3. Would you yourself pose nude?

[Frank Petronio]

Would you yourself pose nude?

[Scott Davis]

What about "it depends on the photographer doing the asking"? I'm a firm "maybe".

[Vick Vickery]

Only if I wanted to REALLY gross y'all out!!! :-)

[Ralph Barker]

There was a time when I did, but that was over 50 pounds ago.

[Louie Powell]

I understand why the numbers are turning out this way, but part of me says it a bit hypocritical.

On the other had, if I could lose about 40 pounds and 30 years first - - -

[Kirk Gittings]

Yes and I have many times. As a matter of fact my full glory was part of a major show by Alan Labb at Camerawork in SF some years ago.

[Lee Hamiel]

Not for you Frank - you might make me look fat

Then again you could work some PS magic & get me a film career started:)

[Hugo Zhang]

Does semi-nude count? Here is one...

[Ron Stowell]

I'LL take it all off, if you are silly enough to ask then I'm just crazy enough to get naked for the camera. By the way you ain't gona make any money off this picture.

[Joseph O'Neil]

Doing so would probally cause the lot of you to to claw your eyes out with a dull spoon within seconds of the sight, rather than endure the horror. So I would say no. :)

[Alan Davenport]

It depends how much you're paying.

[C. D. Keth]

Yes, if I believe in the photographer enough. If you're asking for yourself, then yes. On the other hand, given your portrait preference in my other thread in this forum, I may not be old enough yet;)

[Andrew O'Neill]

Please...guys...don't start posting nudes of yourselves!

[Michael Graves]

I did that for a girl taking a photography class about thirty years ago. They haven't stopped laughing yet. Except for the ones who haven't stopped retching yet.

[Maris Rusis]

I always photograph nudes nude and vice versa. This generates a rapport and humility that negates the power-tripping implication of the clothed photographer with the big camera looming over the unclad model.

[Capocheny]

I've done some pretty crazy things but have never posed in the nude for ANYONE!

Answer: However, if the photographer is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS... and FEMALE... AND I've had waaaay too much red wine... maybe, or, maybe not! :)

It would definitely be one of those "in the heat of the moment decisions! :)"

Cheers

[Joe Lipka]

Yes I have. As a matter of fact, a nude photo of me was used as a publicity image for an erotic art show and was mailed out on a postcard.

Oh, wait. The image was made with a 35 mm camera. So, I guess it really doesn't count because it was not large format.

[Joseph O'Neil]

Yes I have. As a matter of fact, a nude photo of me was used as a publicity image for an erotic art show and was mailed out on a postcard.

Oh, wait. The image was made with a 35 mm camera. So, I guess it really doesn't count because it was not large format.

OH you missed a perfect opportunity here. You are supposed to say something to the effect that "the camera wasn't large format, but the rest of the gear was."
:)

Okay - I'll go crawl back in my hole now.....

[Bill_1856]

Remember what Bert Reynolds said after posing nude for a Cosmo centerfold: "I'll never do that in a cold studio again!"

[George Kara]

Maris

Are you saying that you always strip down when photographing nudes? What do the models think of this? I'm going to insist on this treatment with my cute female Dr. next time I see her for a prostate exam. Only I get to put my finger up her butt first!!

[Scott Davis]

I've done some pretty crazy things but have never posed in the nude for ANYONE!

Answer: However, if the photographer is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS... and FEMALE... AND I've had waaaay too much red wine... maybe, or, maybe not! :)

It would definitely be one of those "in the heat of the moment decisions! :)"

Cheers

I guess you haven't shot many nudes then. Photographing a nude is one of the least sexual things you can do, if you're doing it right. Yes the other person is naked, and there is at least a halfway decent chance that you'd find them attractive or else you wouldn't be shooting them (unless it is on someone else's nickel, then your personal taste in models is meaningless). However, I find that no matter how attractive the model, after the first five minutes with them, I'm not thinking about sex anymore. I'm more worried about directing a pose, adjusting my lighting, and calculating bellows extension factor (no jokes here boys...I'm talking about light falloff, not hardons). This is one reason why I do remain clothed when photographing - to reinforce the sense of professional arrangement. I don't want anyone who poses for me to feel like they're going to turn their back and the next second, I'll be on top of them, camera and lighting forgotten to the heat of the moment. I have photographed models in the nude myself once - and that was at the specific request of the model, who stated that they would feel far more comfortable if I were also nude. I said yes only because this model in question was also a good personal friend and I felt comfortable being nude in front of them.

