Forums > General Industry > New to Nude Modeling

Model

AlenaArtist

Posts: 13

Gaylord, Michigan, US

I'm an 18-year-old model with about 2 years experience. I was signed to an agency when I was underage and did a few clothing/fashion gigs, but now I am on my own. I'm wanting to get into an artistic nude/erotic style of shoots. Any tips for how to get started and how to make sure things are legit and safe?

Dec 08 18 04:07 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11708

Olney, Maryland, US

To get started:
Post availability notices.
Browse for photographers in your area.
Travel down to Maryland and shoot with me.

Legit:
Never deposit a check and send money to a third party.
Offers from big name magazines, etc., are sure to be scams.
Offers to bring their entire crew and equipment to "a location near to you" are sure to be scams.
An offer of lots of money for a gig that you are really not qualified for is sure to be a scam.

Safe:
When you consider working with a MM photographer, contact the models in his/her portfolio and ask for references.
As you correspond with a photographer, you can get a feel for him/her. Do not hesitate to discus your limits in plain English.
Does his/her portfolio reflect the type of work that you are interested in?
If at any time the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately. If you do not have a car, always carry emergency taxi fare.
Call a friend when you arrive and when you leave.

Dec 08 18 04:48 pm Link

Photographer

Jason McKendricks

Posts: 6023

Chico, California, US

One of the best suggestions I can give is contact nude models in your area. Buy them a cup of coffee and ask their advice on getting started, posing, local photographers, etc.

Always talk to models who have worked with photographers you are considering.

Be very clear on your boundaries. Are you okay with frontal nudity or would you prefer areas of your body hidden in some manner? These are important details that need to be agreed upon before the shoot.

Find out how the images will be used and make sure it says that on the model release.

Don't wear tight clothing on the day of the shoot so there will be no pressure marks on your body.

Many nude models who do this for a living travel. Try to arrange for a line of credit if this interests you.

Carefully consider any tattoos or piercings in the future. Some photographers like them, some prefer a more timeless look. If you get them consider keeping them small enough to be concealed.

Dec 08 18 05:05 pm Link

Photographer

Francisco Castro

Posts: 2628

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Jason McKendricks wrote:
One of the best suggestions I can give is contact nude models in your area. Buy them a cup of coffee and ask their advice on getting started, posing, local photographers, etc.

+1

Other art models will definitely be a more reliable source of information than any other demographic. It's important for all genres, but specially so for nude modeling, that you learn the difference between bad photography and good photography. Only work with those who exhibit talent; the photos you post sets the bar for the kind of work you are willing to accept. Make it a high bar, at least.

Dec 08 18 10:33 pm Link

Photographer

Todd Meredith

Posts: 728

Fayetteville, North Carolina, US

Hey Alena,

I can't stress what others have said about safety enough but won't keep parroting the same either.  Use your head is the best advice I can provide - if it feels wrong or crazy, there's probably an issue with it.  Never allow yourself to be pushed into doing anything you don't want to do.  I meet EVERYONE ahead of time at a coffee shop or similar place for a short planning session.  It's a great time to get a feel for people, too.  Read through all model releases/usage agreements/contracts anyone asks you to sign very carefully before signing them.

Some people will hate me for suggesting this but an escort goes a long way towards being safe and even helping you with posing.  Most photographers who shoot nudes will know another model who will help a new model become acclimated to shooting g this genre.  As some have suggested, discuss working with several of the local models who shoot nudes, ask their opinion on photographers they've actually worked with (key point there!), and ask if they will help you walk through some posing ahead of time.

Wishing you all the best!

Dec 09 18 06:58 am Link

Photographer

markEdwardPhoto

Posts: 1398

Trumbull, Connecticut, US

If you travel to another location and you stay at a hotel/motel (which i highly recommend) make sure that only YOU make the reservations and only YOU have a key to the room. Sometimes the room is already reserved, if that is the case you don't know how many keys have been made. If this is the case, then ask for a new (electronic) key upon arrival OR ask for a new room and get a new key.
Trust only yourself.

