How To Take Sexy, Sensual Nudes: 10 Tips & Tricks From Sex Experts

There are lots of reasons someone might want to take a nude picture. For couples, snapping and sharing nudes can be a powerful way to minimize the miles between them, initiate intimacy, spice up a sext, and celebrate (or tease) one another. For influencers, models, and sex workers, nudes and partial nudes can also act as an effective marketing tool and income generator.

"But nobody has to see the nude for the picture taking to have benefit," says Megan Ixim, branding expert, fat activist, and the founder and performer behind That Fat Babe. "Taking a photo can be a powerful way to celebrate your body, fight against body dysmorphia, and cultivate self-love."

Angles and lighting aren't the only things you need to worry about while playing director, model, and photographer of your own little photo shoot. (Though, don't worry, we'll outline the perfect angles and lighting below.)

You also need to worry about security and privacy, according to Javay Frye-Nekrasova, M.Ed., a sex educator with sex toy retailer Lovehoney. And that stands even if you're never planning to send it to someone on your contact list or post the pictures to a public (or semipublic) page. "If you are someone who regularly passes your phone to others, you may want to store your nudes in a hidden folder or in a secure app like Photo Vault, which is password protected," she says. 

Unfortunately, if you're planning to message your nude to someone else, experts say you have to assume the worst. "You need to assume any picture you're sending out will one day be seen by another person," says Carly S., a pleasure expert, founder of Dildo or Dildon't, and educator with Spectrum Boutique. "If the idea that the picture you're taking might be seen by another person is upsetting to you, don't send it to anyone." If you snap a saucy pic that needs another set of eyes on it, you might just want to slide your phone to them while you're together in person. Bonus: That allows you to see their reaction live. 

Keep the virility of nude photos in mind when you're trying to figure out what part of your body to snap, Carly S. suggests. "Consider that unique moles, scars, tattoos, and piercings can be used to identify you," she adds. If you don't want your body to be spotted, either angle those parts of your body out of frame, or cover them up either with makeup or in an editing app. PhotoDiva and RetouchMe are good apps for this. 

Before you start snapping, list out some of the things you like about your body, suggests Carly. S. "Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend before a photo shoot," she says. "You would never talk shit about your best friend or their body, so don't talk shit about yourself or your own body." 

You wouldn't take your wedding pics in front of a Dumpster, would you? Well, you shouldn't take nudes in front of a pile of trash, either. Ahead of click-click-clicking away, Frye-Nekrasova recommends cleaning your space. 

Fear not, finding the best lighting is easier than it sounds at first! "Set your phone to the front-facing camera. Then, take 20 seconds and spin around the room paying attention to the way your body reflects the light," suggests Ixim. 

Generally, it's considered best practice to position the light in front of your body, according to Carly S. For instance, taking a selfie in front of a window can result in some *fire emoji* shots. 

"Having your phone slightly above you is typically the more flattering angle," according to Carly S. Shooting high above your body typically allows you to capture more of your silhouette compared to at face or eye level. 

If you want to take a playful partial nude, consider grabbing a bottle of bubbles and running yourself a bath. "Covering your nipples and genitals with bubbles is an incredibly fun way to give the illusion of sending a nude, without actually sending a nude," says Ixim. 

Because your hands are going to get soapy, set your phone up on a tripod and start a video. Then, splish, splash, and smile as the video records you connecting with your inner child. When the bathtub is over, dry your hands, scroll through the video, and screenshot the best stills. 

Even if a bath isn't your thing or isn't accessible, there are ways for you to snap steamy nudes, too. "Attach your camera or phone to the mirror across from your shower, and allow yourself to be captured stepping out of the shower," suggests Ixim. Whether your shower is enclosed with a shower curtain or sliding door, this option allows you to show off as much or as little of your just-washed body as you'd like. 

"Sometimes a mirror selfie really is the best way to get a booty picture," says Carly S. Furthermore, it's fast! All you have to do is pose, take, and send.

Not sure how to pose in front of the mirror? If you're feeling submissive, try kneeling in front of the mirror and position the camera at eye height. This position is a great way of showing the receiver how good you look on your knees. 

Nude selfies may be best known as dirty talk and phone sex enhancers, but sensual snaps can do far more than help a faraway partner finish. They can also improve confidence, reduce body shame, and even help you make bank.