Photographing the Female Form with Digital Infrared

Photographing female nudes is about more than just the body. For Laurie Klein, it is about capturing the feminine spirit. Laurie’s creative medium is nature. The landscape plays as much of a role in her photos as does the model. Laurie's unique way of using infrared photography, and the caring, personal way she captures her subject's innermost emotions becomes a transformational experience for both photographer and client. In this book, Klein details her techniques and her inspirations in creating these unforgettable images.
Shooting nudes in nature is complex. The photographer needs to know when to start with the model and arrange nature around them or see something in nature and treat the model as part of the nature. Klein gives many ideas for posing models in relationship to nature and the landscape. She masterfully uses infrared photography to capture the beauty of the surroundings and the female form. Each photo in the book is accompanied by details of the location or setting, camera settings, composition concepts and insight into the idea and execution of the shot.
Part of what makes Klein’s photos so unique and vibrant is that she develops a trusting environment that allows the subject to give themselves over completely to a transcendent photographic experience. Out of this usually comes a series of fine art portraits or a substantial book for them to enjoy, share and pass on through the generations.
Using the body as a landscape, Klein crafts unique and sometimes abstract images that emphasize the beauty of the female form in different ways. Sometimes the simplicity of the image is the beauty of it. The infrared photography format provides striking contrasts between the skin tones and the natural surroundings. Tips are given for choosing unique locations that can work best for creating artful images like the ones in the book. Being able to improvise and set-up a shoot when discovering a unique setting or lighting scenario can be the key to crafting a stunning portrait. Sometimes the unexpected can occur and a prepared and creative photographer can turn that into a magical moment captured in infrared.
Klein is recognized for her signature infrared photography style. This book provides in insight into her creative process.