A Playboy art director shares the funny and awkward moments encountered while creatin

[ethanegrace]

A Playboy art director shares the funny and awkward moments encountered while creatin

While the glossy pages of Playboy magazine portray voluptuous models exuding sultriness and confidence, the reality of creating that alluring image can often be quite awkward.

Patrick van Dam, the art director for the Dutch edition of the renowned magazine, has provided an inside look at the photo shoots, highlighting the effort that goes into capturing the ideal shot.
His photographs feature models posing in settings such as hay barns, beaches, and forests, all while a dedicated team of stylists, lighting assistants, and photographers collaborates to bring the vision to life



Glimpse: Patrick van Dam's shots offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at Playboy

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Revealing: The scenes of photo shoots gives a glimpse into the reality of the glamor magazine

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Van Dam was responsible for the production of all the nude shoots with Playmates and celebrities during his eight years with the magazine.

During his time with Playboy he took a series of images showing the glamor shots being set up, which offer a rare insight into the inner workings of the iconic title.

He said his team quickly got used to working around naked women, adding: 'For Playboy photo crews it's like a day at the office.'
'It's no longer odd or uncomfortable being surrounded by nudity,' van Dam said.

'Of course the results after a day's work were most important but all the stuff that happens to create the perfect picture is much more interesting.'
The art director's images have been turned into an award-winning book, Playboy Behind the Scenes, which displays 150 revealing photos.


Poised: Final adjustments are made to a model's pose as she writhes in the surf

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Perfectionist: A stylist, armed with large cans of hairspray, adjusts a woman's hair as she sits in a hay barn

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Step up: This pair of satin ribbon heels stand out against the drab surroundings

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The limited edition book, which was awarded Best Photo Book' in Communication Arts' Photo Annual 2012, has an introduction by Hugh Hefner.

Hefner, editor-in-chief of Playboy, wrote: 'In these compelling images, Patrick has captured the soul of the Playboy shoot and offered a true celebration of, and homage to, the people who make these beautiful things happen.
'Vividly here is the intimacy, the fun, and the dedication it takes to create the very best in contemporary erotica.
'And along the way, true to his calling, he gives the reader a peek behind the curtain of the Playboy lifestyle.'
The book was released as a limited edition of 1,500 copies, which sold out quickly. Those interested in buying a second edition can register their interest on van Dam's website.


Back drop: Working on a Playboy shoot puts photographers and their assistants in usual situations

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Behind-the-scenes: A model holds her pose in front of a window while an assistant adjusts equipment

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Awkward moments: Capturing the perfect photo can often be quite a challenging endeavor.

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Close-up: Achieving that ideal Playboy shot may occasionally lead photographers into some rather awkward situations.

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Artistic vision: The team surrounds the model, carefully adjusting the lighting and angles to ensure the shot is just right

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