j laurence wrote:
My assumption would be that a woman might find it more comfortable posing nude for a photographer who is gay, while a heterosexual male model might find it less so - but I really have nothing on which to base that assumption. 

I'm sure there are many factors which are far more significant, like the level of professionalism with which the photographer approaches the shoot, the interaction between photographer and model, whether or not the shoot is paid v. trade, etc.

but everything else aside (and assuming there will be no groping, leering, or drooling), how much does the sexual orientation of the photographer affect the experience of posing nude?

How would I ever find out a photographers sexual orientation prior to shooting? I don't talk about my sex life when I'm trying to set up a shoot with someone, and I certainly don't ask them about theirs.

j laurence wrote:
Excellent point. 

The relevancy and appropriateness of that conversation would be questionable in one's first interaction, but realistically, being gay is more socially relevant than simply knowing whether someone prefers innies or outties. 

While I appreciate the fact that, in many situations, openly discussing one's private proclivities is decidedly gauche, in practice we regularly and necessarily make decisions based on our impressions of people whether we like it or not.

I was just wondering how much gender and orientation affect the act of posing nude, given that there's a certain level of vulnerability in the process.

There should be ZERO difference based on gender or sexual orientation.  This is (or should be), a professional situation. If a model is posing nude, who or what is behind the lens shouldn't matter. Unless the photographers nickname is "uncle pervy". 

j laurence wrote:
My assumption would be that a woman might find it more comfortable posing nude for a photographer who is gay, while a heterosexual male model might find it less so - but I really have nothing on which to base that assumption. 

I'm sure there are many factors which are far more significant, like the level of professionalism with which the photographer approaches the shoot, the interaction between photographer and model, whether or not the shoot is paid v. trade, etc.

but everything else aside (and assuming there will be no groping, leering, or drooling), how much does the sexual orientation of the photographer affect the experience of posing nude?

Why would someone think to be concerned about an individual's sexual preference and why would you care less?  It baffles the mind the way some people think!

Bare Essential Photos wrote:
How is one's sexual orientation relevant for a nude shoot? Hmm ...


Gabby

Actually, the answer is simple. A model should be more concerned with a gay photographer that is femine as while she is naked he may take advantage of her. Just think there she is naked out in the middle of nowhere and as she is distracted he leaves with her clothes. She is stuck somewhere strange naked and he has added to his wardrobe.

j laurence wrote:
My assumption would be that a woman might find it more comfortable posing nude for a photographer who is gay, while a heterosexual male model might find it less so - but I really have nothing on which to base that assumption. 

I'm sure there are many factors which are far more significant, like the level of professionalism with which the photographer approaches the shoot, the interaction between photographer and model, whether or not the shoot is paid v. trade, etc.

but everything else aside (and assuming there will be no groping, leering, or drooling), how much does the sexual orientation of the photographer affect the experience of posing nude?

If a photographer is a professional, sexual orientation should make no difference.

Now, for an inexperienced model, they might be more comfortable getting nude for a particular sex..but that's the model's hangup.  And frankly, there are things that a photographer can do that have nothing to do with sexual orientation that can make a model uncomfortable.

Ed

Step Above Photography wrote:

Actually, the answer is simple. A model should be more concerned with a gay photographer that is femine as while she is naked he may take advantage of her. Just think there she is naked out in the middle of nowhere and as she is distracted he leaves with her clothes. She is stuck somewhere strange naked and he has added to his wardrobe.

That was fabuloussssth.

R A V E N D R I V E wrote:
lol

this sounds like an issue for people that just got into the industry


in general - from my observations - sexual orientation isn't really an issue. its just: lets create sexy appealing and aesthetic photos

Aha!  Well, seeing as I've just got into the industry (assuming I passed the backiground check) then the issue is relevant to me.

