it's a good idea to display a certain level of confidence whenever possible. And this definitely holds true for erotic photo shoots. A confident attitude on your part will inspire trust from your models. And when it comes to nude models, a little trust goes a long way.
Fortunately, you dont need years of experience and tons of photographic expertise to feel a real sense of confidence during your nude shoots. All you need to do is stay within your photographic limits and resist the urge to attempt to do more than your skills at the time allow.
In my eBook, SKIN: The Complete Guide to Glamour and Nude Photography (available at www.InsideGlamourShop.com), I cover many techniques that will get you quickly up and running.
Killer Mistake 2: NOT BEING ASSERTIVE WITH YOUR MODEL DIRECTION
Nude shoots require that you direct your models in a variety of ways. The most obvious time for direction will be during the actual shooting process. Its at this time that you'll be directing her movements and interacting with her in ways that will produce the best possible images.
However, this isn't the only time that direction will come into play. If youre going to make the best use of your time, you'll need to conduct your shoots as efficiently as possible. This will require giving your models clear instructions regarding such things as hair, makeup, wardrobe, and a million and one other things.
Killer Mistake 3: PRETENDING TO KNOW MORE THAN YOU DO
No matter what your experience level - from absolute beginner to seasoned professional - I think you'll find that nearly every model you work with will be a lot of fun to have around.
However, I have one warning: Nude models have a sixth sense when it comes to spotting impostors. Because of this, I suggest you dont try to fake a model into thinking you're a more advanced photographer than you actually are.
But here's the good news: If you simply be yourself, be sincere, and be honest about your abilities, I can guarantee that your models will appreciate it.
Killer Mistake 4: NOT HAVING A PLAN FOR YOUR SHOOT
Don't get me wrong, erotic photo shoots don't need to be planned out with the precision of a military parade. However, at the very least, it's a good idea to have some sort of outline regarding the things you'll want to accomplish during your shoots.
Most likely, you'll go into your shoots with a goal in mind regarding the number of images and sets you'd like to capture. And you'll quickly discover that you're far more likely to reach this goal if you have some type of shoot plan.
I cover this topic in more detail in my book, SKIN: The Complete Guide to Glamour and Nude Photography (available at www.InsideGlamourShop.com).
Killer Mistake 5: NOT BEING ORGANIZED
Not having some form of organization regarding shoots is a mistake many new photographers make. If youre looking to have both creative and commercial success with your erotic photography, its a good idea not to be one of them.
And while I definitely suggest you have some sort of organization regarding your shoots, its not necessary that every piece of equipment be in the ideal spot or that you need to come up with an extraordinarily detailed shooting schedule.
I'm simply saying that when your model arrives, she should immediately sense that youve put some time and thought into the shoot and that you have a clear idea regarding what you want to do and how you're going to do it.
In other words, dont greet her at the door wearing nothing but your socks and holding a bowl of Trix.