Dec 09 18 07:17 am Link

Photographer

Leonard Gee Photography

Posts: 18096

Sacramento, California, US

AlenaArtist wrote:
Any tips for how to get started and how to make sure things are legit and safe?

have nude images in your profile and portfolio. you won't get much attention only ticking off the "nude" option and then have only clothed images. do a few trade shoots with some of the best photographers available in your area or travel to a close by photographer with a decent profile that will get good visual images.

reply to messages and be active in the threads that you create. posting and then lurking gives the impression that you are a light weight and are not really serious about the process of getting work and being active in the community.

AlenaArtist wrote:
Any tips for how to get started and how to make sure things are legit and safe?

keep careful records and always let someone you know where you are going, the photographer's contact information and how long you expect to be there.

do some googling and read up on some of the blogs on the subject. learn how to communicate clearly, understand your clients and treat the process as a real business. there are enough models on this site that have established a reasonable presence and made a reasonable income you can use as examples:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/eowynrose
https://www.modelmayhem.com/vevevienne
https://www.modelmayhem.com/eleanor_rose
https://empoweredmuses.com/

Dec 09 18 08:31 am Link

Photographer

Abbitt Photography

Posts: 13559

Washington, Utah, US

A photo is worth a thousand words.   Look at a photographers portfolio, it will give you more insights than anything he or she writes.  For nude shoots consider bringing a robe you can throw on during any downtime.   Discuss specifically what your limits are regarding nudity at shoots.  Follow the same common sense safety practices that apply to any shoot.

Dec 09 18 08:34 am Link

Model

AlenaArtist

Posts: 13

Gaylord, Michigan, US

Jason McKendricks wrote:
Don't wear tight clothing on the day of the shoot so there will be no pressure marks on your body.

This is something I never really thought of, DUH. I have always done clothed modeling, due to being underage, and it was never a worry. Thank you for your response!

Dec 09 18 09:10 am Link

Model

AlenaArtist

Posts: 13

Gaylord, Michigan, US

Leonard Gee Photography wrote:
have nude images in your profile and portfolio. you won't get much attention only ticking off the "nude" option and then have only clothed images. do a few trade shoots with some of the best photographers available in your area or travel to a close by photographer with a decent profile that will get good visual images.

Thank you for your response! I have an upcoming artistic nude shoot on Friday, I just wanted to establish this page sooner rather than later. I have also been talking with photographers that I worked with doing clothed modeling to book trade shoots to help build up my portfolio a bit more.

Dec 09 18 09:13 am Link

Model

AlenaArtist

Posts: 13

Gaylord, Michigan, US

markEdwardPhoto wrote:
If you travel to another location and you stay at a hotel/motel (which i highly recommend) make sure that only YOU make the reservations and only YOU have a key to the room. Sometimes the room is already reserved, if that is the case you don't know how many keys have been made. If this is the case, then ask for a new (electronic) key upon arrival OR ask for a new room and get a new key.
Trust only yourself.

I will definitely keep this in mind. Thank you so much!

Dec 09 18 09:14 am Link

Photographer

Rays Fine Art

Posts: 7504

New York, New York, US

I agree with what's gone before but would add:

You are clearly looking at nude modeling as a cheap way to travel--Nothing wrong with that (at least in theory) but be aware that nothing you do to protect yourself from problems along the way is fool proof--Make sure that you always have enough  cash readily available to you  (credit/debit cards, cash balance in your bank account, etc.) to get you home, to a doctor, repair your car, etc. if necessary.  Trust me, if anything can go wrong, eventually it will.  Make sure that your family or some dependable person knows your plans --  where you're going, with whom, and when you're safely back.  Text messaging has been a literal life-saver on more than one occasion.  This has always been important in our community, but with the political, social and climatic unrest we've been experiencing, it has become important for everyone/

I'm assuming that your experience at being nude with a stranger, especially in a one-on-one situation as at least some of your travelling assignments will be, is limited.  It is not the same as skinny dipping with your boyfriend.  The first few times can be intimidating so it's a good idea to practice a bit before accepting travel assignments.    Improper behavior is not as frequent as many think, especially if you do good reference checks with other models who've shot nudes with a specific photographer, but remember that the other model's idea of what's appropriate may be different from yours.  I've shot with models who are very open and comfortable the moment they walk in the door and with others who simply could d not relax.  The same will be true of photographers, especially inexperienced ones.  It's up to you to have and to clearly establish your own boundaries and it's best to do so at the outset of communication.  "Friendly but not Familiar" is a good motto to live by.

