I’ve recently been bingeing Sex and the City for what must be the fifth or sixth time now. While there are plenty of episodes that strike a chord, there’s one from my recent rewatch that stood out to me the most. It’s at the start of season four when Samantha decides to book a nude photoshoot for herself – not for a man or partner, purely for her own enjoyment. Naturally, she frames her favourite photo and hangs it on her wall.
It sits in direct contrast with my own past experiences of taking nudes. Mine were rarely for me. Instead, they were darkly lit, poor-quality iPhone shots sent via Snapchat and catered purely for a male gaze. While I don’t shun my younger self for wanting to explore her sexuality, I shudder a little at the memory. I typically sent nudes because someone had asked me, not because it made me feel empowered.
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Now I’m older and my Snapchat account has (thankfully) been left in the 2010s, I’m left wondering what taking nudes in the modern age looks like. The quality of an iPhone has only gotten better with time, and with the invention of ring lights and those StickyGrippy suction cases, there are more tools at our disposal than ever.
While we might not all have the resources or confidence to hire out a studio and professional photographer à la Samantha, there are still plenty of at-home hacks to perfect a nude. For Fashion Journal, Brisbane-based Only Fans creator and beautician, Priscilla Martin, lists plenty. As long as you’re an adult, and you’re doing it because you want to (rather than feeling pressured to), Priscilla says that taking nudes can be an act of self-love.
Fashion Journal: To start, what key elements make a nude photo ‘great’?
Priscilla: A great nude is one that you feel confident and secure in. It captures your energy, shows off your favourite angles (and let’s be real, your best assets). Good lighting and a clean background help, but it’s really about making sure you are the centre of attention.
Is it better to do a full shot or a close-up of one… feature?
Honestly, both! Close-ups can feel a little bold, but sometimes that’s exactly the vibe. It really depends on your mood — some days are full-shot goddess days and others call for just a hint.
Do you have any go-to poses or angles that always work for you?
Mirror nudes will forever be my go-to. They give you full creative control — you can capture front, back, side and play with poses all in one. Plus, there’s something about watching yourself pose that adds a little extra spice.
What role does lighting play in taking the perfect nude?
Lighting is everything. The wrong lighting can cast shadows where you don’t want them, or wash you out entirely. Aim for natural lighting or a ring light in front of you (never above!). Avoid harsh yellow tones and go for light that flatters your skin tone and mood. Soft, even lighting is magic.
A lot of people feel awkward or insecure about taking nudes, do you have any tips for getting comfortable in your own skin?
This is my favourite question. Whether you’re sharing them or keeping them just for you, nudes can be an act of confidence and self-love. The moment you see a photo where you look good, it’s an instant boost, even if no one else sees it. My best tip? Grab a mirror and your phone, and just play. Practice different angles, poses, and expressions. Figure out what feels sexy for you. I still do this before every shoot.
What’s the one thing most people get wrong when trying to take sexy or sensual photos?
Honestly? Thinking there’s a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do it. Your sensuality is yours, it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. That said, as someone who’s always felt empowered in her own skin and has experienced non-consensual sharing of content, I’ll say this: feeling sexy doesn’t require you to share the photo. Some of my favourite shoots have been just for me, no audience necessary.
What advice would you give someone taking a nude for the first time?
Only take a photo when you want to, never because someone told you to. Consent starts with you. Do it for the version of yourself that wants to feel like a goddess.
Keep up with Priscilla here.
This article I asked an OnlyFans creator for tips on taking nudes appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-06-16 07:07:00
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