Advice for a part-time model?
Hi, I'm 19, a sophomore art/photography major in college, and putting myself through school with loans and some modeling gigs on the side. I've surprised myself with how mI've managed to act/comport myself so professionally at such a young age and its really boosted my confidence. But I am currently scheduled to do my first nude shoot. It is with a local artistic photographer whose work I know well enough that I DO trust that the shoot will be artistic/tasteful, that the images wont be sold except in his art gallery, etc etc. But I'm still scared out of my wits. I know posing for artistic nudes comes with the job description, and I know need to grow up and get used to being a model--which isn't always nothing but glamerous/fun shoots (just as a nurse can't choose not to change bedpans, models have to, well, model haha). But that doesn't make me any less freaked out. No guys have ever really seen me naked. Heck I've gotten freaked out just with having to change and be fitted for dresses in big ol busy rooms for fashion shoots etc.....so posing solo in the buff has me scared crapless. I know it isn't professional to back out on a gig last minute, and I know that gigs like this come with the territory, and I know I can trust this photographer.....so it isn't any of that. I just am scared. And want advice and perspective.
Photography - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you don't feel comfortable posing in this genre then by all means - don't do it! If you're uncomfortable, there is a good chance that it will show in the pictures themselves anyway. Personally, I think there are many other area's you can model in with some degree of cover that skipping this shoot will not hurt your career in the least! I guess the real question is do you want this to be your first naked experience or did you want to save that for someone special someday?
2 :
speak to the photographer... i'll bet you aren't the first to freak... it is all a matter of your mind-set... ask him if you can: 1) start off clothed 2) slowly reveal more 3) wear something like a mask so it is your "alter-ego" 4) start with parts that don't show your face or "naughty bits" 5) see the shots he takes as you go along eventually you will start to enjoy yourself...
3 :
I disagree... doing nudes is not something you HAVE to do if your a model. It's all what your comfortable with. However if your sure it's just nerves and nothing your going to regret later in life then my advice would be to go with it. If your at all in doubt though then just tell the photographer ASAP that you've changed your mind. If he doesn't understand then you know for sure you made the right choice because he should not pressure you into such a big decision given that it is your first time. Perhaps you should do some timer shots of yourself just so you can actually see what your getting yourself into so to speak. Once you see the images (ones only you have control over) then maybe you'll figure out that it's no big deal or that it's not something you want out there.
4 :
Communication is always the key. Talk to the photographer. More than likely you will not be the first nervous model they have dealt with. As suggested earlier, perhaps you could do some clothed/fashion shots beforehand. That is one of the main reasons I do a pre-shoot meet & greet with any new model I work with (normally coffee at a public place of their choosing). That way, we get to know one another before the actual shoot.
Read more discussion :
