Sometimes a plain paper backdrop and a couple of lights are all you need. Plus a good model.

I found this image in the archives while looking for something else. It's just meant to look like the 1950s. It's actually from about 2005.

A shoot with a model I've shot with before, but it's been a while. All natural light. With low light coming through a window, it can be a challenge to put some light behind the model. A mirror can work better than a reflector.

From another shoot with a 40+ model. I'm starting to think that I'm using the coffee cup prop too often.

A long exposure in the early evening. This model had to sit still for about two minutes. That is something that is easier to do when you have a comfortable chair.

This a photo of adult film star Amy Ried. I've done fine art (whatever that means) style shoots with popular adult stars so their fans can have socially acceptable photos of their favorite porn stars on their walls.

The model at the right skinned her knee the day before the shoot. She asked me not to touch it up in at least one photo because she said that it is part of her personality to have scrapes like this.

Robes have been one of my favorite props lately.

More studies in droplets and texture contrasts.

I don't usually recreate famous photos, but this is an exception. The model wanted a photo of herself similar to a photo created by fashion photography icon Horst -

Horst Photo

The Horst photo didn't have the handcuffs however.

I will sometimes use a coffee cup or a telephone as a prop. When I'm feeling real creative, I use them both.

I'm often asked why I don't have more (or any) photos of male models posted.

Here's one (he is right there behind this female model).

This model is a Betty Page fan (who isn't?). She had her hair done Betty Page style and brought a guy willing to do the fake BDSM scenarios.

No models were harmed doing this set (the paramedics said he was going to be fine).

This was a good day for the people that live across the park from our window.

A fairly simple set up. You need two softboxes (light modifiers), some body oil and a model willing to pose. Stand your model in between the softboxes, push the shutter button et voila! art!

Another photo with the nudity missing. I promise that she was nude when I took the photo.

Not every photo on this blog is a naken bild (nude pictures in Swedish). I liked the texture of the silk slip the model is wearing.

Another nude, but not nude image. I've sold a few large prints of this photo - it's one of those "safe" images that people can put on their walls.

This was a real simple composition. The 1920s building had wrought iron works on the window and it cast an interesting pattern on the floor. Be sure that you vacuum before posing models in this way.

This photo was done to advertise a day spa. The model spend two hours getting a massage - I don't think it was the most difficult job she ever had to do.

This photo was taken at the Meridian Hotel in Beverly Hills. The room had soft complimentary tones and a recurring theme of rounded shapes.

Two models and a nice hotel suite gives a photographer a lot to work with.

People are frequently giving me props on the condition that I give them a photo of a nude women with their item. A couple in their 70s gave me this stove - it had been in their family for decades. Now in it's place, they have this photo hanging in their kitchen.

Sometime people want an example of "implied nudity". The concept that shows the model is probably nude, but that you can't actually see anything. In this case, the model's pose also implies that she is freezing, but it was really a warm day in Santa Monica.

Another of (what I hope are) the dramatic, Hollywood style portraits that I've been practicing.

Setting up this photo took an ability to balance on the part of the model and some duct tape.

I write these little notes with each photo for a few reasons and one is to provide key words for people searching images. I keep track of the key words that are used to get people to this blog and, after names of well known models like Amy Ried and Teresa May, the most popular key words are "spread legs".

This image features spread legs, although it may be a bit of a disappointment for real "spread legs" aficionados, the legs are spread.

I'm often asked what kind of camera I use for one photo or another (as if cameras have magic powers that allow them to automatically take good pictures). This photo was taken using a $15 toy camera called a Holga with a plastic lens.

Another photo done using window light.

I like the bathroom or "washing up" theme. It helps give a pretext to a person being nude in the scene.

It also helps sell prints. People like images like this for their own bathrooms.

Sometimes I'm asked why the subjects of my photos are not smiling very often. I think an image can create more interest if it is somewhat mysterious. Viewers are far more likely to wonder "why is she so sad" than "what is she so happy about".

Either that or it's because I'm so depressing to be around.

Shooting a model up close with a wide angle lens is usually something to avoid. I did this photo in a fairly small bedroom and didn't have much choice. Amy has long, attractive legs, so the exaggeration of the lens angle might have this a more interesting photo.

Occasionally I photograph someone in their own home. This woman a great skylight in her kitchen that provided an interesting overhead light.

Another photo of this model in her own home.

Sometimes I think that the background and environment in the photo is as important as the model. This photo of Stephanie Grant was taken in a Victorian era building in London. I like the plasterwork makes an interesting texture in the background of this photo.

A portrait using only spotlights and reflectors for that 1940s, 50s look.

More of the high contrast old Hollywood style lighting.

I like to give a model a prop sometimes. It can help to have something to hold on to. I often use coffee cups, cigarettes (if the model smokes) or telephones. I have some old dial phones that I've used, but because this is 2010, this model is texting.