Prop Photo

The Female Nude Part 4: Accessories and Props

An accessory can be defined as an object that adorns the female model, such as an item of clothing/jewellery, and a prop is any other moveable object included in the photo for example a shapely mannequin placed behind the female nude model to imitate her naked figure. Accessories and Props (A&Ps) are usually of minor importance to the main image of the nude model in terms of artistic subject matter but they do add great value to the erotic photo. In fact A&Ps can inspire and define the whole shoot, the main look and its composition, and of course, the resultant erotic image of the sensual female nude photograph.

A&P have been used for centuries, in paintings, to help tell a story. They were symbolic sometimes allegorical. Ciphers were commonly used to interpret or exaggerate the sitter's character, an example being; Holbein's use of an apple within his painting signified intellectual knowledge and therefore this was meant to enhance the intellect of the sitter.

Although A&Ps are not essential for the creation of female nude photographs, they can add to the dynamics of the photograph by heightening the eroticism of the image. A&Ps can be literally anything and even several at once can compliment each other, for example a recent Steve DT female nude photograph consisted of the nude model, an office jacket with a tie and a small round coffee table. Basically A&Ps can provide whatever you feel the picture needs.

Probable popular A&Ps are: high heels / stockings / fishnet stay ups / gloves / mask / shawl (or a wrap) / feather boa / chair (varied designs) / divan / ladder.

A&Ps provide something for the model to respond to and interact with, and can stimulate the progress of the shoot. For example, the Venetian mask is a timeless classic; firstly it obscures the female's identity and suggests other worldliness, and secondly the mask is an arresting accessory in itself as this emphasises the sensual seductive nature of the model's eyes.

A&Ps do not have to be expensive, and as a photographer I'm often seen at either a bric-a-brac market stall, some second hand markets or a few discount shops browsing and buying the odd interesting (and sometimes strange) objects which are destined to be used as A&Ps. It's worth noting that A&Ps can and do lie for the camera, for example, a cheap plastic gold chain will look great on screen, as the camera can't tell the difference from the real thing. Therefore it's possible to be economic where possible.

However you might wish to use a particular expensive object as a prop from a shop you are acquainted with, why not ask the owner if you could borrow it for a short period in exchange for a print from the female nude shoot. As they say "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".

Beware that A&Ps can be overused from one studio shoot to the next, so it's good idea to try out as many different ones as possible, unless you are creating a series based around certain A&Ps, for example, the ‘Nude in Heels', and even here, you might consider using a variety of heels.

I'm sure that there are photographers like me that have what could be described as either a treasure trove of A&Ps or a roomful of jumble items (depending on you or your partner's point of view). In time there will be an opportunity to use some of these objects (possibly bought on a whim ages ago). That object will suddenly become essential, and with the right model, lighting etc, the erotic photographic idea perfectly comes together.

At the shoot, don't be afraid to use some of the time to experiment with a variety of A&Ps, as this could be an exciting challenge to stimulate the imagination, which could lead to a creative explosion of an unexpected collection of sensual female nude photos, for both the photographer and the model, and of course, the viewer. (If you intend to experiment with a prop or two, remember to plan and allot some of your studio time to it).

The viewer depends on the photographer's imagination to present something interesting, stimulating and unexpected. This can be achieved by using a familiar prop in an unfamiliar way, for example I have a fan to cover up the body to create a very striking image.

The only rule for an accessory or a prop is that it has to have a purpose in the composition. If it's not adding to the photo, then leave it out.

Good Planning produces Great Results.

About the Author

Steve DT is a social erotic photographer, writer & web designer of sdtfoto. Visit his site to view examples of sensual erotic photography with a social edge, as shown on the net today. Steve DT has exhibited his erotic nude photography internationally and has also been published in numerous magazines and books. The erotic photography presented here is in the best artistic taste and his site has been in existence since 2002.

What props could I use in my senior photo's to represent modeling, acting, and/ or dance?

I do all these thing but don't no which one would be easier to do or what to do for them, any ideas?

take the pictures in front of a theater maybe. Like an older theater to where you know exactly what it was when you look at it. Try to make sure the word Theater is NOT in the picture though! Or maybe take a picture with the clap board they use in movies which will show acting. Doing a dance pose in your dance outfit would show dance.

hope that helps!

Prop Photo

Infant And Home Decor Photography Props!!

Beistle Company 159440 Medieval Stockade Photo Prop $21.15 Medieval Stockade Photo Prop. Includes 1 Medieval Stockade Photo Prop. Material: Cardboard. Satisfaction ensured.

