Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
I've been considering doing nudes for some time, though I'd only do artistic nudes if any. As I'm trying to decide, I thought it would be a great idea to ask some of you: How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Thank you! :]

You have 2 gorgeous implied nude shots taken on 12/25.  Why didn't you drop the towel for a few quick artistic nude shots at that time?  You would have found out quickly if you liked it or not.

Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
I've been considering doing nudes for some time, though I'd only do artistic nudes if any. As I'm trying to decide, I thought it would be a great idea to ask some of you: How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Thank you! :]

Hi,

My family has one of my art nudes blown up into a large canvas and hanging on the living room wall back at home. So, my mother, sister, aunt, nieces and anyone who comes over can see.


Generally though I don't tell strangers about this because they are strangers. My friends who know me well, know this. It isn't an issue.

For dating, I don't tell a person that I am only on one date with about it but, have learned that it needs to be introduced before any emotions become involved as it is honest and is a factor in the relationship. If a person is not supportive then he won't be a date, if I don't tell him relatively soon then I am deceptive.

Jen
p.s. I got the book, "Live Nude Girl: My life as an object" by Kathleen Rooney but, just can't get past her self-introspection ramblings...The reviews were nice though, she talks about what you ask...on and on.

DMesser Photography wrote:
You have 2 gorgeous implied nude shots taken on 12/25.  Why didn't you drop the towel for a few quick artistic nude shots at that time?  You would have found out quickly if you liked it or not.

That's not a fair assumption for her. Mind sets and feelings obviously may be different now than when she shot those, that's why she is seeking advise... She is somewhat new to this you know.

I would think that at that time she had an interest in nude art but was very closed to the thought of going all nude, now she is exploring the idea of maybe opening up to actually trying it herself, maybe she has a deep artistic need to go that way and is figuring out the big picture... Come on give her credit.

DMesser Photography wrote:
You have 2 gorgeous implied nude shots taken on 12/25.  Why didn't you drop the towel for a few quick artistic nude shots at that time?  You would have found out quickly if you liked it or not.

Art Silva Photography wrote:
That's not a fair assumption for her. Mind sets and feelings obviously may be different now than when she shot those, that's why she is seeking advise... She is somewhat new to this you know.

I would think that at that time she had an interest in nude art but was very closed to the thought of going all nude, now she is exploring the idea of maybe opening up to actually trying it herself, maybe she has a deep artistic need to go that way and is figuring out the big picture... Come on give her credit.

+1
Also the photos were posted on December 25, not necessarily taken that day.  A quick review of the properties of the image show no "date taken", so those pictures could have been taken months earlier.

In any case the shot in her portfolio could easily have been done without the photographer seeing anything more than the viewer of the photo sees.  It is a big step to just get naked in front of a stranger (or more if there is a team present) let alone have a permanent record of that moment that the entire would might see. 

I personally have no experience posing nude, so I will defer to the models who have done so to give the OP some real world knowledge on that subject.  I will say that when the time comes to do more revealing shots work with a photographer you trust to help make the experience be as comfortable as possible.

Just my $0.02

Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
I've been considering doing nudes for some time, though I'd only do artistic nudes if any. As I'm trying to decide, I thought it would be a great idea to ask some of you: How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Thank you! :]

Many models use a stage name, have you considered that? You would still need to be prepared for the possibility of people in your life finding out though, but it's not likely.

Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Although I started as and still am only a photographer, in the past I have posed nude for photographers.

How do you deal with family/friends? - I don't mention it and no one has ever brought it up (most if not all do not know). If it did come up, I would just tell it as it is, as better described in the answer below.

How did you make your decision? I was asked by a female photographer to pose for her. She said I should know what it is like to be on the other side of the camera. I thought about it for just an hour or so; then I agreed.

What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? See above answer.

How does it make you feel about yourself? Wonderful! What a liberating experience. I had a great time (after about the first 10 seconds) and decided to do it again.

I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model. Answered above.

Take your time and make the right decision for YOU. Just use the info from me and others as food for thought rather than on how to make your own decision.

My comments are just one worthless opinion.   

Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
I've been considering doing nudes for some time, though I'd only do artistic nudes if any. As I'm trying to decide, I thought it would be a great idea to ask some of you: How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Thank you! :]

It's none of my family's business.

