Nude Self Portraits

[agoglanian]

Steph, my roommate had done a lot of self portrait nudes, mostly because no one else would pose for him! but aside from that, they turned out great, he had really dark and moody lighting which added lots of definition.

anyways.

all the responses here really are correct. this has to be something you do for yourself steph, obviously you are not bashful ( which is great for a photographer ). Naturally the pessimistic will see only the negative side of this matter, the risks, etc, etc.

but, i think what they fail to see is that you said this is something you have thought seriously about for the last 2 years. and i agree, if you know this is something you want to do. then by all means, do it. art is about self-expression, who says there has to be rules?

i encourage you to do what feels right to you, and if you post them on here, that is entirely up to you, and shouldn't be swayed by us. ( especially stupid young 20 year olds like me ) .


oh, and just a side note,

a lot of photographers that do self portraits often have their cable release showing, its almost like a statement. that is. IMO.

but there are always ways of hiding them. and the bulb release that RJ showed is definately what you would want to use, because it is easy to manipulate, ,be it with a hand, or a foot, or sitting on it, or someting of the like! haha.

the options are limited only by your mind, and your drive for creativity.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

It's about me doing some portraits/abstracts that just happen to have nude me in them. That's what it's about. Nothing more, nothing less. I may or may not post the shots here for comment. My main concerns now are lighting and which film to use. 🙂

and whether the membership here would be interested in buying them so that you might avoid getting another job and get out of debt.

I think for many here, it was those parts which triggered warning bells. what you wrote above and what you wrote originally are two very different things, and will elicit two very different responses, IMHO. If you had merely asked a question regarding the technical nature of accomplishing your new project you would not have stirred up nearly the hornets nest of activity you did.

If it is now merely about self-portraiture and the technical aspects of capturing oneself nude on film, might I suggest you delete this acrimonyous thread and begin anew? It might be better for everyone.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

The buying them thing was for if I do decide to sell prints. I probably won't.

I'm not going to change the original post, but that wasn't my intention and you guys should know better than to think that would be my intention.

 

[IGMeanwell]

If getting natural light is a huge problem .... and this goes for portraits in general

I own 3 clamp lights I got for 10 bucks each from the local hardware store and put 100w natural spectrum light bulbs in them (about 5 bucks for four)

with three you can position them however you like and get total light on the subject or background light... or play with shadows all you like

they are a cheap and easy solution, its my personal way of not having to use flash

 

[back alley]

the original questions...

would anyone actually buy something like this?

yes, many people, man & woman, would buy nudes, any kind of nudes for all kinds of reasons.

Would it be weird for you?

for me? not at all.
i like looking at nudes.
but then, i'm an old man and i doubt there is much left out there that would make me feel 'weird' just looking at it.

joe

 

[amateriat]

Hmm...interesting synchronicity of posts, Steph...

 

[FrankS]

I think everyone should have nude pictures of themselves done in their adult prime. After the prime has passed, that option is no longer available and you will never again look like that. The next best option is to have nude portraits of yourself at this moment in time. The question of whether to make those pictures public or to sell them, is something else entirely.

 

[raid]

Frank: I agree with you. If I would take nude slef-portraits of my self, the film would most likely complain and self-destruct.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

That's what I think, Frank. I'm afraid that if I don't do it now I'll lose the ability to do so later. It'll be a fun experiment in sexuality for me.

Nudes are really only the first step for me. I want to get a model at some point and try out my hand at a few Japanese rope tricks...if you've seen Beauty Bound shots by Midori you'll know what I'm talking about. I feel that if I am not willing to get in front of a camera nude that I couldn't ask a model to do it for me...so me first and then the model.

I don't think this is something that I would be ashamed to tell my children/grandchildren about. I've always had an open mind and this situation is no different to me. I'll most likely keep the shots for the rest of my life. I'm not ashamed of my body and I wouldn't be ashamed to tell *anyone* that I did this. The more conservative members of my family may flip out, but they'll come around in the end after I explain (perhaps 5 or 6 times) about the artistic drive behind the photos. 😉

 

[ch1]

I think everyone should have nude pictures of themselves done in their adult prime. After the prime has passed, that option is no longer available and you will never again look like that. The next best option is to have nude portraits of yourself at this moment in time. The question of whether to make those pictures public or to sell them, is something else entirely.