I note that you list Erotic and Fetish in your available genres.  These seem to the the two genres most misunderstood by beginning photographers and models.  Make sure that the people asking for this sort of work especially are producing work of an acceptable caliber.  It's a fine line between erotic and porn in some cases. so it's an are in which to be extra careful.

You're not supposed to post the same topic in more than one forum, but maybe the moderators will turn a blind eye if you also post this topic in the new "Female Models Only" forum. Unfortunately, many models simply don't participate in the general forums for a variety of reasons, so you're likely to get a one-sided view from photographers only by posting here.

And finally, be ready to accept new ideas about yourself, your body, your relationships with photographers  and artists and the world in general.  I shoot a lot of nudes and have posed nude myself, and I know of no one other thing you can do that has a greater potential for expanding your personal horizons and outlook than doing nudes.  To quote Michelangelo: "What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful that the garment with which it is clothed? "

Good luck and enjoy!

Dec 09 18 10:50 am Link

Photographer

TEB-Art Photo

Posts: 605

Carrboro, North Carolina, US

All good advice, especially the wearing loose clothes to the shoot and having something nude in your port -- I am always nervous about hiring a woman who "checks" nude but has nothing nude in her port. One of the best ways to look good in any image, nude or not, is to project comfort and confidence.

Consider doing some Figure modeling for drawing classes, also. I pays FAR less than photo modeling, but, you network with local traditional artists, you practice your skills, and you will continue to be popular 30 years down the road when your skin is less lovely.

One other thing: nude modeling is not about showing your pretty face or pretty clothes. The whole body is used; the photographer is looking for how you interact with the tree he or she puts you in front of or the staircase he or she has you climb.

Good luck, and visit the Raleigh-Durham area sometime.

Dec 09 18 01:20 pm Link

Photographer

John Silva Photography

Posts: 587

Fairfield, California, US

AlenaArtist wrote:

Thank you for your response! I have an upcoming artistic nude shoot on Friday, I just wanted to establish this page sooner rather than later. I have also been talking with photographers that I worked with doing clothed modeling to book trade shoots to help build up my portfolio a bit more.

Alena, welcome to MM!
It will be very easy to get nude shoots, especially at TF as you are finding out. It takes the same time and effort to do a NICE shoot as it does a CRAPPY shoot and you only have so much shoot time.
If a photographer's Portfolio is REALLY good and it's what you'd like to have in your portfolio, that's the time to shoot TF. If it looks like little more than just stand there naked and let me take your picture, your shots won't be any better, that's the time to charge. Photographers that only shoot clothed aren't necessarily going to produce nice Nude images. You need to build a very strong portfolio in the genres you want to work in so photographers will want to shoot with you, AND pay you.
Look at their Verified Credits and what their other models say about them.
If you don't feel comfortable with how a photographer is setting up the shoot then just don't shoot with that photographer. You need to be able to trust the people you work with or don't work with them.
When doing paid work, don't price yourself out of the market. Find a rate that works for you and gets you work.
Lastly, don't be afraid to not quit your day job in case the Modeling doesn't take off as fast as you'd like. Lots of luck!!!

Dec 10 18 01:18 am Link

Photographer

Philip Brown

Posts: 568

Long Beach, California, US

Rays Fine Art wrote:
It's a fine line between erotic and porn in some cases. so it's an are in which to be extra careful.

lol. there's no line. all "erotic" work IS porn. It's just that being more on the subtle side, gets you a more "professional" branding, and keeps you from sliding into actual sexual acts.
Models should be honest with themselves.

