In addition to being a vessel for the human 'self', the body is also a pretty cool shape, but much of the texture, form and detail is only visible when the camera moves in close. Weston believed that fine art nudes should not focus on the model's face, as that would constitute a 'nude portrait' - and wouldn't effectively represent the body as a shape in nature. This having been said, zooming-in on other parts can also be very effective in conveying ideas of personality. Hands, feet, or even part of the jaw-line along the edge of an image, can sometimes cause the viewer to look harder for expression (or possibly project their own feelings into the image) than if the subject's face is visible. Likewise, special features like a dancer's legs, a gymnast's biceps or perhaps a dramatic scar, can tell a story as surly as a smile or glint in the eye.

Compositionally, props like cloth, rope, metal, stone and even food items can be instrumental in both mirroring and contrasting the natural shapes and textures of the body. Likewise, juxtaposing two models can also prove effective, especially when their complexions are at least a few shades different.