Sorry Frank, have to disagree.

What was that "nude" calendar the late middle-aged women in small town in England did a few years ago to raise money for charity?

It sold like hot cakes!

The whole rationale was: Why should we be ashamed of our bodies at any age?

 

[blakley]

To try to answer some questions you've asked rather than giving unsolicited advice, Stephanie:

1. My favorite film for portraits in B&W is Delta 100. It has beautifully fine grain and really nice tonality, though it's a little finicky to develop. I'd recommend trying it out on a less important subject first to see how it handles. I think it's best in ID-11.

2. The last thing you want for this material is "normal" natural light. When I do portraits I like directional light with strong shadows. My second choice is high-key. I bet you'll like either of these better than diffuse outdoor light for what you're trying to do.

3. The suggestion of a full-length mirror is one you'll kick yourself if you don't heed.

4. Continuous lighting is going to be essential for this if you can't use natural light. Since
you can presumably hold a pose, you can use quite dim lights, and since you're shooting B&W color temperature doesn't matter. Therefore, get a few mechanic's lights with clamps and 100W bulbs, and you can clip them to furniture instead of using light stands.

5. The self-timer release sounds like a good idea, but it isn't, because you'll be rushing to get into poses & they'll look unnatural. Use the cable release & get over it. Paint it black and put it in a shadow area - that's what shadows are for.

6. Regarding whether you should do this or not, it's a silly question. Whether you should show the results or not is not a silly question, but it will be much easier to answer with prints in hand.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Frank: I agree with you. If I would take nude slef-portraits of my self, the film would most likely complain and self-destruct.

Ah, Raid, have you seen the Travis-ties at some other site? Overblown highlights, super-contrast, all flash and only given life by a title? Nudes need not be defined by age, my friend.

They are, however, driven by it.

 

[RJBender]

That's what I think, Frank. I'm afraid that if I don't do it now I'll lose the ability to do so later. It'll be a fun experiment in sexuality for me.

Nudes are really only the first step for me. I want to get a model at some point and try out my hand at a few Japanese rope tricks...if you've seen Beauty Bound shots by Midori you'll know what I'm talking about. I feel that if I am not willing to get in front of a camera nude that I couldn't ask a model to do it for me...so me first and then the model.

I don't think this is something that I would be ashamed to tell my children/grandchildren about. I've always had an open mind and this situation is no different to me. I'll most likely keep the shots for the rest of my life. I'm not ashamed of my body and I wouldn't be ashamed to tell *anyone* that I did this. The more conservative members of my family may flip out, but they'll come around in the end after I explain (perhaps 5 or 6 times) about the artistic drive behind the photos. 😉

Oh, these are going to be erotic nudes with bondage and stuff?

R.J.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

The buying them thing was for if I do decide to sell prints. I probably won't.

I'm not going to change the original post, but that wasn't my intention and you guys should know better than to think that would be my intention.

sorry i missed it, just going by what you actually posted, rather than trying to assume something about you, who I don't know from Adam.

I'll repeat my best wishes, in case you missed them before, and retire for the evening.

 

[jlw]

I feel that if I am not willing to get in front of a camera nude that I couldn't ask a model to do it for me.

I'm not sure this makes sense logically. I can't cook worth a damn, but that doesn't stop me from eating.

Models are supposed to be good at modeling, and photographers are supposed to be good at photographing. There's some overlap in these two disciplines, but not necessarily a lot.

What I'm saying is, don't rule out the idea of working with a model, if only to practice ideas that you later want to execute on yourself.



Incidentally, this viewpoint has nothing to do with the fact that you're contemplating photographing nudes, or even self-portraiture in general.

Over the years I've spent a lot of time seeing modern-dance choreography, and one thing I've observed is that it's difficult for a choreographer -- even a talented choreographer -- to create a solo for him/herself. It's something that a lot of choreographers do, if only because it makes it a lot easier to schedule rehearsals!... but the fact is that choreographers seldom do their best work on themselves, at least not until they're very, very experienced. There's a perspective and detachment that comes from being able to sit back and look at the work that doesn't happen when you're also in the work.

