It's time to continue a little project we started few weeks ago. By now you should be an expert in getting your model mentally prepared for the big shoot. You should also be familiar with the considerations that are involved in her wardrobe, makeup and the location. This week we are going to explain some of the technical aspects of shooting amateur photographs that will approach or meet the quality you see in erotic publications. Also, we'll look at a few
sexy poses from your favorite Men's Forte models. So read on for part two of Erotic Digital Photography! Lights! Camera! Action!
Lights
Photography is all about light. Ever since photography's invention we have struggled to capture, focus and adjust the levels of light falling on sensitive film. For digital cameras the process is very much the same. Although, today a photosensitive electronic chip called a CCD (charged coupled device) is beginning to replace film completely. And, even though this chi pis electronic, it functions much the same way as conventional 35mm film does, therefore you have to be aware of a few issues when it comes to lighting your scene.
When I spoke to some professional photographers, they immediately recommended natural lighting as the best for getting accurate skin tones with digital cameras. Apparently, cameras see different types of light in different ways. Getting natural light into your scene may be difficult, so if you must use artificial lighting, read your manual in order to find out how to adjust the white balance of your camera. This compensates for the differences in color you can experience when you aren't using natural light or a flash. Here's how different types of light shape up to both film and digital cameras:
camera flash - white
natural light "" slightly blue
tungsten light (ordinary lightbulb) "" yellow/brown
halogen light "" slightly yellow
fluorescent light "" slightly green
The built in flash was not recommended by my panel of experts because it will usually wash out any skin tones and cause shadows behind the subject that you are photographing. This will create an amateur look to your composition. A cheap and easy way to light the scene is to use a few high-wattage halogen utility lamps. Point them at the ceiling and you'll have reflected light falling down on your subject rather than firing at your subject directly from the side. The light from halogen lamps is extremely bright, but since it is reflected it will diffuse - producing a much softer look to your photos. This is much better than using a flash, just be sure to adjust the white balance on your camera for halogen light.
Camera
Practically any digital camera will do, but obviously the more expensive it is the better quality pictures you will have. If you don't already have one, consider something in the 3.3 to 4 mega-pixel range from a well-respected manufacturer such as Sony, Canon, Nikon or Olympus. You should use a tripod to eliminate any motion blurring. And if you have one, use the camera's remote control, so you can get closer to (or even involved in) the action while the camera does all the work. Also, you don't need an expensive lens filter for the soft focus effects you see in magazines (this is where there seems to be a hazy glow around any bright spots in the scene.) It's easy, just take a small square of plastic wrap and stretch it carefully over the lens while fixing it with an elastic band. Photographers say it works fine and it's cheap, so why not give it a try?
Action
Time to get to work! You've got everything set up, lights, camera and a beautiful and willing girl "" what do you do? First, set the mood by putting on some music. You'll want this to be sexy and sensual but still energetic and upbeat. Knowing what guys usually end up picking for music, it's probably best to let her take care of the tunes. She will know what she likes and what will be most appropriate. If you don't like what she chooses, too bad! "" just be happy you're there in the first place. And remember, we probably aren't going to feel like getting naked to the Sex Pistols anyway!
The best way to start shooting is with some headshots. Here you can test out the lighting setup and your camera while you get into the whole photographer-model role playing scenario. Make any adjustments to the focus, color balance and exposure levels on your camera. As for the action, an interesting way to start might be to begin with your model fully clothed. I know guys, you want to see some skin, but be patient for once and consider a little bit of kinky role playing. For example, pretend that the photo shoot is intended to model a new line of designer clothing, with no sexual intentions whatsoever. Then ask her to be a little bit more revealing each time you take a few shots (just like those sneaky foreign photographers.) Snap, snap, snap. "Unbutton that blouse a little. You're hot!" Snap, snap, snap. "Untuck the blouse. Oh baby!" And so on... Got it?
When you get down to the lingerie, you're going to want her get into positions that are both revealing and flattering. This is difficult to explain so I have included a series of examples below to get you started. Just remember, every girl is different and every body is different. So, you'll have to experiment with a variety of poses and positions in order to find the ones that are most flattering. Start with these and then let your imagination run wild!:
Something More
By this time you should be having fun. If everything is going well and it looks like she could be into something more revealing, why not take it a step further? Trust me, if we are feeling sexy and are in a comfortable situation, anything could happen! A great way to do this is to just carry on with the same method you used to get her out of that blouse. Try asking her to slip her bra straps off her shoulders for a sexy new look. Then ask her to remove the bra while she covers her breasts with her arms or assumes a position that does not reveal her nipples (see the sample poses). Assure her that you won't snap any pictures that show anything she doesn't want seen. If she is comfortable, the next step will have her revealing her breasts to the camera. But in my opinion, you shouldn't have to ask her to do this, it should happen naturally. If she is a little hesitant to get naked, why not suggest that you do the same? I have heard many stories from my male photographer friends, where the girls would only get naked if they did too. Then things really got out of hand! Again, trust me, it does work!
You can take these photographic adventures as far as you want to, or as far as she will go. But remember, both of your comfort levels should remain synchronized through the whole experience. Concentrate on her beauty and at the same time build up her sexual self-esteem. If you think you can pull it off, do some role-playing and experience a new way to relate to your lover. Take tons of pictures and have fun. Chances are, you'll be all over each other before that memory card is full.
