NUDE MODELING

On all modeling assignments you should be prepared for at least some degree of nudity. It is a reasonable assumption that a model should not be all too prude. Still, it is your choice.

For nude modeling, you will probably be a freelance model. Requirements vary.

On my shoots, I will always discuss and agree with the model beforehand what I am planning to do.

ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Nudes, artistic nudes, fine art nudes or simply body or figure is usually an artistic interpretation of the human body. Often very innocent, it can also be extremely explicit and sexually aggressive if it helps the artist get his or her message across. Whatever it is you are asked to do, even if you find it shocking at first, is never to titillate, but to aid artistic expression.

The question whether it is art or pornography is difficult to answer. Pornography is commonly defined as the representation of the human body with the aim of sexual arousal. Then again, a work of art could have sexual arousal as its central theme.

Consider this: Some of Egon Schiele's (Austrian expressionist painter; 1890 - 1918) work is extremely explicit, sexually stimulating and was considered pornographic at the time. The same can be said for some of Gustav Klimt's (Austrian symbolist painter; 1862 - 1918) work, especially his drawings. And yet, both are now considered to be among the greatest, most important artists.

CONCLUSIONS

Make up your mind what you are prepared to do, then discuss with the photographer in advance and in detail what you are expected to do, and stick to it.