Nude photography locations outdoors

Plav1982 · Oct 24, 2024

Hi everyone I am looking to do my first outdoor nude shoot. I was wondering where would some locations be to shoot ie secluded area. Thank everyone!

JoeW · Oct 25, 2024

Let me offer a couple of thoughts.

First, there are tons of people who say "I'm planning on doing my first nude shoot--can you give me a location?" Unless you have some credibility and trust that you've created with the other photographers you're asking this of, it's kind of like being a stranger and saying "hey, you got any money to give me?" I know that's not your intent. But locations (for nude shoots or anything--weddings, engagements, glamour, etc.) are highly valued. Experienced photographers tend to be protective of sites that are special or unique. They don't want them flooded by GWCs. I'm not saying that's what you are, but if you were in my neck of the woods and didn't have a reputation as a photographer of any kind, I'd be reluctant to share specifics with you. And it's not just trust--you should be willing to scout your own sites and then say "I'm thinking of shooting at X, Y, Z--anyone have any other recommendations or places you think are better?"

Second, here are some tips on doing something like this outdoors--you need at least one assistant. Seriously. You'll need someone to haul gear and props. You'll ideally have someone holding up two large beach towels for the model to change between. You'll need someone to hold a reflector. And you'll need someone to be a lookout. So at a minimum, you'll need someone besides you and the model.

Whatever location you do get (and there are thousands of locations), scout it out beforehand. I like to go to a site the day before at the time I'll be shooting to see where the light falls and how much dappling there is because of falling leaves. I'll police the site and pick up wrappers, coke cans and other trash. Figure out if there is an event scheduled for that location the day of your shoot: a model and I showed up to shoot at a waterfall in my area and a HS senior class was having their senior party at that location the same time. I'm serious about this point: Joe McNally could recommend a location to me and the only reason I wouldn't scout it before shooting there is if I couldn't get there before the shoot. Even then, I'd get there early and scout it out. Not scouting out an area beforehand is like me handing you a camera you've never used and saying "go make art."

Also, avoid any area that gets kids. Playgrounds, near schools, ballfields, parks with animals that attract kids (ducks, petting zoo, horses, etc.). It's pretty easy for you and the model to end up with "sex offender" risks in that situation. Frankly, when I've had hikers wander in to a shoot and catch us by surprise, they're been chill about 98% of the time. I've also had police called on me 4 times, park rangers twice, and building security twice (so since that constitutes 2%, that tells you how much experience I have doing this).

There is a good chance your model will get muddy or dirty. Bring wipes. Thing about bugs. Your model should bring sun screen. Frankly, at this time in Ohio, I'd think it would be too cold for a long shoot but that's up to you and your model. I always bring snacks for my model on shoots like this--there is usually a hike to get to where you want to go, and it keeps the energy up. Chocolate covered blueberries are a good "go to" if you don't know what they prefer.

Actual specific locations? Cascade Falls isn't very far from you and it's lovely. The foliage should be beautiful right now in Ohio--so any stand of diverse trees (ie: multiple colors) has great potential. Abandoned buildings and rusting cars are great--and there is risk (health/safety plus sometimes homeless living in these locations). I would not choose a location close to a road--figure at least a 10 minute hike (or longer) to increase your chances of privacy. And you're right next to Lake Erie--I would think there are stretches of waterfront, abandoned piers, beached boats, big rocks on the water that all have potential. Last of all, use Google Earth.

And related to this--have a theme. Yeah, I'm always flexible and open to ideas when we get to a site. But if you don't have some concepts in mind (and then pick a site that helps you achieve those) then you're just a guy with a camera who wants to take pictures of a naked chick. Be more than that. Your theme affects what setting works (nature, debris, graffiti, rusting vehicles, old buildings). It determines whether you want bright direct sunlight or you want her in shade. If your concepts are likely to be B&W (emphasizing form and lines) or color (and you want a vibrant sky or leaves or color in the water), what props you bring, what makeup and hair she's going with.

Post your results in the NSFW section. Good luck!