UnSeenYou wrote:
What should we consider appropriate?

I have known both sides of this argument.  I have seen people pose and have no problems remaining unclosed between shoots.  I have seen people shoot and immediately get dressed before shots.  Shouldn't we be more concerned with the comfort level of the subject?

Mutual respect is the bottom line when posing and photographing/drawing.  Whatever makes this subject/model feel most comfortable is fine with me.  After the shoot I have even had models sit and have lunch with me and finally get dressed when it's time to leave.

Your method seems appropriate for photographers, however the instructors in colleges, universities, and community centers have special needs.  I believe that models for art classes should approach these gigs with appropriate procedures.  I also believe that these models should always call a week in advance to confirm their appointments, and then call again the day before the gig to reasure the client that they didn't forget, and expect to arrive on time the day of the gig.

dave wright art wrote:
in a class or workshop environment, it's common for models to wear robes.

when a model is not posing, there's no need for him or her to be nude. so in that situation, the model's nudity would be inappropriate and unnecessary.

it's not really appropriate for a model to put on street clothes between poses, or during breaks. it's understood that the robe is the appropriate attire for a nude model, and it would be inappropriate for a model to put on a dress or jeans and a t-shirt between poses. it's normal for a nude model to begin a pose by walking onto the riser and removing her robe. it would be inappropriate for a model to walk up to the riser wearing a skirt and tank top, and remove them there.

acting like a professional definitely helps. i've worked with models who brought their own robes, sheets, pillows, music, heater, and snacks. that kind of preparedness definitely makes a good impression on instructors.

I think a lot of art instructors would agree with you.  Let's remember that the art instructor often determines if that model gets called in to pose again on another day.  No gig means no pay; most of the models have to pay rent and depend on these gigs to fill in the empty days in their work schedule.  Your professional input is appreciated.

Laura UnBound wrote:
For classes, I could understand the want/need for a robe. I personally wouldnt care but if the students/instructor preferred it then I would adhere to that.

Any other time? I hang out naked.

You got style and a professional attitude; you should do well.

dave wright art wrote:

That's exactly the point. If a model doesn't wear a robe, she's nude for no particular reason. People will start to wonder why that is, and some will even guess it's a sexual thing. It's best to avoid that kind of thing.

Agreed; it's important that we don't intimidate the students or the dean of the art department.

dave wright art wrote:
It's fine to hang out naked on your own time, or with your personal friends. But that's not really appropriate for a work situation.

Being appropriate for the situation, can make the difference between a true professional model and one who is not.

Stann Hoyle wrote:
Personally, I think a wrap-dress or a pair of shorts and a simple blouse are just as good as a robe, however some art instructors tell me they prefer models to bring a robe. 
You seem to be both creative and professional, so whatever you are doing must be right.

I've always brought something to art classes. But if I don't put it back on, nobody has ever cared. Usually in between poses I've just sat in a corner away from everyone. I only put on a dress/robe if I'm cold or need to go to the restroom or during breaks.
I rarely bring them to indoor photo shoots, but always have something for outdoors shoots. But that is a different thing altogether.

dave wright art wrote:

That's exactly the point. If a model doesn't wear a robe, she's nude for no particular reason. People will start to wonder why that is, and some will even guess it's a sexual thing. It's best to avoid that kind of thing.

No, the reason for being nude is that they are comfortable with it, which, in my opinion is excellent for a nude model, and its more of a hassle to dress and undress, dress and undress, if youre perfectly a-okay with just staying naked.

I do have to agree, and its rather unfortunate, that some will take it as a sexual gesture. My being naked has absolutely nothing to do with my sexuality, and its really silly to think that it does.

dave wright art wrote:
It's fine to hang out naked on your own time, or with your personal friends. But that's not really appropriate for a work situation.

If my job is a nude model, then my dresscode is naked, and I find that entirely appropriate.

Raelyn Monstrosity wrote:

I've always brought something to art classes. But if I don't put it back on, nobody has ever cared. Usually in between poses I've just sat in a corner away from everyone. I only put on a dress/robe if I'm cold or need to go to the restroom or during breaks.
I rarely bring them to indoor photo shoots, but always have something for outdoors shoots. But that is a different thing altogether.

Some instructors tell me they prefer that the model wear street clothes when she goes in the hallway to find the restroom; other instructors tell me a robe is fine.  What has been your experience?

Stann Hoyle wrote:

Some instructors tell me they prefer that the model wear street clothes when she goes in the hallway to find the restroom; other instructors tell me a robe is fine.  What has been your experience?

Slip dress.
A slip dress looks like street clothes, and otherwise works just as well as a robe.
I have a kimono, and I have worn robes that have been provided for me, but I tend to find for those settings, its better to bring a slip dress.

ShivaLove wrote:
I wear a robe. While I don't necessarily care about nudity, some of the groups I work for are fairly conservative, and I try to remain conscious that not everyone has the same mindset I do.

