A Guide to Nude Model Photography

Nude photography

Capturing the beauty of the naked human body is a special challenge for every photographer. The model’s pose and the use of light and shadow can make or break a nude photo. On this page, the well-known photography duo from Arnhem, Hans Toonen and Hans Wientjens, tell you about their work and approach. They talk not only about technique, but also about the equally important interaction with the model in nude photography.

Who are Hans Toonen and Hans Wientjens?

It was in the pub that Toonen and Wientjens first met. Toonen: ‘It turned out that our artistic ideas were quite similar. Our collaboration once started with designing record sleeves, some of which were partly illustrated.’ The cover of the legendary Doe Maar LP 4US, for example, was created by the duo.

‘After that, the commissions quickly started coming in. Above all, we wanted to create beautiful things. At the time, we found photography an interesting medium that allowed us to express that well and create images relatively quickly.’ Neither of them studied photography. They taught themselves, at a time when there were no YouTube videos to guide you step by step towards better photography. ‘We grew up in the analogue era. That was more romantic than digital, but at the same time also more exciting and challenging. You really had to know what you were doing in terms of image and technique before pressing that button.’ After all, the result could not be checked immediately on a screen.

Want to know more about Toonen and Wientjens? Then take a look at their website, or The New Photoschool.

Toonen and Wientjens nude photography: always classy

They are best known for their nude photography for Playboy. Their photos have appeared on many covers of the Dutch edition - and of course inside as well. Challenging, provocative, but always stylish: that is their trademark. In their own words, they create nude photos that women also find beautiful. In this interview, they talk about their way of working and share their view on this genre within model photography.

To clear up a possible misunderstanding right away: nude photography is not the same as glamour photography. ‘In our opinion, nude and glamour are two fundamentally different disciplines,’ says Wientjens. ‘With glamour, you present a very beautiful and usually perfected image of someone. That can be erotic. With nude – the word says it all – the starting point is genuine nudity and possibly also eroticism. Whether or not the image is perfected is another matter.’'

For the pair, there is no major distinction between nude and aesthetic or artistic nude. Wientjens: ‘A photo for Playboy generally looks different from an artistic nude photo, because in a Playboy shoot the aspect of seduction and sensuality plays a role; looking at a beautiful woman. Photographed in a different way, however, nude can also gain artistic value, even if the photo is explicit. In both cases, in our view, you can speak of an aesthetic nude photo.’

‘Toonen: ‘For us, a nude photo must always be classy and stylish, regardless of the style and theme. We do not photograph women as objects of desire. Perhaps that is why women also like our nude photos.’ People often find the lighting, which Wientjens always takes care of, very beautiful. ‘We love three-dimensional images,’ he explains. ‘Light and shadow are equally important in our photos.’

Respect

‘Communication with the model is very important,’ says Toonen. ‘Be clear, but do not stand too close to her. Treat her with respect and, above all, do not touch her if you ever want to take a good photo again and do not want to get a bad reputation.’ They still hear stories from models dealing with ‘dodgy would-be photographers’ who promise golden careers, or continue shooting until late in the evening and then say: you can stay the night. Wientjens: ‘Unfortunately, some models still fall for it. They think it is part of the job if you want to get more assignments. It is not.’

During a shoot, the photographer usually gives the model instructions about the pose she (or he) should adopt. ‘Do not make it too complicated,' Toonen advises beginners. ‘Go for stylish, natural poses. If you get stuck, let the model do a pose she thinks is cool. That is fun for her and it can also give you new ideas.’ Also vary your camera angles. ‘Instead of zooming,’ Wientjens explains. ‘Bend your knees or stand a little higher. Take a few steps to the left or right, forwards or backwards.’

Working with a make-up artist or stylist is also recommended. ‘That way, you start off well straight away. And it is also an extra pair of eyes during the shoot,’ says Toonen. ‘A make-up artist pays attention to completely different things than the photographer, and you should not underestimate that. Often it is the details that make a photo not just good, but very good.’