The last article on nude photography got a lot of attention but left some wanting more information. Here are some of the answers to the questions, I hope this helps with your journey to the world of artistic nude photography.
I think the first thing to do is just give you a list of things you will need. As stated in the other article you really need a studio. That does not mean you have to own one as you can rent them or find one that will let you use it after hours.
Second is the model. Now here is the best tip I can give you. Hire one. Your girlfriend is probably not the best one to shoot for fine art. There is really an art to posing in the nude. It is not about breasts and sexually explicit shots. The poses are really quite important. Experienced models know how to do that so if you are just beginning they can be a big help. There are also books like Model Posing Guide that can help. If you are comfortable with posing a nude female model, then you might find some models on the model sites that will work for a copy of the work for their portfolios.
Remember something about the models. They are women and each has its own shape but carry a basic design. There are varying sizes and shapes so chose a model that fits your shoot.
The release, well that depends on many things, if you pay her, the shots are yours. So be realistic and get more information that I will give here. That is going to be between you and the model.
The equipment is crucial. The lighting makes or breaks the best nude shots. You will also see most are done monochrome. Makes things easier and the looks cannot be touched. A warm cover like a nice blanket might come in handybetween the shots if the room is cold. A cool room keeps skin a little tighter and smoother for some.
I recommend a full size sensor camera or medium format camera. You will need flash strobe lights, you will need soft boxes, umbrellas, lighting stands and backgrounds. If you use your own studio you will need props for her to sit on, lean against and other items for her to pose with during the shoot.
Now back to the model. Think about things, you are shooting her as a person, a nude body and her mind. It is a total package. Never forget they are a professionals so treat them like it and act like one yourself. If they are just beginning help them to understand this is not penthouse photography but fine art and there is a huge difference.
Take your time and learn the tricks and tips. The lighting and model are the most important choices during the shoot. You have already made the other choices. As you may have noticed, I did not mention a tripod. I very seldom used one unless I was using the medium format cameras. With the new DSLRs I see little need for them. You have to sync the camera to the lights and I always used 1/100 or 1/125 of a second for my work. It allowed me to handhold the cameras and move more quickly than a tripod.
Good luck. I would love to post some good shots on the magazine site. We cannot do that on examiner.com as nudity is against the TOS.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This is not legal advice but personal opinion and general information.