Beistle Company 158960 Scarecrow Photo Prop $21.15 Scarecrow Photo Prop. Includes 1 cardboard 37 x 25 photo prop. Material: Paper. Satisfaction ensured. Top quality children s item.

Beistle Company 158957 Shark Photo Prop $21.15 Shark Photo Prop. Includes 1 37 x 25 cardboard photo prop. Material: Paper. Satisfaction ensured. Top quality children s item.

Beistle 33732 Leprechaun Photo Prop $45.24 Don t be down on your luck land on a pot of gold with Leprechaun Photo Prop. This hilarious photo prop is an awesome way to capture the memories of the best St. Patrick s Day you ve ever had with friends and family. Shout They re Always After Me Lucky Charms with our Leprechaun Photo Prop. Celebrate humorously this St. Patrick s Day with Mini St. Pat s Mug Shot St. Patrick s Humorous Party Buttons and Shamrock Plastic Green Horn. Material: cardstock. Size: three (3) feet x twentyfive (25) inches. Printed on one (1) side. One (1) photo prop per package.

Costumes 204831 Soccer Photo Prop $21.05 Photo op. Freeze frame A fun way to take awesome photos at your event without having to master the art of photography This photo prop offers an easy and unique chance to capture the good times at your party. Made from lightweight cardboard the prop can be placed on tabletops or easily hung from doorways. Perfect for birthday parties holidays and school functions. Prop measures approximately: 3 1 wide x 2 1 high. Hole measures approximately: 5.75 wide x 7.5 high. Oversized: No.

Beistle 57954 Western Photo Prop $49.14 If you are having a Western Themed party then you need this Western Photo Prop because memories need to be captured by taking pictures to remember the fun you had always. By using this Western Photo Prop that will make it easy and fun to use as a great backdrop for photos at any Western theme celebration. Take goofy pictures of your friends behind the saloon doors then turn the prop around and snap more pictures behind the bales of straw. The Western 2 Sided Photo Prop has two different props printed on the front and back of the prop. We also have other western decoration that would look great hung up to create the western look to your party. 2 Sided. Material: Cardstock. Size: 3 x 25 .

Beistle Company 158958 Gangster Car Photo Prop $21.15 Gangster Car Photo Prop. Includes 1 cardboard 37 x 25 photo prop. Material: Paper. Satisfaction ensured. Top quality children s item.

Beistle Company 158959 Farm Tractor Photo Prop $21.15 Farm Tractor Photo Prop. Includes 1 cardboard 37 x 25 photo prop. Material: Paper. Satisfaction ensured. Top quality children s item.

Beistle Company 148419 Surfer Dude Photo Prop $21.15 Surfer Dude Photo Prop has a surfer riding a wave with his ocean friends. Prop measures approximately 24.75 tall X 37.5 wide. Hole for the face measures approximately 5.75 wide x 7.5 high. Use as a Tabletop Decoration / Photo Prop. Attach to a doorway

Beistle Company 202002 Jungle Safari Photo Prop $21.29 Jungle Safari. Includes (1) Photo Prop. Size: 25 H x 37 W. Material: Cardboard. Satisfaction ensured.

Beistle Company 30142 Hula Girl Photo Prop $21.15 Hula Girl Photo Prop has a hula girl with a beautiful sunset on it. The photo prop is made out of cardboard and measures approximately 37 wide x 25 high. Hole for the face measures approximately 5.75 wide x 7 high. Use as a Tabletop Decoration / Photo Prop. Attach to a doorway. Simply hold by your face for a great Photo SceneMaterial: cardboardDimensions (LxWxH):25 x 18 x 0.5

Beistle Company 148489 Pirate Photo Prop $21.15 Pirate Photo Prop is made of cardboard and measures approximately 37 wide x 24 high with a hole in the face of the pirate. Hole for the face measures approximately 5.75 wide x 7.5 high. Use as a Tabletop Decoration / Photo Prop. Material: Paper.

Beistle Company 192417 Easter Photo Prop $20.99 Easter Photo Prop. Material: Cardboard. Satisfaction ensured. Made with the best quality material with your child in mind. Top quality children s item.

Beistle 57978 Million Dollar Smile Photo Prop $45.24 Feel like a million bucks with our Million Dollar Smile Photo Prop. Entertain your guests with this amusing photo prop. Scream Show me the money at your party with Million Dollar Smile Photo Prop. Visit our selection of Casino Themed Party for more ideas for decorations. Printed on one side. One per package. Size: 3 1 x 25 .