You're a big girl now.

I never really made a "decision" about it. The first time I ever modeled, I was approached by a photographer randomly at a bar, when I was out with a friend. He asked if I wanted to shoot some art nudes for his project. I'm a thrill-junkie by nature, so of course, I had to do it. It was fun, and I modeled nude for the next 8 years.

It was always an adventure. It enabled me to travel throughout the US, and create something that is REAL, that lasts, some proof that my life has actually existed and been worth something. Even if I do nothing valuable with the rest of my life, I know I made SOMETHING, did something with myself.

It was the best thing I could have ever done, in terms of having opportunities to truly live and experience the world, and not be tied down to a conventional life.

I work a regular job now, and don't shoot much anymore, but I wouldn't trade those years for anything. My whole life would have been different today.

twoharts wrote:
looks like you've been heading in that direction already. have you had any backlash so far?

i just think if you start doing full nudes you have to be prepared for anyone and everyone to see them. and that includes family, employers, potential employers, lovers, etc.

and if you have any interest in ever being a teacher (or working with kids in some way) i'd say run away from nudes. far away.

that said, you are very striking and i'm sure you'd have plenty of photographers wanting to work with you. just be clear on your limits. most of my models are "classy nudes" which translates to "easy on the hooha big guy"

+1
--Full nudes can also hurt your career if you are trying to get into mainstream
Hollywood as a young unknown actress. An artistic/fashion breast here and there is not going to hurt you. But vagina is  a deal breaker.

twoharts wrote:
looks like you've been heading in that direction already. have you had any backlash so far?

i just think if you start doing full nudes you have to be prepared for anyone and everyone to see them. and that includes family, employers, potential employers, lovers, etc.

and if you have any interest in ever being a teacher (or working with kids in some way) i'd say run away from nudes. far away.

that said, you are very striking and i'm sure you'd have plenty of photographers wanting to work with you. just be clear on your limits. most of my llamas are "classy nudes" which translates to "easy on the hooha big guy"

I've not been headed in that direction so far, no. I do agree with getting comfy with the idea of people finding out or seeing the images by change, which is something I'm considering. Haha on the hooha

Thanks for the input!

DMesser Photography wrote:

You have 2 gorgeous implied nude shots taken on 12/25.  Why didn't you drop the towel for a few quick artistic nude shots at that time?  You would have found out quickly if you liked it or not.

I was actually wearing underwear; it was photoshopped out Also, the photographer saw nothing. It would have been more of a step than what I was going for at the moment, as I wasn't yet considering nudes. These images were actually the photog's idea, and from where I was standing the muah had let me know that nothing was visible. Either way, I went for it. I wasn't ready to do nudes just yet, to answer your question. I may try a personal nude shoot in the future to see how I feel about it.

Damianne wrote:
I don't have to deal with anyone, because they all either are fine with it or get a barrage of "and how exactly does this affect you?" from everyone who is fine with it, until they feel stupid and just are fine.


*shrug*
everyone's super supportive because it's my body and my life.

My family is the kind that things that every pee I take affects them. Russian culture, go figure. My worry isn't so much their approval, it's the potentiality of dealing with their negative commentary. I like your attitude about it, that's the way to go! I will try to adopt that for this aspect if I choose to go in the direction of nudes.

MyrnaByrna wrote:

Hi,

My family has one of my art nudes blown up into a large canvas and hanging on the living room wall back at home. So, my mother, sister, aunt, nieces and anyone who comes over can see.


Generally though I don't tell strangers about this because they are strangers. My friends who know me well, know this. It isn't an issue.

For dating, I don't tell a person that I am only on one date with about it but, have learned that it needs to be introduced before any emotions become involved as it is honest and is a factor in the relationship. If a person is not supportive then he won't be a date, if I don't tell him relatively soon then I am deceptive.

Jen
p.s. I got the book, "Live Nude Girl: My life as an object" by Kathleen Rooney but, just can't get past her self-introspection ramblings...The reviews were nice though, she talks about what you ask...on and on.

That's so awesome that your family did that! How lovely! My partner is totally fine with it, so I'm not worried about that. I agree that if the person I date isn't supportive of it, sucks for them, because it's my decision.