Basic definitions and facts of life:
#1: if it's "erotic" then by definition it is sexually simulating
#2: if it sexually stimulating, men will "use" it.
#3: therefore, it is porn.

Dec 11 18 10:49 am Link

Photographer

Todd Meredith

Posts: 728

Fayetteville, North Carolina, US

Philip Brown wrote:

lol. there's no line. all "erotic" work IS porn. It's just that being more on the subtle side, gets you a more "professional" branding, and keeps you from sliding into actual sexual acts.
Models should be honest with themselves.

Basic definitions and facts of life:
#1: if it's "erotic" then by definition it is sexually simulating
#2: if it sexually stimulating, men will "use" it.
#3: therefore, it is porn.

And so the real "discussion" begins...

I can see this one quickly taking on a life of its own.  Hang on tight, Phil!

Dec 11 18 01:31 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11708

Olney, Maryland, US

Philip Brown wrote:
lol. there's no line. all "erotic" work IS porn. It's just that being more on the subtle side, gets you a more "professional" branding, and keeps you from sliding into actual sexual acts.
Models should be honest with themselves.

Basic definitions and facts of life:
#1: if it's "erotic" then by definition it is sexually simulating
#2: if it sexually stimulating, men will "use" it.
#3: therefore, it is porn.

Alena,
No third party, and a stranger at that, can define terms that you and I might use in a one-on-one discussion.
Always discuss specific terms in an adult manner. And please do not assume what I might "use".

Dec 11 18 02:01 pm Link

Artist/Painter

Hunter GWPB

Posts: 8155

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, US

If you plan on shooting fetish and erotic, you should know and understand the terms. It is better to start from solid definitions than from the slang and opinions that are thrown about.  There is a formal definition for pornography, even if the most common definition is from Justice Potter Stewart, who wrote, “I know it when I see it ...."  And well, that may be true, the statement is also taken out of context.

Jacobellis v. Ohio[12] (1964) narrowed the scope of the Roth decision. Justice Potter Stewart, in his concurrence to the majority opinion, created the standard whereby all speech is protected except for "hard-core pornography". As for what, exactly, constitutes hard-core pornography, Stewart said "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description, and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.” The film in question was Louis Malle's The Lovers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_know_it_when_I_see_it

Mark Salo wrote:
Alena,
No third party, and a stranger at that, can define terms that you and I might use in a one-on-one discussion.
Always discuss specific terms in an adult manner. And please do not assume what I might "use".

Mark is right.  The case that is cited above was brought by people who saw pornography, or obscenity.  It took the Supreme Court to say otherwise.  Start from terms that you are secure with and understand, then get details about the shoot and the inspiration and the goals.

Create some guidelines for yourself about what you are willing to do.  Think it through and try to predict some scenarios that might arise.  Decide which rules are more suggestions or guidelines and decide what is a hard and fast line.  Then be prepared for some pushback at the shoot.  Talk to other models.

I wish I could tell you the you will have fewer issues with well known photographers than you will with beginners.  But, it is an individual thing and, as mentioned, talking to other models is your best bet in finding out what kind of behavior to predict and deciding who to shoot with.

I suggest that you shoot with knowledgable people rather than beginners.  That most likely would mean trade shoots.  When I started shooting with models, I depended on the skill and knowledge of the model.  They taught me a lot.  I still learn from them.  But, there became a point where I could effectively start directing less experienced models, and I still find experience to be worth paying for.  If you are inexperienced and the photographer is also, you are probably spinning your wheels, or as it was already put, you will be standing there naked while someone takes pictures.  You want to develop the skills that will allow you to be able to demand payment in cash from those that are not able to provide you with a valuable output for your use.

Just because something is erotic, does not make it pornography, or obscene.  To some people, maybe, but not everyone.  Just because it is erotic, does not mean it isn’t artistic.  Some people would consider every display of the naked human body to be erotic.  Does that make every nude in a museum obscene?  About a year ago, there was a story in the news about a piece in the Met in NY where some people were clamoring for it to be removed because of it’s sexualization of a young girl.  It is called “Thérèse Dreaming” by Balthus.  Check it out.  Does it sexualize her?  Is it erotic?  Is it obscene?  You decide, because that is what you will need to do on many shoots if you are nude, and, as you will see by “Dreaming”, sometimes when you are clothed.
https://nypost.com/2017/12/03/new-yorke … izes-girl/

Dec 11 18 06:16 pm Link

Photographer

Natural Means

Posts: 936

Yamba, New South Wales, Australia

Repeating earlier advice, coffee with 5-6 experienced models would a a great investment of time.

