How to Photograph Men in Nude
Includes a Male Nude PDF Guide
Male Nude Photography by Yuliya Panchenko
What happens behind Yuliya Panchenko’s camera during her nude photo sessions with men? It’s a question that lingers in the minds of many—photographers, clients, and curious onlookers alike. How does she get them to open up, to soften, to surrender their guard and show up fully—confident, exposed, and completely magnetic? In this blog, we’re pulling back the velvet curtain just slightly. You won’t get all of Yuliya’s secrets (those are earned), but you will get something rare: a glimpse into the art of male nude photography, as only she can capture it. Ready to see what unfolds?
By the way, here’s a downloadable PDF guide filled with male nude photo ideas for your next shoot. It’s packed with inspiration—more than enough to guide you through a session.
1. Ease into the Nude — Never Rush It
Men are often quick to undress—but as the photographer, especially if you’re a woman, like I am, you must set the pace. Start with clothed portraits, then move to shirtless, followed by underwear. Keep full nudity as the final stage of the shoot. This process builds trust, comfort, and artistic progression, while also keeping you in control of the session.
Phase 1: Portrait Session
Phase 2: Shirtless Portrait Session
2. Maintain a 100% Professional Energy
No flirting. No innuendos. Seriously.
Even a playful joke or an innocent glance held just a beat too long can shift the energy from artistic to... awkward real fast. Trust me, the last thing you want is your model wondering if this is still a photo shoot or the start of something else. Spoiler: it’s a photo shoot.
Remember, arousal is a nervous system response—not a compliment. If boundaries aren’t crystal clear, you could end up in a very uncomfortable situation (for both of you). And yes, even a subtle “you look amazing” can hit differently when someone’s in nothing but their birthday suit.
So here’s your mantra: project art, not seduction.
You’re the director of a creative experience, not a flirty cameo in someone’s romantic fantasy. Be calm, confident, and cool—like Yuliya in all black, holding a camera like it’s a paintbrush and not a pickup line
This will Set off wrong signals 🚫
Professional while maintaining personal style ✅
3. Discreetly Cover the Genitals Unless Explicitly Needed
Unless you’re doing artistic full-frontal nudes, keep the private parts tastefully hidden—without drawing attention to it. Use:
Hands (Their hands NOT yours)
Blankets or sheets
Hats, jackets, or props
Posing techniques (leg cross, turned body)
Never—and I mean never—ask your client to stand around fully nude while you “adjust your lighting” or “check camera settings.”
Unless your goal is to make them feel like a confused Greek statue at an awkward museum exhibit, it’s a hard pass.
Here’s the thing: being nude in front of someone with a camera is already a huge act of vulnerability. Now imagine being nude… not even being photographed… just standing there like a deer in headlights while you casually fiddle with your softbox or scroll through menu settings. Yeah. Not exactly confidence-boosting.
Give them a robe. A towel. A chair. A moment. Something.
Because nothing says “you’re safe and seen” like keeping them covered when they’re not the focus. Literally.
It’s not just professional—it’s basic human decency with a splash of “don’t make it weird.”
Blocking using a posing technique.
Blocking using a sheet.
4. Pose Based on Their Masculinity or Sensuality Goals
Every man has a different reason for booking:
Some want to look masculine, strong, and confident for their partner or self-image.
Others may want softer, more sensual, or expressive images.
Put your personal beliefs or preferences aside and honor the client’s intention.
Use strong triangles, straight lines, and symmetry for power poses. Use curves and soft transitions for sensuality. Remember, some of these photos are headed straight into her hands. Others? Straight into his hands. Either way, you’re not just photographing a body—you’re capturing a story most likely meant for someone’s eyes only.
Masculine nude male photo
Sensual nude male photo
5. Match the Lighting to the Mood
Masculine sessions: Use harsh light, deep shadows, dramatic contrast. Think Rembrandt, split lighting, or hard edge rim lighting.
Sensual sessions: Use soft light, airy backgrounds, and diffusion. Think window light, softboxes, or even natural daylight bounces.
Lighting is your biggest mood-setter.
Soft window light
6. Talk About Body Hair in Advance
Body hair often hides the texture and tone of the skin. During the consultation, professionally ask if the client is open to:
Trimming
Shaving
Waxing
It’s about visual clarity, not control. Frame it from an artistic and photographic quality standpoint.
7. Choose the Right Set or Environment
Men don’t usually fit into the ultra-feminine boudoir sets. Great options include:
Simple dark backdrops
Urban or rusty environments (brick walls, industrial vibes)
Minimalist bedrooms
Wood, leather, and neutral tones
Keep the set clean, intentional, and mood-appropriate.
8. Work the Sexy with Confidence
At this point in the session, the energy is flowing. He’s relaxed, he trusts you, and this is when the real magic happens.
Now it’s your time to direct confidently—and intentionally layer in a bit of seduction.
Guide teasing poses like a slow, subtle pull of the waistband—just enough to reveal the V-line, hint at skin, and make the viewer lean in a little closer.
Eye contact is everything. Try direct gazes, glances over the shoulder, or looking down toward the body. Each one creates a totally different mood—some powerful, some vulnerable, all intimate.
Shoot low. A lower angle elevates his presence, literally. He looks more dominant, grounded, statuesque. You’re photographing him like a work of art. Think Greek god meets modern lover.
Play with micro-expressions. Get that mix of smirks, serious gazes, tension in the jaw, soft eyes. He doesn’t need to do a lot—he just needs to feel it, and you’ll catch the spark.
Pro Tip: Let the Viewer Fill in the Blanks
And here’s the key: leave room for imagination. Sexy doesn’t mean explicit—it means intentional, suggestive, and deliciously incomplete.
Just like the female world has “nip slip” moments that are accidental but oh-so-famous… men have their own version: the slip of skin, the barely-there peek, the “almost” moment.
We’re talking:
A shadowy sliver of skin just past the waistband
A leg cross that hides most—but not all
A blanket that could fall an inch more, but doesn’t
A well-placed hand that blocks just enough to make the viewer wonder, what if it moved?
These “unintentional” slips are where the tease lives. Don’t overdirect them—suggest it, shape it with light and angle, and let the viewer’s mind do the rest. That’s where the power is.
Do you notice something? Leave in the comment area.
Want to Master Male Boudoir & Nude Photography?
Explore the full course on male boudoir photography on BIB TV, where Yuliya Panchenko shares her expert methods, posing flow, lighting guides, and artistic mindset: 👉 Male Boudoir Course – BIB TV
Believe in Boudoir is the #1 source for male boudoir and nude photography education, and Yuliya has photographed thousands of men—bringing out their most confident, artistic, and powerful selves.
About Yuliya Panchenko
Yuliya Panchenko is the founder of Believe in Boudoir (BIB TV) which is the largest boudoir and nude photography educational platform in the world. She is renowned for her expertise in the art of boudoir photography, particularly in posing and lighting. Photographers, fans, and followers call her the queen of sensuality. According to Yuliya, an artistic timeless boudoir image must be sensual, intimate, and elegant.