Beistle Company 157023 Santa and Elf Photo Prop $21.15 Santa and Elf Photo Prop is made of heavy cardboard. Measures approximately 37 wide x 25 high with a hole in the face of the elf. Hole for the face measures approximately 5.75 wide x 7.5 high. Use as a Tabletop Decoration / Photo Prop. Attach to a doorway with your adhesive or use Sticky Tack (sold separately). Simply hold by your face for a great Photo Scene Folds up for easy storage (18 wide x 25 high). Material: Paper.

Beistle Company 148436 Wanted Poster Photo Prop $21.15 Wanted Poster Photo Prop is made of cardboard and measures approximately 37 Wide x 25 High with a hole cutout for faces that measures approximately 6.25 Wide x 6 High. Material: Paper.

Beistle Company 189514 Luau Monkey Photo Prop $20.99 Luau Monkey Photo Prop. Made of cardboard. Size: 3 W x 25 H. Satisfaction ensured. Top quality children s item. Made with the best quality material with your child in mind.

Beistle 57950 Hippie Bus Photo Prop $45.24 Make fun memories that will be around as long as this old bus has been. Have fun with this Hippie Bus Photo Prop at your 60 s themed party. The Hippie Bus Photo Prop will sit on its on own on any flat surface. The groovy bus serves as a decoration in addition to being a photo prop. The Hippie Bus Photo Prop is made out of cardstock and is 37 inches long and 25 inches high. Hippie bus design printed on cardstock. Printed on one side only. Just stand behind it and have someone take your picture in this far out van. One (1) per package. Don t forget to get some Beads with TieDyed Peace Sign Medallions to had out as party favors.

Beistle 57948 Mardi Gras Photo Prop $49.14 Want to be a wisecracking jester this Mardi Gras? How about a Mardi Gras Queen? Have the best of both worlds with Mardi Gras Photo Prop. Don t make beads the best party favor this Mardi Gras celebration let it be a photo with Mardi Gras Photo Prop. With a jester on one side and a queen on the reverse side channel your inner jester and/or queen. Complete your New Orleans atmosphere with our Mardi Gras Balcony Backdrop Mardi Gras Brick Wall and Street Backdrop and Mardi Gras Street Signs. Size: thirtyseven (37) inches x twentyfive (25) inches. Material: Cardstock. Printed on two (2) sides. Printed on one (1) side with Mardi Gras Queen. Printed on one (1) side with Mardi Gras Jester. One (1) prop per package.

Beistle 57952 Captains Wheel Photo Prop $49.14 Aye aye Captain Set sail with the Captain s Wheel Photo Prop. This photo prop is great for little kids because they will enjoy being a captain for a little while. At the same time adults will have fun fitting their head in the whole. The Captain s Wheel Photo Prop is dual sided; the front is printed with a picture of a male captain steering the vessel and the back side is a picture of a female captain sailing the ship. This way both men and women can take part in the fun. If you want to dress like an actual captain wear the Yacht Captain s Hat and the Sailor Hat or a Patriotic Sailor Hat Hair Clip if you are in the mood to be a sailor instead. Size: (37) inches wide by (25) inches tall. Material: Cardstock. Printed on (2) sides. Printed on (1) side with: Male Captain. Printed on (1) side with: Female Captain. One (1) per package.

Creative Converting 159246 Garden Fairy Photo Prop $22.2 Everyone can be a fairy. Freeze frame Fun way to take awesome photos at your event without having to master the art of photography This photo prop offers an easy and unique chance to capture the good times at your party Made from lightweight cardboard the prop can be placed on tabletops or easily hung from doorways. Perfect for birthday parties holidays and school functions. Dimensions: 13.5 L x 10.5 W x 0. H. Material: Paper.

Beistle Company 191824 Football Photo Prop $20.99 A fun way to take awesome photos at your event without having to master the art of photography This photo prop offers an easy and unique chance to capture the good times at your party Made from lightweight cardboard this prop can be placed on tabletops or easily hung from doorways. Perfect for birthday parties holidays and school functions. Size: 25 H x 37 W.

Beistle 57955 PSI Mug Shot Photo Prop $49.14 Now everyone will have the opportunity to know what it feels like to be arrested and have their mug shot taken with this PSI Mug Shot Photo Prop. One side has the outline of a male s body for a male mug shot and the opposite side has an outline of a female s body for a female mug shot. Gather your friends around at your next Crime Scene Investigation party and take each others picture with them standing behind the PSI Mug Shot Photo Prop. Material: Cardstock. Front: Female Suspect. Back: Male Suspect. Printed on 2 sides with Different Designs. One per package. Size: 37 x 25 .

