Another weekend of erotica approaches. It's funny how fast the summer seems to fly by when you're having fun. I still have to get up to the mountains to do some shooting but the small town I'm visiting is a little short of models that enjoy erotic photography. In my experience, it seems that women in larger cities are less afraid of nudity. Maybe it's the anonymity of a large population base or maybe small towns just breed a certain amount of conservatism within their female residents. Whatever the reason, it is making my life very, very difficult.

I have several models that want to shoot but they are from outlying areas. Anywhere from 45 - 400 miles away. The only problem with that is I've never shot with them. This gets difficult for a number of reasons.

1. They might be mis-representing themselves with old or false images.

2. Sometimes they bring "friends" with them that end up being jealous boyfriends or husbands. I've had several bizarre experiences with boyfriends sobbing to all out violence between the two. If your models must bring a friend, meet them at a restaurant of coffee shop first and go with your gut feeling. I've cancelled a few shoots based on the "friend".

3. Weather is always an issue if travel is involved. It is even more important to shoot in good weather because the model is nude. If it's even the slightest bit chilly be sure to have a warm car, blankets or a robe handy for the model to warm up in between shots. The responsibility is on the photographer to notice if a "tough" model is turning blue in the cold. Watch for shivering first. Then be aware of the color of the models lips. If they go blue or the model stops shivering get her warm immediately. I tend to shoot in shorts and a t-shirt so I can be a bit more dialed in to their situation.

4. Their attitude. I never would have thought this but the model's attitude is, quite possibly, the most important factor. I've shot models with amazing bodies and beautiful faces but terribel attitudes. I tend to like working with people that have a kindred spirit of fun and adventure. The best results for me are to work with erotic models with a vicious and visual sense of humor who are at ease with me and with themselves. That might sound like an obvious thing but you'd be suprised at the outcome. I've been fortunate enough to not have to search far and wide for models. Because of the quality of my work and reputation they tend to find me more often than not.

5. Your attitude. This is key. Try to open your mind before shooting. Don't fixate on one specific shot in your mind or you'll miss amazing opportunities to get an even better shot. Dig up all the confidence you can but be cautious of getting cocky. By all means, try to make the model feel at ease and be sure not to use negative comments while shooting. Be there with the model to have fun and be creative.

I know those all seem obvious but trust me, we all forget about them and wonder why we had a terrible shoot. Follow those simple guidelines and you will be rewarded with portfolio quality images worhy of placement in your erotic photography portfolio.