Lol @ the book..

Shandra Stark wrote:
Family is fine.
Friends are fine.
Lovers are fine.
It goes on every resume I've ever had (I've held corporate jobs, administration roles, worked with children...).

I don't feel any differently about myself.

Fantastic! Glad you had such a positive experience.

Nikki Magnusson wrote:
you should ask your family and friends if it's ok...

also..

they should consult you on any of their choices in life..sigh..

a commitee is always more beneficial..

just look how well it works in congress..

I don't ask anyone if anything is 'ok', rather I know they will freely offer up their negative commentary. Sometimes it happens. I was more wondering how others deal with it and what their experiences have been. Agreed, congress is effed up

Michael Pandolfo wrote:
Unrelated, but great choice for the avatar (from your Critique thread).

Thanks!

Ovariancyst wrote:
Just to re-emphasize what someone else said, you really have to be comfortable with the idea of ANYONE seeing the photos.  Not just strangers, but people you actually know and interact with on a daily basis.

Some models seem to do nudes believing that they will be viewable for a finite and temporary amount of time, then they'll just disappear and fall of the face of the Earth.  But, because of the internet, this is less and less of a possibility.  Of course, it's not guaranteed that people you know will see them, and a lot of nudes do end up disappearing into internet limbo.  But you should always keep in my mind the possibility that this won't happen.

And while the photographer may truly have no intentions of using the photos in a pornographic context, there's always the chance that someone else may save the photos and then repost them elsewhere in a context that is.  It happens all the time.  Photos are "pirated" more often on the web than any other media.

Granted, it sucks that people are so uptight and judgmental about nudity, and this fact severely hinders both photographers and models creativity and self-expression, but it is the reality of it.  And you have to be realistic, rather than idealistic, when making these decisions.

You could always find a photographer whom you really trust to do a nude "test shoot" who will promise not to use the photos for anything, but only take them so that you can view the results.  Because often times posing for nude photos and actually seeing them provoke very different reactions.  In other words, you may think you're comfortable posing nude until you actually see the resulting photos, then it becomes much more real and you may change your mind.  Personally, I always allow the model to view all the photos after they've been taken and permanently delete any of the shots that they aren't comfortable with.  But a lot of photographers aren't that conscientious.  Some take the attitude that once you allow the photos to be taken, then it's too late, so "bye bye and good luck."

Agreed, you definitely have to take it in that someone may see it at some point or may misuse the photos. That's something I'm keeping in mind and considering. Also agree with you on the judgmental attitude; with my family it often seems that any decision I make has to be mulled over with others in mind simply because of their assumed position in my life. Meh. It definitely is hindering and annoying.

Test shoot is a really great idea. Thanks!

Art Silva Photography wrote:

That's not a fair assumption for her. Mind sets and feelings obviously may be different now than when she shot those, that's why she is seeking advise... She is somewhat new to this you know.

I would think that at that time she had an interest in nude art but was very closed to the thought of going all nude, now she is exploring the idea of maybe opening up to actually trying it herself, maybe she has a deep artistic need to go that way and is figuring out the big picture... Come on give her credit.

I am just now opening up to the idea, yes

MatureModelMM wrote:
I started modelling in the nude at age 35.  I had always wanted to model and the opportunity came to me, so I went for it and haven't stopped since.  My husband has been an art nude figure model for a really long time, so after we got married it seemed natural for me to model as well. He has been very supportive of my work and is not jealous that I get far more modelling inquiries than he does. It does not bother him that I am sometimes nude for several hours at a time in front of a group of artists or photographers in a classroom, studio or gallery, as he knows from experience that it is legitimate work.

One of my sisters likes some of my work, but not all of it. She does support my choice to model though. The other sister thinks that any form of nudity is sinful and refuses to even discuss that I model in the nude. My two best girlfriends absolutely love what I am doing and have been extremely supportive, looking at my pictures and giving opinions on the poses and artistic appeal of everything. Many of my other friends and relatives know that I model in the nude, and most of them have seen some of the drawings, paintings, and photos. All of them have been fine with it.

