How To Shoot Naked People


In the coming weeks we’ll be speaking with some of the talented amateur photographers competing in our 2012 Pedestrian Photography Awards presented by Lipton Ice Tea + Contiki. This week it’s Brisbane based photographer, Stuart Chapman, who gives us a quick, non-pervy crash course on how to make your subject feel comfortable with taking their clothes off.

Talk us through the most magical photo you’ve ever taken. I think the most magical photo I’ve ever taken is yet to come. Capturing any moment that is close and personal to the individual is quite special and magical. Then there’s the epic moments that form before your eyes and you’ve just got to respond. I see the process and experience of working with other artistic and creative minded people to be the magic. I think you can feel the magic evolving over several images throughout the process. The camera is the middle man and the outcome is the icing on the top. Sometimes I haven’t noticed special photos until I’ve gone back through them. The slightest movement or change can make all the difference in capturing the shot you want.

Why do you shoot? I love to shoot as there’s a special feeling that comes with creating something new and fresh from scratch. I love working with people that allow me capture them in a different light, and allow me to experiment and play creatively. Fundamentally it beats doing a lot of other things.

What equipment do you use? I love the process of combining film and motion. Experimenting with Super 8 film and converting it into digital format to get unique, natural effects is the bomb for me. I love “in the moment”, candid, organic natural outcomes and filters. Unknown results keeps the process fun. So any old 8mm camera. Canon 7D, Canon Powershot G12 and iPhone 4S for everyday occasions and Instagram lovin…

Describe the first photo you took. The first photo I took would have probably consisted of producing something with one of my Mum’s old Kodak film cameras. I remember them circulating around back in the day. I probably consistently captured blurry out of focus nothingness… Not much has changed.

Describe the last photo you took. The most recent photo I took was of some plants out in the backyard. Kind of close up detailed and abstract compositions.

What’s the most useful photography advice someone has ever given you? Don’t know about advice I’ve received but advice I can give… Surround yourself with talented, creative people that share a common desire. Keep your camera close by and be ready for the opportunity. It can present itself at the oddest times. Enjoy the experience and let things flow naturally, this will result in a comfortable atmosphere to shoot in and will deliver the best possible outcomes and experience.

How do you create an environment in which someone is comfortable being so carefree and naked? It’s important to create a relaxed environment that works well for everyone involved. You don’t want the environment to feel rigid or constructed. I like to create an energy that feels natural and as though it’s meant to be happening. You have to create an alternate experience and allow everyone to relax. Building a healthy laid back relationship and being personable, tangible and approachable helps create a comfortable space and allows everyone to let go of any insecurities.

What is the visual definition of summer? The visual definition or essence of summer for me is capturing life in the moment. In the context of everything, nothing may be something. Summer is not contrived and posy unless it is. Summer is warmth, fun, sex, mystery, deja vu. A time for living. The days are long and full of optimism and the nights are filled with dreams. Or something like that.

The 2012 Photo of the Year and respective category winners will be announced in December. The Lipton Ice Tea Virgin Cocktails Summer Exhibition Tour kicks off soon after in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. With only a week and a half to go, you better get submitting!

Images supplied.

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