 

[Byuphoto]

Being an old guy, I've earned the right to sound like one. I had a lot of adventures in my twenties that I was "completely comfortable with" at the time. Now, a few decades and a few miles later, with daughters and granddaughters of my own, no way am I even comfortable thinking about those adventures. So continue giving it serious thought, as you obviously have been doing. Make sure it's something you can be "completely comfortable with" for a long, long time... and something that those who are dear to you (and those who will be dear to you) can be completely comfortable with for a long, long time. As mentioned, models etc. can be found and there are other options that would allow you to enjoy this art form.

I have to totally agree. In my mis-spent youth I di many stupid stunts the worst of which was getting 7 tattoos and one of a marijuana leaf. I am now 50 yrs old and can not remove my shirt in public. Now do not get me wrong I am not saying don't I am just saying this will have repercussions for the rest of your life. Even this post will be on the info hwy a long time.
As a studio photographer I can offer some advice. If you want nice soft natural light then a north facing window or open door and some homemade backgrounds and a home made white reflector will work very nicely. If you want lights then either the clamp on work lights with screw in bulbs or the much more powerfull and hotter halogen lights will work. Either one will require a diffuser stand in front of them because the heat buildup will burn a softbox. You could also use two hotshoe flashes. One on camera with difusser and one off camera for main light.
Here are two excellent links for cheap DIY lighting and lighting in general
http://www.reverso.com/url/result.a...oclass/&url=http://super.nova.org/PhotoClass/
http://super.nova.org/DPR/#Index
Good luck in whatever you do

 

[Huck Finn]

116 posts on one thread in 24 hours has to be some kind of a record.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

To try to answer some questions you've asked rather than giving unsolicited advice, Stephanie:

1. My favorite film for portraits in B&W is Delta 100. It has beautifully fine grain and really nice tonality, though it's a little finicky to develop. I'd recommend trying it out on a less important subject first to see how it handles. I think it's best in ID-11.

2. The last thing you want for this material is "normal" natural light. When I do portraits I like directional light with strong shadows. My second choice is high-key. I bet you'll like either of these better than diffuse outdoor light for what you're trying to do.

3. The suggestion of a full-length mirror is one you'll kick yourself if you don't heed.

4. Continuous lighting is going to be essential for this if you can't use natural light. Since
you can presumably hold a pose, you can use quite dim lights, and since you're shooting B&W color temperature doesn't matter. Therefore, get a few mechanic's lights with clamps and 100W bulbs, and you can clip them to furniture instead of using light stands.

5. The self-timer release sounds like a good idea, but it isn't, because you'll be rushing to get into poses & they'll look unnatural. Use the cable release & get over it. Paint it black and put it in a shadow area - that's what shadows are for.

6. Regarding whether you should do this or not, it's a silly question. Whether you should show the results or not is not a silly question, but it will be much easier to answer with prints in hand.

I've used Delta 400 and liked it...I'll have to try 100. I was thinking of trying out a new developer for these shots and watching exposure and development times CAREFULLY. It won't be the same as using Diafine. I'm also planning on using some super slow films as well...experimentation is going to be the key here.

I want to play with using natural light in some, but since I do want to play around with highlights/shadows I will want to try some other lighting setups. And it's mechanics lights that we have plenty of around here. I can probably find some tungston (spelling tonight...not my strong suit) bulbs to put in them. 100 watt Reveal bulbs may not be a bad thing either.

I have a full length mirror and I'm going to enlist my boyfriend's help in doing this. He doesn't like the idea much right now, but he's gradually warming up to the whole thing. I just have to keep reminding him that it's about art.

I'll be finding a self timer with a bulb as soon as I possibly can. I think that it may help with my current project as well as this one and future projects.

 

[dostacos]

Rusty sporks work better for that sort of thing anyway. *runs*

well little missy do you know WHERE sporks came from and why? 😀

I would suggest getting a book or two on the subject [lighting nudes, not where sporks come from] and I bet you can find a model or two that would be willing to pose for a portfolio. Why models you ask, PRACTICE, once you are happy with the settings, lighting etc THEN add the additional issue of adding yourown fine self. one less issue to deal with.

remember my opinion AND 89cents gets you a large coffee at 7/11 if ya bring your own cup

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Oh, and I didn't say that this was going to be *good* photography. It's more of an experiment than anything. The photos may suck. But I think that I'll be more comfortable with the whole idea of shooting nudes if I shoot myself first. Don't as me why...couldn't really tell you.