Three Go-To Poses for Fine Art Nudes (NSFW)

Fine art nude photography is unique in that the nude form is your blank canvas. The possibilities for expression are endless. There is no clothing to detract from the subject, just the model in all their purity. This is why posing, one of your strongest elements for expressions, is of the utmost importance when it comes to creating beautiful fine art nude images. Here I will show you three go-to poses when working with fine art nudes and how to vary them for endless possibilities.

The body language of your subject will communicate a great deal about the intent of your photograph, as well as the persona of your model. If the model is curled up in a ball, with hands drawn in and head slightly downward, that often communicates insecurity and a somewhat self-protective pose. A subject standing tall, elongating with hands on the hips communicates confidence and strength.

When photographing a fine art nude meant to flatter my subject’s form, I will often bring photographs for inspiration to help direct my subject to desired poses. I like to start my session with an idea of the goals and the type of image that I want to create so that I can direct my subject and utilize my lighting to meet these visual goals.

For most subjects I have a handful of go-to poses that I have memorized to get me started. These poses guarantee a flattering image of my subject to help build comfort and confidence in my abilities. When I start with these go-to poses I can immediately show beautiful images to my subject, and then move on to more challenging poses or ideas.

In truth, there is no "wrong" way to pose a nude. One of the beautiful things about nude photography is that there are no absolutes and that there are such varying approaches to the art form. That being said, I’d like to share with you three of my go-to poses that I use to establish rapport with my subjects.

Pose 1: Knee Tucked Over, Hip Out

This pose really is the foundation for so many different poses and variations. It is beautiful because it helps show off the subject’s curves and form, and allows you to play with light raking across the shape.

Here the subject tucks her right knee over her left, and really sticks out her right hip. She bends at the waist and pulls up through the chest. Here, to keep the form clean, she is raising her left arm above her head, and touches her right arm to her shoulder.

Now watch in the next shot how we choose a wider frame, change the position of the hands, and the pose looks completely different, though the foundations are the same.

Note: Modifications of this pose can also be made to create an "implied nude." By placing an arm over the chest and having the groin in shadow, now the nude becomes implied.

Pose 2: Turned to Side, Front Leg Up, Chest Lifted Up

This is another foundational pose that is really great for photographing your subject in profile or in silhouette (complete black or when light is wrapping around from behind).

Turned slightly to the side, the subject slightly raises the knee closest to the camera and arches their lower back. They can raise their knee by simply going up on toe, or by using a small apple box (½ or ¼ apple box).

While arching the lower back, the subject should still lift the chest to help tighten the stomach area and create lift in the chest. To emphasize the curve in the lower back, the subject may lean forward at the chest lightly while still elongating. Again, endless variation is available based on arm position, hand position, and negative space. To help lift the chest, the subject can raise their arms to a position above the head to firm and lift.

This pose is helpful for concealing "private areas," even when lighting is high-key or shadows do not help you to conceal. Also consider shooting this pose from different angles around the subject for variety (Image 4 from an angle more behind the subject, where as Image 3 is from side/profile view).

Consider moving the arms to the hips, waist, or chest for differing compositions. As seen in Image 5, this pose is great for subtly in fine art nude posing when other elements are meant to dominate the frame — in this case the creative lighting effect.

Pose 3: On Side, Top Knee Over

In this pose the subject will lay on one leg to the side. The bottom leg carries the weight, slightly bent at the knee. The top leg is bent over (hip kicked up). The subject supports their weight (softly) with the outside arm. Here the inside arm is raised to the next. Notice the softly pointed feet helping lend to the elegancy of the image and the relaxed fingers.

This pose also lends itself to variety. Change position of the inside arm for a wide range of poses (here, on the floor).

Keeping the exact same leg position, you can even have the model lay towards the ground for a more dramatic reclining position.

In Image 8 we have used this pose (with the subject reclining further to the side) in order to make a compelling silhouette. The model turns her head so the profile of her face is caught by the same light carving out her form.

When I’m shooting a fine art nude session, I generally begin with these poses or slight variations on these poses to help me begin to direct and communicate with the model. I‘m able to establish flattering images, build confidence, and use these images as a foundation for success through the rest of the shoot.

I hope that these foundation poses help you in your next fine art nude shoot!

(Feature excerpt from Lindsay Adler’s Fine Art Nude video series: http://fan.lindsayadlerphotography.com)

Download a FREE 30 pose guide at: fan.lindsayadlerphotography.com/fan-dancer-guide

If you’d like to see this posing in action, review more go-to poses, and learn more about fine art nude photography, check out my Fine Art Nude video series covering lighting, posing, and more! Fstoppers readers can save 50% off with code FST-FAN15.