Artists have been enchanted by the nude form of the human body since the dawn of time. Nudes feature heavily in statues and paintings through the ages. The relatively new art form of photography offers even more possibilities for creating nude art

If you want to create nude photos in a tasteful, artistic way, the secret is to take sex out of it. As soon as it looks like your model is trying to look sexy, the photo will start to look tacky. Trying to look sexy works fine in clothed photos – as seen everywhere in advertising. But a nude model trying to look sexy sends a clear message to the viewer that the aim of the photo is to titilate. If you want your photo to look artistic then make sure your model isn’t trying to look sexy.

An easy way to stop your nude photo from looking ‘glam’ is by having the model look away. Virtually all tacky glamour photos have the model looking at the camera. So have her instead gaze off into the distance. Direct her to look ‘lost in thought’. Instantly it’ll look more artistic and ’soulful’.

If you must have her looking at the camera, get her to look moody… Anything but sexy! If you look at European fashion, models like Kate Moss are often scowling in photos. Try to tell a story, show emotion. Your model’s instincts may be to pout and try to look seductive… Guide her to more interesting expressions if she’s looking at the camera, or to just look tranced out and dreamy when she’s looking away.

You can even frame the photo so that the model’s face isn’t in the picture. Then the body becomes an abstract shape rather than a person. Or have her head in the shot but angled so her face isn’t visible. Without an obvious face showing, the photo will become a study of shape and line.

The other important consideration is the lighting. ‘Page 3′ photos are always well lit, with a bright background, and this isn’t what you want. It’s almost impossible to do anything artistic with too much light. What you need is atmosphere, and for that you need shadows. So position your model so the dominant light source is to the side or even behind her. Create shadows. Leave some of the nudity to the imagination.

Just these two things – moody lighting and having the model look away – will instantly make your nude photos look more artistic. Your model will appreciate it too!

If you consider photography as something more than just a creative outlet or a hobby you may be on your way to discovering a new career path, the one that would lead you the success and top profiles. Becoming a photographer is not easy and someone want to become professional photographers will attain their goal. The photography industry is cutthroat and competitive. There are more people who want to become world renowned photographers than there are spaces to fill. Therefore, those who want to fill those spots, or even just become successful at photography on a local level are going to need to have immense creativity and business acumen like no other.

First of all becoming a working professional photographer has to do with one main element; Becoming recognized in the field. People don’t only buy your art; they also buy your credentials. In a sense, their buying what you represent. Often those things you represent will be of intrinsic value to your customers. Such as with whom you’ve worked in the past, where you’ve been published, how long have you been a photographer, where have you traveled to do work and so on?

Secondly you will also want to get as much education under your belt as possible. Throughout your education as a photographer you should also be taking as many photographs as possible to help build your portfolio. You will need to ensure your photography portfolio stands above the rest by paying extra special attending to detail. Look at the book itself, the paper it’s printed on, the font of descriptions, your borders, your themes, picture sizes, colors, layout and so on. Do not simply fill a scrap book or photo album with photographs. Once finished, you should be able to walk away from your portfolio and be impressed with your own work, which is not easy task for many photographers, as most of them are their own worst critics.

Further you should also start looking around for assistant or internship work. Often this work doesn’t pay well but still it will help you learn more about the industry and art. You should try and work under the most respected photographers you can find. By doing this you are adding to your credentials without knowing it. You only want to surround yourself with the best and present your best side all the times.

Moreover you will also need to have a strong sense of business acumen. If you are planning on being like the 50% of other photographers who are self employed, you’ll need to make sure you have a good sense of networking skills, pricing, public relations knowledge and on top of that have a strong sense of creativity and imagination. Being an artist and a business person will be no small feat. It will have you on your toes at all times.

Lastly, you’ll want to narrow your professional interest to one or two main fields. For example you may want to work with press and other media, or you may be interested in photojournalism. Others may be interested in scientific or sports photography. Whatever your interest is, make sure you find the best people in that particular industry and study them. Model your success after theirs.

Nothing worth while comes easy. So, try your best to follow your goal. There will be a ray of light in the end of the day. Most importantly, enjoy your whole journey. The success at the end wouldn’t be as welcome if there wasn’t the struggle at the beginning.