SACHA LEYENDECKER
Most photographers who come to me know how to take pictures. They know their camera; they understand the technical aspects. What they lack is something else: the confidence to stand in front of a person who is undressing and to maintain control in that situation without putting pressure on them.
That’s exactly what my work is all about. Nude photography is a genre in which technical considerations are merely the foundation. A model who doesn’t feel secure will hold back. Without trust, no image can be created—not even with perfect lighting.
To earn that trust, knowledge of photographic theme lighting, perspective, composition, and storytelling must become second nature. Only those who have mastered these theme perfection can exude confidence, lead a shoot, and focus entirely on their model.
I work exclusively with available light. No flash, no set-up—nothing that distracts from what’s happening between the photographer and the model. Two principles form the foundation of my work with natural light: “Light Comes First” and “Right Level of Contrast”—light comes first, and then the right level of contrast, not the strongest.
Since 2014, I’ve been organizing workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and photography events—over 600 to date. I work in small groups so I can give each participant plenty of attention and allow them time to practice what they’ve learned during hands-on sessions. The focus is on developing your own personal style.
I’ve known some of the models who work in my workshops for many years. They are experienced nude models; they understand the concept and know what to expect. They help my participants learn how to interact with nude models in a confident and respectful manner.
At a Glance
Born in Cologne in 1978 · Education: Cologne Academy of Photography, primarily self-taught
Active since 2012 · Workshops since 2014 · Over 600 workshops and coaching sessions conducted
Genres: Fine Art Nude, Boudoir, Portrait, Editorial · Approach: exclusively available light
Publications
Book — Nude Photography: The Great School of Photography, Rheinwerk Verlag
Magazine — Co-editor of MARLEY Magazine
Studios
Bolongaro Loft — Natural-Light Studio in Frankfurt am Main
Loft Studio Cologne — Natural-Light Studios in Cologne
Black-and-White Painting — Natural-light studio in Solingen
Training Programs
Workshops — Photography workshops in small groups in Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, and Solingen
One-on-One Coaching — Individual coaching sessions for photographers in Cologne, Frankfurt, and Solingen
Photo Events — Exclusive photography events in other European countries and overseas