Blog « Nude Photo Workshops

Search

It’s been a very busy five weeks. The first three weeks of July were in Iceland, first with a workshop in collaboration with Focus on Nature, then a week to shoot for myself, then a private mentorship for five days with two individual photographers. From Iceland it was on to Aspen, Colorado for a lighting workshop, and now in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a six day “Figure in the Western Landscape” through The Santa Fe Workshops.

We’ve got some wonderful models, a great crew and talented participants. We’re already feeling like one big family, and lots of great images are being made.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

It’s so amazing to be back in Iceland. The dramatic quality of the land, intensified by the placement of a figure within it is a constant source of inspiration for the participants.

It’s a privilege to work with talented models and passionate participants. The second image was from a demonstration I did about scale relationship when placing a figure into the landscape.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

This past weekend I scouted the magnificent ranch where our fine art nude workshop will be held July 31st to August 6th. Here are a few pictures I shot to give you a feel for the remarkable opportunities to work in.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

We’re in the last couple of weeks of registration for the Iceland Nude Photo Workshop, and to help fill the remaining spots, I’m offering a signed, limited edition print from the “Defining Eden” series. This image was created in the lava fields on the eastern side of Iceland, with two gifted dancers from The Iceland Ballet.

In order to win this print, valued at $750, you must either register for the Iceland Nude Photo Workshop, or refer someone who does. Along with an Early Bird discount that has been extended until May 31st, this is a great time to sign up for a once in a lifetime workshop.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Coming from a strong background in fine art landscape photography as well as studio photography for advertising, I’m keenly aware of the effect great lighting has in creating images.

Because of that, when I am shooting fine art nudes, I always try to scout locations in advance so that I can pick the time of day when the light on the figure and the light on the background is optimal.

Here’s a great example. While teaching the Joshua Tree Nude Workshop, I saw this location late afternoon. The sun was setting off to the left, so the rocks and the model were in shadow. And because I had to open up to expose properly for them, the sky was very light. In fact, I had to pull back the highlights from the raw file in Lightroom during processing.

Notice the difference in the image when I returned the next morning. Now the sun was in off to the right, allowing me to make a full sun exposure so the sky was properly exposed. And the light coming from the side also put the model in full light while the cave was in shadow, creating wonderful separation of values. In addition, the oblique angle of the sun also accentuated the texture and dimensionality of the rock.

Shooting great fine art nude photography is really no different that shooting any other subject. Have patience, shop for the light, and plan accordingly.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

One of the greatest problems I see in teaching photography is that photographers can get tunnel vision while shooting. They see something they like compositionally, and then keep working the scenario for an extended period of time, often times overstaying their stay.

I certainly think it is important to be focused on one image until it is optimized. I say optimized, not perfect, because I do not believe there is such a thing as perfection in the three dimensional world. That said, once you’ve done your best with a particular image, it’s time to explore the arc both in 360 degrees around the subject, and 90 degrees from ground to overhead if possible. Changing location, and changing lens focal length can reveal new opportunities for more, and possibly better images.

The key is balancing patience and intuition, knowing when it is time to stay in a situation, and when it is time to move on and push into new territory. It’s a fine line, one that is different for every photographer I observe and mentor. Allowing the flow of images to evolve is a liberating experience, and everyone grows from it artistically as well.

The key approach of my nude photo workshops is that I do not shoot for myself. Rather, I spend time observing what a photographer is shooting, and their lens choice, and position in relation to the model. Then, I will look for other vantage points, camera angles and lens options to expand their thinking. Then, I show these pictures to the photographer to help them see another way to look at their work.

The images here are not finished, as I did not direct the model, but they give a sense of how I teach this approach.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

As photographers, we pride ourselves on our creativity. A terrific asset to have, without a doubt, but one that can limit us if we think all the ideas have to come from us.

In fact, as artists we can look to other forms of expression such as film and theatre to see the value of collaboration. When specialists in different categories bring their expertise to the party, the result is clearly better than if the director insisted on only presenting his or her vision. And such is the case when we shoot fine art nude photography.

I think the best investment we can make is in hiring the most talented model available, and then making them a partner in the process of creation. Once you give them the idea behind the image, and basic direction, they can expand upon that concept or add subtle nuances to it through their movement or gesture. In this way, they not only are the vehicle for our vision, but can bring their knowledge of movement, art and life to the image as well. In fact, collaborating with your model is often the difference between a good shoot and a great one, and it is something I stress throughout our Nude Photo Workshops.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today we packed up the SUV’s and headed to our location near Joshua Tree for the first time. Beautiful sunny skies, and a temperature around 80 degrees made for a comfortable day.

The attendees met our two wonderful models Sabrina and Natalie, both gifted dancers. After a short demonstration so I could show people how I approach finding a location and deciding on a pose, they all took their turns individually directing a model.

Lots of fun, and I’ll be sharing some tips and images over the next three days.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

As we get closer to the Nude Photo Workshop in Iceland, I’ve started reviewing some of the remarkable locations I shot in the last time I was there. This image is from Hofn, which has a wonderful bay and view of the glaciers beyond. In the tradition of photographers like Ansel Adams, this location has the classic opportunities for strong foreground, middle ground and background elements.

For information on the workshop, and to register, go to Nude Photo Workshops.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

A one day intensive fine art nude photography workshop has just been added to the website, NudePhotoWorkshops.com. I’ve discovered an incredible piece of private property in Topanga Canyon, California which will afford amazing opportunities for the aspiring fine art nude photographer.

Just $199. for the day, working with two models!

For details, go to the page for Topanga Canyon Nude Photo Workshop.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »