How to Photograph the Male Nude

Co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni

Last Updated: April 21, 2024

The beauty of the male form is an ideal photo subject and makes for a great photography theme. In this article, you will learn some of the things you need to know to take great shots of the male nude–from finding models to posing, composition, and lighting.

Photographing the male nude gives you a thousand choices. Choose well and you'll have more than a naked picture–you'll have art.

Steps

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1
Find a model. You're asking a guy to pose nude for you for hours at a time, so he needs to know you're legitimate. Professional artist models are used to posing nude, but most people aren't. So it is important to show prospective models a portfolio of your best pictures. Draw out what you plan to photograph. That way, there will be no surprises during the shoot. Some good model sources include:^{[1]
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- model agencies
- ads in photo magazines
- college art departments
2
Decide where to shoot. Remember, the focus is on the body, not the background. That said, paper or cloth backgrounds can transform an ordinary room into a photo studio.
- And shooting outside gives you great natural light. A nude beach is perfect but a secluded garden or yard will do.
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Keep the room as warm as your model would like it. Put up a storyboard of what you plan to shoot. That way, the model knows exactly where you're going. Also, provide a changing room.^{[2]
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Get the lighting sorted. Use some strobe flash heads with either chimera softboxes or reflecting umbrellas. You can rent these, including the stands, for under US$75.^{[3]
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- If your camera can't fire the lights, rent an independent socket that you can attach to the camera's hot-shoe. Attach a sync cable to the flash unit, so that the strobes fire when you snap the pictures.
- And use a light meter to set the exposure.
There are many ways to light the male nude, but since the male form is all about the muscles, you want to light in a way that highlights these best. Light from angles that cause the muscles to cast shadows on each other. Go really dramatic with only using backlight or use no light on the subject at all, exposing the background and creating a silhouette.^{[4]
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The male body is about power. Muscles. Make them stand out. Have your model flex or twist his shoulders off-axis from his hips. This creates a sense of movement.^{[5]
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Just look at the form in front of you, as if it were an abstract sculpture or a landscape. What shapes are interesting? There's no need to show the full Monty unless it adds to your picture. Usually, showing it will distract viewers from everything else in the picture.
Steer clear of the pornographic.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What nude photography etiquette should I follow as a photographer?

Brynne Zaniboni
Professional Photographer
Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge.

Brynne Zaniboni

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Establish clear and open communication with your model. Discuss boundaries and expectations beforehand, and encourage them to voice any concerns they may have. Throughout the shoot, be respectful of the model's comfort levels. Check-in regularly to ensure they feel at ease and address any issues that may arise. Always ask for consent before making any adjustments or suggestions. Also, take the time to genuinely get to know your model and show interest in their experiences, preferences, and reasons for participating in the shoot. This can help build trust and rapport, creating a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. Lastly, maintain your professionalism at all times, treating the model with dignity and respect. Avoid making any inappropriate comments or gestures, and ensure that the model feels safe and valued throughout the entire process.

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Question

What happens if a female photographer wants me to have erection during the photo session?

Community Answer

If you are comfortable with that, try to think of something that arouses you. If that makes you uncomfortable, request that she finds a new model.

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Where do I find professional models for photography?

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Model Mayhem can search your local area for models of all types.

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