On 29 January 2018, I had the privilege of photographing two extraordinary women, Nwabisa and her friend Fikilee, in my studio. What unfolded that day was not just a photo session, but a collaboration that celebrated artistry, trust, and the beauty of self-expression.
Nwabisa had already worked with me before, and her energy and creativity always bring something special to a session. This time, she introduced me to her friend Fikilee, who had been eager for her first shoot. She was so excited she couldn’t wait two weeks for the opportunity. Although she arrived with some nerves, by the end of the session she was fully immersed in the experience, enjoying every moment in front of the camera.
The Creative Process
For this shoot, I worked with my Canon 5D Mark III and a 50mm lens, keeping the setup intimate and direct. I combined different approaches to capture the mood: implied nude, bodyscapes, and full nude photography. Each style carried its own energy — implied nude allowed for suggestion and storytelling, bodyscapes highlighted the body as abstract art, and full nude captured the natural presence of the models in a timeless way.
The technical side of the shoot was deliberately simple but powerful. I used one or two studio lights, carefully positioned to shape shadows and highlight curves. My choice of low key lighting gave the images depth and drama, with darkness playing as important a role as light. Against a deep black backdrop, the figures emerged almost sculptural, as if carved out of shadow and form. The backdrop created a sense of infinity — the body became the subject, unbound by setting or distraction.
Art as Expression
For me, artistic nude photography is not about exposure for its own sake — it is about expression, emotion, and storytelling through the human form. The body becomes a canvas where light paints and shadows sculpt. Sometimes, the work carries a deeper message: strength, freedom, vulnerability, or even a call to awareness. I have always admired how photography can empower, inspire, and give voice to creativity.
For Fikilee, this was about discovery. It was her first shoot, yet she stepped into it bravely. What began with nerves became an exploration of freedom and artistry, allowing her to experience a new side of herself.
For Nwabisa, the photos needed to be wild, creative, and free — a perfect reflection of her vibrant personality. Her movements flowed naturally, and her confidence filled the frame with energy.
Reflection
This shoot reminded me why I am passionate about artistic photography. Working with a minimal lighting setup, a black backdrop, and the natural beauty of the human form, I was able to capture images that feel timeless, poetic, and personal. But more than that, it was about celebrating individuality, freedom, and the courage to express oneself without limitation.
A special thank you goes to Pelo, who organized everything so smoothly and made the day possible.
In the end, this session wasn’t just about nudity or technique. It was about creativity, empowerment, and authenticity. It was about two women embracing themselves fully, and about me, as a photographer, shaping light and shadow into images that tell their story.
Their Experience
Nwabisa shared her thoughts afterward:
“On the 29th of January 2018, I had a shoot with a great professional photographer I’ve worked with before, named Franko Nel. Doing nude shoots can be daunting, but he made it so easy and painless — which is rare to find in this industry. At the shoot I was joined by my friend Fikilee, who showed up very nervous. But when she saw what a professional Franko is, she was comfortable enough to join in. All in all, I’ve done two shoots with Franko, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
And from Fikilee:
“The shoot was awesome. It was my first experience, but it felt like I had been doing this for so long. The photographer made me comfortable, and he’s very professional. I can’t wait to do more shoots.”
Hearing their words means as much to me as seeing the final images. Photography is not only about the pictures; it’s about the trust, respect, and collaboration that happen during the process.