Many of the new models don't realize just how conservative some art classes can be.  Many instructors are looking for "body natural" with the emphasis being that many different body types are good and worth drawing.  Many instructors don't want sexy poses.

Mistur Photography wrote:
A robe is appropriate between sittings.

yup..

Stann Hoyle wrote:

I always tell models they are welcome to bring a chaperone; however I warn them that they may not feel comfortable expressing their creativity if their chaperone happens to be a boyfriend, husband, or father.

You are certainly welcome to do things however you want, but I have to ask- if the model  "may not feel comfortable expressing their creativity" why would you want to shoot with them?

I'm not doing the shoot unless I'm pretty confident in everyone involved and expect good results.

Laura UnBound wrote:
For classes, I could understand the want/need for a robe. I personally wouldnt care but if the students/instructor preferred it then I would adhere to that.

Any other time? I hang out naked.

I tried hanging out naked during the shoot but the model wouldn't stop laughing so I finally got dressed 

Actually I take along a sheet for her to cover up in case someone passes by. I also bring along a towel incase she gets wet. Then I bring a cover up if she prefers that. I have found that even in the most private of outdoor places someone might come along and for the onlookers benefit I find that covering up the model temporarily makes the shoot go easier. For outdoor shoots this helps. For indoor studio shoots it is the models choice. Then I provide several choices, a robe, a nightgown wrap, long t-shirt, beach towel, etc.

dave wright art wrote:
That's exactly the point. If a model doesn't wear a robe, she's nude for no particular reason. People will start to wonder why that is, and some will even guess it's a sexual thing. It's best to avoid that kind of thing.

Laura UnBound wrote:
No, the reason for being nude is that they are comfortable with it, which, in my opinion is excellent for a nude model, and its more of a hassle to dress and undress, dress and undress, if youre perfectly a-okay with just staying naked.

I do have to agree, and its rather unfortunate, that some will take it as a sexual gesture. My being naked has absolutely nothing to do with my sexuality, and its really silly to think that it does.

It doesn't matter if you think it's silly for people to think that. Some will, obviously. So wear a robe and you won't have issues with people thinking silly things that are totally wrong.

dave wright art wrote:
It's fine to hang out naked on your own time, or with your personal friends. But that's not really appropriate for a work situation.

Laura UnBound wrote:
If my job is a nude model, then my dresscode is naked, and I find that entirely appropriate.

Yes, naked while you're working. You wouldn't go out to eat after a shoot while fully nude. The same principle applies. If you're not being photographed (or drawn, painted, whatever) then it's more professional to put on a robe.

Stann Hoyle wrote:
Some instructors tell me they prefer that the model wear street clothes when she goes in the hallway to find the restroom; other instructors tell me a robe is fine.  What has been your experience?

I've never heard that. I've always known figure models to go down the hall to the restroom or the snack machines in a robe. It's expected for a model to be wearing a robe when not posing.

It was kind of shocking once when I ran into a figure model that I had worked with often, and she was wearing clothes. It was unexpected, it put her in a completely different context. She was a girl in a shirt and jeans, not a nude model in a robe ready to pose.

Stann Hoyle wrote:

I appreciate your free spirit; however many of the models I work with, tell me they feel more comfortable if they have a chaperone the first time they work with a new client.  When I chaperone models, I usually work out some sort of signal they can give me if they feel totally comfortable about me leaving while they pose.

So you allow escorts.......
AND you provide escort services?

Raelyn Monstrosity wrote:
Slip dress.
A slip dress looks like street clothes, and otherwise works just as well as a robe.
I have a kimono, and I have worn robes that have been provided for me, but I tend to find for those settings, its better to bring a slip dress.

What does a slip dress look like.  Is that something a model could wear for an outdoor shoot, while she changes what she wears under it?  One time a model tried to change in a public place and she kept dropping her dress on the ground; I had to stand between her and the people walking by so nobody could see what she was doing.  I was afraid we might get kicked out of the waterfall park where we were.

Stann Hoyle wrote:
What does a slip dress look like.  Is that something a model could wear for an outdoor shoot, while she changes what she wears under it?

That is such a cool idea.  I would definitely like to know if there is such a thing.

dave wright sf wrote:

dave wright art wrote:
That's exactly the point. If a model doesn't wear a robe, she's nude for no particular reason. People will start to wonder why that is, and some will even guess it's a sexual thing. It's best to avoid that kind of thing.

It doesn't matter if you think it's silly for people to think that. Some will, obviously. So wear a robe and you won't have issues with people thinking silly things that are totally wrong.

Doesnt really matter what me or the person im working with thinks about what me being naked means. I dont have any issue with someone THINKING anything, I would take issue with them trying to act on it, which could happen regardless of the state of dress the model is in. If I were to make someone uncomfortable, and they told me to put clothes on, fine I will. Otherwise im making life easier on myself and staying naked, Im more comfortable naked.

dave wright art wrote:
It's fine to hang out naked on your own time, or with your personal friends. But that's not really appropriate for a work situation.