:Given that I've never modeled and have little experience being notably naked (sadly) in front of unfamiliar people, the question didn't strike me as being all that off.  Sorry for wasting your time.

afplcc wrote:

If a photographer is a professional, sexual orientation should make no difference.

Now, for an inexperienced model, they might be more comfortable getting nude for a particular sex..but that's the model's hangup.  And frankly, there are things that a photographer can do that have nothing to do with sexual orientation that can make a model uncomfortable.

Ed

Frantically licking one's lips or maniacally wringing one's hands are gonna tip the scales regardless of whether or not the photographer is attracted to men or women. 

I suppose seasoned professional nude model would probably be much less affected by the environment, gay photographer or not.  Unless he (or she) is exceptionally noteworthy or creepy.

Christian Nyback wrote:
There should be ZERO difference based on gender or sexual orientation.  This is (or should be), a professional situation. If a model is posing nude, who or what is behind the lens shouldn't matter. Unless the photographers nickname is "uncle pervy". 

My perspective on identifying as queer is more social than sexual, it seems.

White Lace Studios wrote:
I got nothing....Seriously nothing... *facepalm*

+1

karenjerzykphotography wrote:
Are we supposed to all feel obligated to fuck after a nude shoot? Am I missing something?

I guess it would all depend on who is naked and why, and if somebody spiked the punch.  It also depends on what TFP stands for.

MeowMix wrote:
my vagina and I feel left out.

*pouts*

MeowMix wrote:
my vagina and I feel left out.

*pouts*

No worries, I'm a committed vagitarian.

Studio36

MeowMix wrote:
my vagina and I feel left out.

*pouts*

You and your BORING VAGINA.

MeowMix wrote:
my vagina and I feel left out.

*pouts*

: - )

V Laroche wrote:

You and your BORING VAGINA.

BaHAAAAAAAA

This is why us and our boring vaginas are in Brooklyn on a Friday night posting on the MM forums. Yup.

Step Above Photography wrote:
Another thing about a gay photographer is that he may know more about how to dress than she does. He may have better taste. And he may know more about make up. So, in a way she is bested by a man   

Pluis it's harder to focus through the viewfinder while you're smiling with your eyes.

MeowMix wrote:
my vagina and I feel left out.

*pouts*

j laurence wrote:

Frantically licking one's lips or maniacally wringing one's hands are gonna tip the scales regardless of whether or not the photographer is attracted to men or women. 

I suppose seasoned professional nude model would probably be much less affected by the environment, gay photographer or not.  Unless he (or she) is exceptionally noteworthy or creepy.

Welcome to the industry. If this is something you want to do for a living you may want to drop these preconceived notions. People on my set are expected to act professional. Clients and producers alike. Gay, Straight, Rich, Poor, Black, White. Doesn't matter. This is less a comfort thing and more a maturity thing and their is no place in a professional work environment for immature people. This is when you get the GWC and flake claims. People being immature and unprofessional. There is no denying that women and men feel more comfortable naked in front of the same sex but on this board we are talking about professionals and it must be assumed that no sexual desire exists between the co-workers. Personally I have found several of my models very attractive and as a single male it would have been easy to cross that line but as a professional the thought never crosses my mind.

karenjerzykphotography wrote:
Are we supposed to all feel obligated to fuck after a nude shoot? Am I missing something?

Have you heard of Terry Richradson ???

j laurence wrote:
I was just wondering how much gender and orientation affect the act of posing nude, given that there's a certain level of vulnerability in the process.

I haven't noticed a lot of vulnerability in the nude models I've shot - if anything they generally seem happier, more confident and empowered with their clothes off.

I'm also somewhat confused by the OP's apparent assumption that everybody wears a badge announcing their sexuality to the rest of the team. I've worked with plenty of people in the industry and on the whole I could probably identify with certainly the sexual orientation of about 10% of them. And regardless, whether they announce their sexuality or not, what people do in their private lives is really not relevant at a photo shoot, nude or otherwise.



Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com