I thoroughly enjoy the vulnerability of presenting myself nude in front of a group of strangers during the process of trying to create art with my body, using various poses and expressions. I never know quite what the results will be, but it has always been simply wonderful to look at the resulting artwork or pictures and hear the comments of others who view them. Modelling has made a huge boost to my self-esteem and that is another thing that I really like about it.

Thanks for that! I also see modeling as a great way of coming out of your skin, so to say, and out of your comfort zone to take you to new heights.

Azimuth Arts wrote:

DMesser Photography wrote:
You have 2 gorgeous implied nude shots taken on 12/25.  Why didn't you drop the towel for a few quick artistic nude shots at that time?  You would have found out quickly if you liked it or not.

+1
Also the photos were posted on December 25, not necessarily taken that day.  A quick review of the properties of the image show no "date taken", so those pictures could have been taken months earlier.

In any case the shot in her portfolio could easily have been done without the photographer seeing anything more than the viewer of the photo sees.  It is a big step to just get naked in front of a stranger (or more if there is a team present) let alone have a permanent record of that moment that the entire would might see. 

I personally have no experience posing nude, so I will defer to the models who have done so to give the OP some real world knowledge on that subject.  I will say that when the time comes to do more revealing shots work with a photographer you trust to help make the experience be as comfortable as possible.

Just my $0.02

I was not considering doing nudes at the time, no. The photog saw nothing, and that's all I was comfortable with at the moment. I was there to shoot different looks, and nudes were not on the list. My underwear was actually photoshopped out I agree on being comfortable with it first, which is why I have not done any nudes yet, and didn't want anyone to have any of me yet. This was really a rather recent development Thanks!

Figuremodel001 wrote:
Might be looking for a female perspective, can't help there. What I can indicate is I have been posing nude for quite a while. While some photos have to be used to generate new model opportunities, I don't necessarily spenda lot of time showing nude photos of myself to family and friends. Don't confuse that with being a secret, or with the fact any photo will never be seen by somebody unexpectedly.
Lots of people know I pose nude, most non modeling related friends and family don't want to look at a lot of photos of me naked or otherwise. If they go to a show, I might be in it.   
Overall, it realy does not seem to be a big deal.

Looking for perspective in general, so you're fine! You're right, I wouldn't offer them up either Thanks a lot!

Sky Donohue wrote:

Many models use a stage name, have you considered that? You would still need to be prepared for the possibility of people in your life finding out though, but it's not likely.

This actually is a stage name!
But yes, I could create another account. I guess if this is something I'm going to do, I'd like to stay true to myself and keep everything together and go into it fully. Thank you!

Nor-Cal Photography wrote:

Although I started as and still am only a photographer, in the past I have posed nude for photographers.

How do you deal with family/friends? - I don't mention it and no one has ever brought it up (most if not all do not know). If it did come up, I would just tell it as it is, as better described in the answer below.

How did you make your decision? I was asked by a female photographer to pose for her. She said I should know what it is like to be on the other side of the camera. I thought about it for just an hour or so; then I agreed.

What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? See above answer.

How does it make you feel about yourself? Wonderful! What a liberating experience. I had a great time (after about the first 10 seconds) and decided to do it again.

I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model. Answered above.

Take your time and make the right decision for YOU. Just use the info from me and others as food for thought rather than on how to make your own decision.

My comments are just one worthless opinion.   

Not worthless at all, thank you! Thanks for the feedback!

Mischa Marie wrote:
My friends know and don't give a shit. I typically surround myself with open minded people any ways. My family doesn't "officially" know, but I'm pretty sure they either suspect it or are just too embarrassed to ask me about it.

Either way, I'm an adult and if anybody wants to tell me what to do with my body they can kick rocks

I try to surround myself with open minded people as well. You're right and I like your outlook! Thanks!

Koryn Locke wrote:
It's none of my family's business.

You're a big girl now.

I never really made a "decision" about it. The first time I ever llamaed, I was approached by a photographer randomly at a bar, when I was out with a friend. He asked if I wanted to shoot some art nudes for his project. I'm a thrill-junkie by nature, so of course, I had to do it. It was fun, and I llamaed nude for the next 8 years.

It was always an adventure. It enabled me to travel throughout the US, and create something that is REAL, that lasts, some proof that my life has actually existed and been worth something. Even if I do nothing valuable with the rest of my life, I know I made SOMETHING, did something with myself.

