With the advent of YouPorn and other amateur skin-flick outlets, the fundamentals of sex on camera are more important than ever. Digital Playground’s contract superstar, the lovely Stoya, agreed to share some insight into this not-so-gentle art. To see how the pros do it, go to digitalplayground.com—just not at work.

Step 1:
Find a partner
“To really get the full pornographer experience, I recommend finding someone on Craigslist or asking people on the street if they’d like to be in a movie,” instructs Stoya. “Calling your project ‘erotic art’ might get a better response.” And don’t forget STD tests!

Step 2:
Check IDs
“Ever heard of Traci Lords?” asks Stoya. That means checking for underage participants, then photocopying IDs and keeping them with the video, “unless you want your next role to be as a bottom in Cell Block Butt-Busters 14.”

Step 3:
Have lots of coverage
“When I say coverage I’m not talking about clothes. Try various angles, lots of positions and different kinds of lighting. Use a tripod to get wide shots. Don’t be afraid to go handheld with the camera for a gonzo feel.” Oh, and take the lens cap off, genius.

Step 4:
Keep track of the tape
“Learn a lesson from various Hollywood notables,” says Stoya. “If you don’t know where your sex tape is, TMZ and half of your friends might.”