Laura UnBound wrote:
If my job is a nude model, then my dresscode is naked, and I find that entirely appropriate.

Yes, naked while you're working. You wouldn't go out to eat after a shoot while fully nude. The same principle applies. If you're not being photographed (or drawn, painted, whatever) then it's more professional to put on a robe.

Actually, if the restaurants  would let me, I WOULD go out to eat naked, but taking a break in the middle of a shoot/session is different than ENDING the session and then going and doing something else.
I find it a little ridiculous that its unprofessional for a NUDE model to be COMFORTABLE while shes trying to work...

Cherrystone wrote:

So you allow escorts.......
AND you provide escort services?

I try not to use the word "escort" which can be misinturpreted.  I prefer to use the word" chaperone.  When I chaperone a model, I'm there to make her feel comfortable working with a new client and to make sure the new client is completely legitamate.  I don't charge a fee for this, since most of the models help me by posing for my projects; so all the money recieved goes directly to the model.  I also pay the models a small amount when they assist me on other photography jobs such as weddings.  Some of the models also want to learn how to be photographers.  I even give them free PhotoShop lessons.  I only do this in the Chicagoland, IL area.

Laura UnBound wrote:
I find it a little ridiculous that its unprofessional for a NUDE model to be COMFORTABLE while shes trying to work...

There are people who hire figure models who expect models to conduct themselves in a professional manner, which includes wearing a robe when they're not modeling.

Those people might not appreciate you lounging around naked on your breaks, and they might not hire you again, or recommend you to others.

Extreme Body Art wrote:
I have had it both ways.

As for school posing, my wife always has a robe, and then removes it during the drawing.

As for posing for photographers in a studio setting... it's all on the model.  You should offer the robe, but if they don't care (and you don't care) then... meh.

I have had models go in to the bathroom, disrobe, and come out with the robe on, take off the robe for the photo shoot, then put the robe back on, go the the bathroom and change back in to clothes.

then I have had models get naked before I was even ready or completely set up. (it was a little awkward for me though when that happend)

For a private photo session, the rules of etiquette depend on what makes the model feel comfortable.  For an art class, we must be concerned with what is comfortable for the instructor, the students, the school administration, and yes for the model too.

dave wright art wrote:

There are people who hire figure models who expect models to conduct themselves in a professional manner, which includes wearing a robe when they're not modeling.

Those people might not appreciate you lounging around naked on your breaks, and they might not hire you again, or recommend you to others.

your ideas of how a professional conducts themselves have the possibility of being entirely different from others. Ive never had anyone complain to me that I hang out naked when I am or am not working. In fact, Ive heard nothing but praise on how comfortable I am, and how happy they are that I am comfortable and work easily naked, and Ive worked more than once with many of the people Ive shot with 

BeautyIsACurse wrote:
whatever makes them feel comfortable

Exactly, or warm.

Laura UnBound wrote:
Ive never had anyone complain to me that I hang out naked when I am or am not working. In fact, Ive heard nothing but praise on how comfortable I am, and how happy they are that I am comfortable and work easily naked, and Ive worked more than once with many of the people Ive shot with 

Personally I prefer to work with models who are comfortable, and who make me feel comfortable.

Having a naked model in the studio can be a bit nerve wracking for the photographer too, especially the first time you work with that person, and a model who grabs for a robe every time I take the camera from my face for a second is not going to promote a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. So while I respect her right to do that I doubt if I'd be rushing to work with her again.

It's all about finding the right balance for the situation and people involved.


Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Laura UnBound wrote:

dave wright sf wrote:

dave wright art wrote:
That's exactly the point. If a model doesn't wear a robe, she's nude for no particular reason. People will start to wonder why that is, and some will even guess it's a sexual thing. It's best to avoid that kind of thing.

It doesn't matter if you think it's silly for people to think that. Some will, obviously. So wear a robe and you won't have issues with people thinking silly things that are totally wrong.

Doesnt really matter what me or the person im working with thinks about what me being naked means. I dont have any issue with someone THINKING anything, I would take issue with them trying to act on it, which could happen regardless of the state of dress the model is in. If I were to make someone uncomfortable, and they told me to put clothes on, fine I will. Otherwise im making life easier on myself and staying naked, Im more comfortable naked.

dave wright art wrote:
It's fine to hang out naked on your own time, or with your personal friends. But that's not really appropriate for a work situation.

Laura UnBound wrote:
If my job is a nude model, then my dresscode is naked, and I find that entirely appropriate.

Actually, if the restaurants  would let me, I WOULD go out to eat naked, but taking a break in the middle of a shoot/session is different than ENDING the session and then going and doing something else.
I find it a little ridiculous that its unprofessional for a NUDE model to be COMFORTABLE while shes trying to work...

You seem like a fun person to be with; you have a healthy sense of humor.