One of the prime advantages of a seamless backdrop within the field of nude and erotic photography is that it gives the photographer the ability to create a virtually undetectable transition between the backdrop and the floor. This is done by extending the backdrop vertically until it reaches the horizontal surface (where the model will be positioned) and then gently curving it and extending it out to cover the floor as well.

When viewed from the side, the backdrop will look like a slightly rounded “L” shape. This technique can be used in a variety of interesting ways. Since there is no detectable “background”, emphasis on the subject becomes more pronounced. This technique is commonly used in fashion photography.

Whether the background is made of cloth or paper, you’re going to have to hang it from somewhere. You can, of course, try taping it to a wall. This is the easiest way to do it (as long as the tape is strong enough). Small nails can also work well.

However, If you find yourself using backdrops often, there will probably be times when you will want to use it in places other than against a wall. If this becomes the case, I suggest that you invest in equipment that is made specifically for the job. The least expensive way is with two vertical stands and a horizontal pole resting between them.

A slightly more expensive (but far steadier) way to do it is with two telescoping poles that fit snugly between your floor and ceiling with a crossbar between them that provides the horizontal span from which to hang the backdrop. With seamless paper, the crossbar would go inside the tube (just as you would hang a roll of paper towels). When using cloth backdrops, simply use small clamps to attach the material to the crossbar.

Okay, enough about the “nuts and bolts” of backdrops. The important question is, “Are backdrops important for shooting nude and erotic images?”. For many of you, the answer will be, “Not very.\” For some of you, however, there will be times when they may come in handy. Within my specialty of nude and erotic photography, I typically use backdrops in two situations. The first is when I’m shooting a potential magazine cover. The second is when I\’m looking to capture a strong “artistic” feel in an image. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, “Money Shots: The Insider’s Guide to the World of Nude & Erotic Photography (available for purchase and immediate download at http://moneyshotsbook.com).

Keep in mind, however, that it’s very difficult to shoot a model in this way without having the result be boring, amateurish, or simply not appealing due to a variety of reasons. Because there is nothing to distract the viewer from the model in this type of image, everything must be “spot on” concerning the photograph. That means that the lighting has to be done well, the styling has to be done well, the makeup and hair have to be done well, and the composition has to be done well. Though it may seem counterintuitive, it often takes more creativity to successfully execute a simple picture than a more complicated one.

Author Bio: Michael Charles is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, California. He is the author of \”Money Shots: The Insider\’s Guide to the World of Nude & Erotic Photography\” (this book is available for purchase and immediate download at http://www.moneyshotsbook.com). For over a decade, Michael has shot exclusively in the world of nude, erotic, and adult-oriented photography. His work has been featured in hundreds of national and international publications and appears on a wide variety of prominent websites. For a complete course on the techniques, styles, moneymaking secrets, and amazing fringe benefits of nude and erotic photography, visit http://www.moneyshotsbook.com.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: nude models,nude photo shoots, adult photo jobs,adult photography,nude photography, erotica