Beistle Company 30460 Princess Photo Prop $21.15 Princess Photo Prop cutout is made of cardboard and measures approximately 37 wide x 25 high with a face cutout in the carriage that measures approximately 6 wide x 8 high. Decoration can be placed on a tabletop attached to a doorway or held in your hands for that perfect photo moment.Material: paperDimensions (LxWxH):27.5 x 19 x 0.5

Beistle Company 158953 Awards Night Podium Photo Prop $21.15 Awards Night Podium Photo Prop. Includes 1 37 x 25 paper cutout. Satisfaction ensured. High quality components.

How to Prepare for a Photo Shoot - The Only Essential Guide You Need For Successful Photo Shoots

How to prepare for a photo shoot - What to do and not do

Through my experience with female models I have been surprised by the large number of 'models to be' that lack the very basics to make a photo shoot successful. This has prompted me to write a short straight forward guideline that it is easy to follow.

On site one can easily point out which models took the tips seriously. It only takes just that little bit to turn a fair photo shoot into an excellent one.

So do you want to arm yourself with some essential tips to feel confident and act like a professional model? Do you want to be popular with photographers in order to get more hired jobs? As a photographer, do you want to direct your models with a professional attitude? If yes, then read the following with care.

Natural Look Makeup

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening while foundation must be applied much heavier than usual.

Mascara should be clean and contains no clumps.

Use natural eye shadow, such as, shades of brown, blue, green and silver. Not black!

Eyeliner can be green, blue, white or black. If using black it must be very thin.

Use matte lip stick and avoid lip gloss.

Hair

Any hair style will do but I would suggest avoiding horsetails (except for theme shoots).

Finger and Toe Nails

These should be well groomed.

Natural or basic colours work best, so that they fit well with what you will be wearing.

Clothing

Stay away from striped clothing. Solid colours such as red, blue, orange, brown, green, purple or other colours produce better contrasting photos. Black clothing items ideally should not be your first preference.

Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing.

Vary the style. Plan outfits completely.

Shoes should match clothes you are wearing and must be clean.

It is suggested that clothes that wrinkle up very easily should be brought on hangers. Wrinkled clothes do not look nice!

Underwear

Wear golden (non-shine) tan tights, especially when wearing short skirts or dresses.

Session can be taken with or without bra, this subject to model's discretion. If wearing a bra make sure it is seamless and it fits properly underneath the clothes you are going to wear. This stands too for other underwear items. With today's thin fabrics you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.

Tip: black coloured bra on black/brown clothing, skin coloured bra on white clothing, white coloured bra on coloured clothing

If you are doing any nude or partial nude shoots wear loose underwear and no bra for at least 2 hours before the shoot. Underwear leaves ugly press marks on the skin that take very long to fade away!

Personal Hygiene

You should never shave legs or other parts of the body the night before the photo shoot. This should be well planned beforehand.

Watch those underarms!

Accessories

No watches. No rings. Again these must be removed at least 2 hears before the shoot.

Earrings should be simple in shape and moderate in size, except for ring earrings.

Ideally no other jewellery should be worn. If wearing a necklace makes sure that's dainty.

If you wear contact lenses, bring with you your glasses in case you need to remove them.

Props

Take with you any props that you would like to use (any other item that you feel that it might say something about your character).

A hat matching one of your outfits is always suggested as a prop item.

In your personal bag you should have:

Your hair care tools and products Wipes

Brush to clean clothes Mirror

Small make up kit for retouches Foundation

Last but not least

Have a good night's sleep the night before the shoot and restrict your alcohol and tobacco intake for a few days before the shoot - it all shows in your face.

Please do not cancel without sufficient notice and for no good reason. Time is money for the photographer.

Please switch off mobile phones during the photo shoot.

It is strongly suggested that you do not take your partner/lover/boyfriend//girlfriend/husband/wife during the photo shoot. Both the model and the photographer can be inhibited from giving their best. On the other hand, if it makes you feel more at ease, a friend with the right attitude can be helpful during the session.

About the Author

Do you want to acquire a handful of posing secrets in order to manage to move from one style to another with ease? If yes, follow my site at http://michaelabela.weebly.com so that you too can master the art of posing and directing a model. 

Besides, you will find ideas and tips on how to start you online photographic business in order to make the most of your photographic work.

Author: Michael Abela

The author is a member of the Malta Photographic Society (MPS), a public speaker and an article writer for various entities.

Source: http://michaelabela.weebly.com/

Prop Photo