It was the best thing I could have ever done, in terms of having opportunities to truly live and experience the world, and not be tied down to a conventional life.

I work a regular job now, and don't shoot much anymore, but I wouldn't trade those years for anything. My whole life would have been different today.

Thanks, you're right, it's not my family's business. Thanks for sharing your input, appreciate it!

New Art Photo wrote:

+1
--Full nudes can also hurt your career if you are trying to get into mainstream
Hollywood as a young unknown actress. An artistic/fashion breast here and there is not going to hurt you. But vagina is  a deal breaker.

Lol.. @ the vagina comment. I don't think I'm heading into Hollywood anytime in this lifetime, but it's a good point. Thanks!

Jordan Bunniie wrote:
I wanted to pose nude so I did.
If anyone I know has an issue with it they don't tell me.
If anyone did tell me they have an issue with it that is their problem.

What made you want to, or how did you get into it? Definitely a good outlook on the situation, regarding the input of others. Thanks!

Justin Choriki wrote:
I was raised with some strict conservative values and the ideal that you can do anything in life as long as you can without hesitation show your work or whatever it maybe to grandma and grandpa.  That being said I picked projects early on that were more cookie cutter main stream nothing too outside the box but realized after living a little that being comfortable in your own skin and confident in your work and in yourself is more important & goes with being true to your values as well as not regretting something grandma may see.  If my family taught me anything it was confidence and standing behind all the decisions you make in life.  Yes there are things I'm sure raised a few heart beats caused a gasp or two but my family has been supportive of every decision I've made g rated and not.  The truth is if you can stand up and say this is what I'm doing and have no shame or guilt about it then no one else will be able to shame you later.  You're making the decisions the choices make the ones you want and do it with confidence in the end the only one who has to live with them is yourself.

You've got a great point: if you go into something, go into it fully! I'm glad your family has been supportive! My parents tend to be a little on the old fashioned communist side But absolutely right, it's what feels right to me. Thanks a lot!

Jane Kavanaugh wrote:
I've been considering doing nudes for some time, though I'd only do artistic nudes if any. As I'm trying to decide, I thought it would be a great idea to ask some of you: How do you deal with family/friends? How did you make your decision? What made you want to shoot nudes vs. not? How does it make you feel about yourself? Etc. I want to hear all about your decision and experience as a nude model.

Thank you! :]

Luckily my family was fine with it. They said it was my body and my life so I could do whatever I want. They fully support me and they think my art nudes are beautiful.

I was also lucky enough to find a guy who is ok with it. He supports me as well. I wouldn't have started dating him if he wasn't ok with it.

I've been modeling since 2008, and I only started doing nudes last December. I had a number of things keeping me from doing them - but I started to want to try them, like you. Last December was when all the things that were stopping me when away. I was shooting with a friend and we had talked before about possibility shooting nudes. I decided to go for it. He promised that if I didn't like the images he would delete them. Needless to say I liked them.

Honestly, shooting nudes has helped me accept my body more and be ok with it. Before I started shooting nudes I hated my body. Like, really hated it. I thought I was too fat and I hated the fact that I wasn't super skinny and toned like a lot of other models. It made me feel self conscious at shoots.
After seeing my body nude, and seeing how awesome it looked it made me accept it. I can see now that I may not be that skinny toned model - but I'm still beautiful. I love my curves now.

I made a fb status last month that basically sums up how I feel about going into nude work.

"Just spent the past 1 1/2 looking at my old modeling pictures, the ones before I started doing nudes and I don't know how the explain it. I look back at these old photos compared to my nude stuff I've done in the past year and they all feel like they're missing something. Like there was some kind of special fire that lite up in me when I started doing nude work - I can noticeably see something different in me that wasn't there before. It's weird. I feel like I've become an entirely different person than I was just a year ago. The only regret that I might have is not starting sooner. So, I guess I have Stephen R. Markman to thank for giving me that little nudge I needed to go into creating awesomeness. I really hope to be doing it for a couple more years to come. "

Also wanted to add that if you do decide to shoot nudes your first shoot should be with someone who you a) trust and b) is actually a good photographer.

If I did my first nudes with a terrible photographer I probably wouldn't have kept doing them.