Photo: Photo-Illustration by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images
One of the interesting side effects of recent self-isolation measures is that people seem to be getting more and more aroused. Perhaps it is a primitive response to the angst of the moment, or a desire for human contact that has hardened into something more carnal. Maybe it's just the good weather. But unless you are quarantined with a regular or potential sex partner, your options for having sex with another person are limited. Which brings me to my point: now is a good time to take nudes.
Whether you are replenishing your stash or have some free time and want to experiment with the flattering 14 o'clock lighting in your living room, now is the time to take, and maybe send, some nude photos. (Of course, you'll want to make sure the recipient wants to receive your photos first.)
Below are our top tips on how to take a great nude whether or not you own a full-length mirror.
Natural lighting is generally good, so if you have a room in your matchbox apartment that gets some afternoon sun, take advantage of it during your lunch break. Otherwise, a well-placed desk lamp is very useful. My friend Jane suggests setting your light source to come from a single angle, which means you can work with shadows more easily; Annabelle, another friend, recommends two different light sources for more precise adjustment. Both tend to use a warm light (yellow in color) - “it's more flattering and less clinical,” says Jane. (If you only have cool white light, try placing a thin scarf or colored blouse over it to change the tone.)
Also think about candles, which serve all of the above purposes and are useful if you've missed peak hours. And two words: light garlands. They create a candle-like effect and you don't have to roll around naked near an open flame.
Avoid the following items, which create a rather dark environment: toilets, garbage cans, large piles of laundry, dirty dishes and litter boxes.
What to include instead: Books, candles, plants, clean furniture, exposed bricks, pretty lamps. Accessories are also useful - think fruits, flowers, rope, baguette; in general, the idea is not to distract but to enhance. That said, the nude is extremely subjective, and a lot depends on what you want to communicate. For passion, try a bra with bitten lips and lace. Out of indifference, perhaps leave this pile of laundry in the photo. Adjust accordingly.
So your only mirror is in your dingy little bathroom. Its good; mirrors are not necessary for an excellent nude. This is where the bare belly between: You take him lying on his stomach on your bed. This is perfect if you are a little bloated or drowsy.
Here's what you do: Lie on your stomach and bend your knees to push up your butt, or place a pillow under your thighs. The idea is to highlight the curve of your back and buttocks.
Another simple, mirrorless approach: Sit on the side of your bed (or sofa) and take the photo from above. It showcases the chest and thighs and is an easy option in terms of setup and execution. Take it completely naked or with sassy underwear.
There is also the bare tub. It can be anything! Take a picture of your knees, feet, legs, whatever. The way the water catches the light is very nice, and you can also use things like the bubble bath to your creative advantage: conceal and reveal as you wish.
Mirrorless nudes are also a good opportunity to take a more discreet photo. Don't underestimate the power of suggestion; sending a nude is all about the sultry energy of sharing something intimate, like a stolen kiss or a secret. For this, Jane suggests a “pouty lips and exposed shoulders combo”. Drape a robe, loose top, or bed sheet around your body and pull it off one shoulder. Then take the selfie so that it cuts right above your lips, exposing the shoulder, throat, and maybe a little cleavage. The photo is ostensibly chaste, but the effect is very sexy and a bit boudoir.
Congratulations! Your nudes can take on a whole different dimension.
If your mirror is movable, lean it against the wall. Tilt it at a 70 degree angle: it will make you look longer and slimmer. If you're taking a full-body photo, Annabelle suggests placing one leg in front of the other to accentuate the length. She also suggested "pushing one hip out to show off the curves and sharpen your waist"; a half turn “to show the butt,” she says, is an easy and elegant pose, and useful if you're trying to cover up a rumbling belly with beans.
My colleague, Brock Colyar, argues that the key to a good nude is "a floor-length or courtesy mirror that needs a good Windex ... Dirty mirror doesn't reveal too much (including your identity). , and share stuff that matches their imagination.
While many people tend to prefer staged nudes, there are also benefits to taking a more spontaneous approach. A friend of mine, Ava, a designer whose aesthetic taste I trust, is a follower of the nude in the moment, which consists of sending one as (a bit) a surprise.
She argues that the excitement of taking a random photo, and the response of a delighted receiver, is the most exciting part of taking nudes: “There is something exciting about a nude 'in the moment' - a new photo - rather than a nude on your phone, ”she said, comparing it to a photo on Getty Images.
Having said that, she advises that there should ideally be some satisfactory preparation for photography - "a dramatic arc", for example, sassy lyrics, flirting, and so on. - in advance. This type of exchange can also help you ensure that the person wants to see the photo.
The spontaneous nude usually requires you to slip into a bathroom or an unoccupied room; you can take the photo at an angle slightly above your head, exposing the cleavage. Or, consider taking a straight shot of your breasts, which you can grab into some sort of one-handed bra for added volume.
Use your timer! If you don't have a phone holder, there are plenty of DIY options (like binder clips or plastic credit cards or gift cards that you no longer need). And if you're not taking a nude on the fly, Ava suggests treating this process as a “photoshoot” and getting a lot of takes. She adds that "conscious reframing" is your friend too.
On that note, it is generally not advisable to include your face in your nudes if you plan to send them to someone. And whatever the case, don't forget to send and save all your photos securely: password protected photo apps are good for this, and if you do share your photos, consider doing so through a private text, rather than a DM on a third party. app. And when it comes to private photos, security comes first - make sure you trust whoever you're sending your photos to whether or not your face is in the photo. It can be risky to send photos to strangers or people you just met.
And even if your face isn't in the photo, Violet, another friend, suggests doing your hair and makeup anyway; it will help you feel more confident. Jane, meanwhile, recommends putting in some body oil as well: “Your skin will look hydrated and capture that warm light better. She also suggests seeking inspiration from "people who are similar in body type to you." Practice and copy their angles.
On that note, why don't you go? Maybe you could take inspiration from Harry Styles and don a pair of fishnets and moccasins, or just drape yourself in a mess of string lights and don a beret. And if you are stuck with a partner, ignore most of these tips and have them photograph you. I guarantee it will be a lot more fun than doing a puzzle.
Names have been changed.
