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 many gigs I've been able to get so fast, and how I've managed to act/comport myself so professionally at such a young age. 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
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1 :
I shoot nudes (I'm a female photographer) & have no issue with anyone bringing a chaperone with them if they wanted, although some photographer's prefer not to have anyone else present - not for lecherous reasons, but because other people can be a distraction. What you have to remember is that a pro photographer is not looking at you sexually - he/she is more concerned with the lighting and posing than any hanky panky - same as any professional would (ie a doctor's exam). You're both there to do a job & that's that. Posing nude doesn't necessarily 'come with the job' - I know plenty of models who do not do nude work - nor even topless. Implied nude is sometimes as much as they are comfortable with & that's fine too. Only work to your comfort level - if you are awkward or nervous, it'll show in the pose. Just try to relax. Even if you are comfortable doing a nude shoot, there may be certain poses you do not want to do (eg open leg stuff) so say so if you're asked. The photographer should not touch you, even to arrange hair or an arm (certainly not without asking) - I never do unless its a model I've worked comfortably with before. Even then I will always ask. I always check regularly that my model is comfortable or if she wants to take a break. I always provide a towelling robe for breaks in shooting & make sure the studio is warm enough. A couple of pre-shoot pointers - any personal 'grooming' necessary (shaving.waxing) needs to be done a couple of days or so before the shoot to avoid any redness. On the day of the shoot, avoid wearing tight fitting underwear or a bra - strap marks/waistband marks will show on the skin & although they can be removed in post, it's a pain.
2 :
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3 :
Choosing to pose nude is a big decision and a lot of models never do it. If you are at all uncomfortable, don't do it. There are plenty of gigs that don't involve nudity and if you don't feel happy to do it you may always regret it. Also, if the photographer retains the rights s/he can do what ever s/he wants with the photos, including (if money gets tight) selling them to someone else who might post them on an erotica/porn site. That exact scenario happened to a model friend of mine. If this isn't what you want to do, stay away. Of course if you are completely comfortable, go for it. Nudes often pay pretty decently.
4 :
There's not much we can tell you to reassure you that you haven;t already pointed out. Now, it's not true that modeling automatically means you'll do nudes. Go on modelMayhem and look at the ammount of models who are listed as not doing nudes ... there's quite alot of them. I'd suggest you go ahead with it, especially since it's a photog you trust. Try it once and see, if you really don;t like it, you'll know for the future. Personally, I see nothing wrong with nudity, we have bodies and we shouldn't be ashamed of them but that's just my own opinnion, in this, it;s what you think that's important.
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