And learn to forensically dissect profiles of anyone you consider working with. Google forensically dissect!

Look for tags, credits (absence of credits is an orange flag), the artistic vibe and style of the profile.

And, references where possible, not completely reliable, but add to the total story.

And, be a little patient, i vaguely remember being 18 as wanting everything yesterday. You got time. Move slow and get it right.

Good luck.

And visit Australia 😊

Dec 12 18 03:19 pm Link

Photographer

John Silva Photography

Posts: 587

Fairfield, California, US

Philip Brown wrote:

lol. there's no line. all "erotic" work IS porn. It's just that being more on the subtle side, gets you a more "professional" branding, and keeps you from sliding into actual sexual acts.
Models should be honest with themselves.

Basic definitions and facts of life:
#1: if it's "erotic" then by definition it is sexually simulating
#2: if it sexually stimulating, men will "use" it.
#3: therefore, it is porn.

I don't think there are ANY universal definitions for Erotic OR Porn. They definitely mean different things to different people, models and photographers alike!
When I was 13 years old, the Montgomery Wards Catalogue was more than erotic and 13 year old boys, "used it". I don't know anyone that would have considered that catalogue PORN!!!
All limits are what you make them, no more and no less.
And "shooting nudes" certainly means different things to different models! So just describe what it means to you.

Dec 13 18 01:06 am Link

Photographer

Rays Fine Art

Posts: 7504

New York, New York, US

Philip Brown wrote:

lol. there's no line. all "erotic" work IS porn. It's just that being more on the subtle side, gets you a more "professional" branding, and keeps you from sliding into actual sexual acts.
Models should be honest with themselves.

Basic definitions and facts of life:
#1: if it's "erotic" then by definition it is sexually simulating
#2: if it sexually stimulating, men will "use" it.
#3: therefore, it is porn.

To quote no less an authority than Michelangelo:
"What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed? "

Dec 15 18 06:44 am Link

Clothing Designer

veypurr

Posts: 461

Albuquerque, New Mexico, US

AlenaArtist wrote:
I'm an 18-year-old model with about 2 years experience. I was signed to an agency when I was underage and did a few clothing/fashion gigs, but now I am on my own. I'm wanting to get into an artistic nude/erotic style of shoots. Any tips for how to get started and how to make sure things are legit and safe?

I have been following your Instagram, it is good.

Jan 05 19 03:34 am Link

Photographer

63fotos

Posts: 534

Flagstaff, Arizona, US

Mark Salo wrote:
safe:
When you consider working with a MM photographer, contact the models in his/her portfolio and ask for references.
As you correspond with a photographer, you can get a feel for him/her. Do not hesitate to discus your limits in plain English.
Does his/her portfolio reflect the type of work that you are interested in?
If at any time the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately. If you do not have a car, always carry emergency taxi fare.
Call a friend when you arrive and when you leave.

this, and/or bring an escort.
I shoot nudes, and a couple of models have brought along an escort. I have no problem with this, and usually put them to work.

Jan 05 19 08:31 am Link

Photographer

darkonc

Posts: 2

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

My $02 on the line between erotica and porn is that, like with beauty, the line between erotica and porn lies in the eye of the beholder.
The ultimate rule is:  If you don't like it, then say no!  Especially when you start out, it is better to be conservative than to push your boundaries.  It is far easier to do something later than it is to undo something that you later  regret.  Any good photographer should be willing to both push your boundaries and respect your refusal.
Don't be offended if a photographer asks you do do something that you're not willing to, and don't be afraid to say no -- or, better yet, offer something different.

Jan 05 19 05:36 pm Link