[Eric Rose]

Why, do you want to take my photo?

[Capocheny]

I guess you haven't shot many nudes then. ... I have photographed models in the nude myself once - and that was at the specific request of the model, who stated that they would feel far more comfortable if I were also nude. I said yes only because this model in question was also a good personal friend and I felt comfortable being nude in front of them.

Hi Scott,

As eloquent as your posting is... I think you might have misread the initial question and, consequently, my response. :)

The question was "Would you YOURSELF pose nude?"

However, if the question had been, "Would YOU photograph nudes?" then your answer would have been appropriate. But, then, my answer wouldn't have made any sense whatsoever! :)

And, FWIW, I agree with your statements about professionalism, concentrating on the pose, lighting, exposure (pun intended) etc. That said, personally, I don't think "I" would photograph anyone while "I" was in the nude though... male OR female. But, that's just me! :)

Cheers

[Darin Boville]

I guess you haven't shot many nudes then. Photographing a nude is one of the least sexual things you can do, if you're doing it right. Yes the other person is naked, and there is at least a halfway decent chance that you'd find them attractive or else you wouldn't be shooting them (unless it is on someone else's nickel, then your personal taste in models is meaningless). However, I find that no matter how attractive the model, after the first five minutes with them, I'm not thinking about sex anymore. I'm more worried about directing a pose, adjusting my lighting, and calculating bellows extension factor (no jokes here boys...I'm talking about light falloff, not hardons).

This is an important issue that I struggled with for a time and came to an opposite conclusion. In the end it is all about being true to the image, creating something honest.

If I'm photographing a flower because of its beauty and I find myself thinking little to nothing about its beauty during the making of the photograph--if I'm not moved by the subject during the act of creation then it seems to reduce to more of a technical excercise.

With most nudes you are almost always talking about sexuality no matter how many layers of sophistication you pile upon it. So then, for example, to take a model (female, say) at the peak of her sexual attractiveness, and photograph her, all the while thinking of f/stops and bellows calculations--it strikes me that maybe the moment is lost.

If you are making a photograph that at the primal level is about lust, what is wrong with feeling that lust? What is wrong with feeling it strongly? In what other way could it be and still be an honest photograph?

--Darin

PS, yes, I've shot nudes, posed nude, including close-ups of John Thomas hard at work and otherwise...

[George Kara]

Well Said and right on point Darin. Obviously if you are feeling lust, disgust, shyness etc. this should come through in the work. This is perhaps why so many photos have no heart of soul.

I would pose if given the opportunity to be shot how I wanted.

[Scott Davis]

I didn't mean that you shouldn't have a reaction to the model - what I was responding to was the joking around about needing to be turned on by the photographer in order to pose nude for them. I guess it just hit a nerve for me. I get tired of people assuming that I do it to get people into bed. I also get tired of hearing people respond with a "wink wink nudge nudge" when you tell them you photograph nudes (assuming that I DO get people into bed). I don't seduce my models, and I would not predicate any decision to pose nude for someone else on how attractive they were to me - I'd have to have tremendous respect for their artwork and for their professionalism to pose for them. That's all I'm saying.

When I'm photographing a nude, I don't have time to be horny. I've got a vision of what I want to get on film, and how the model in front of me can help me do that. I'm looking at their body, and how it moves, how it is put together, interesting shapes and textures of skin and hair. I'm too busy trying to demonstrate a pose, or direct one from behind the camera, or getting the model to STOP moving without breaking a pose when I tell them to stop instead of breaking the pose and looking at me as a reflex. Sometimes I'm doing it from behind the groundglass, sometimes without looking through the camera. With LF, once you've got a pose, especially when you're composing on the GG, I don't have time to be getting horny because of some particular anatomical bit I may see when I know I have about thirty seconds to get the film holder in the camera, right side facing in, cock the shutter, close the shutter, pull the darkslide, check the strobe is connected, and take the shot. Doing all that, who has the time to focus their energy on sex?

Sexual energy should INFORM the image, but it should not substitute for the creative process. On the flipside of those photos that lack energy because the photographer is a mere technician, I've seen too many photos that degenerate to porn because the photographer is too focused on the sexual arousal and not on the image.

[Donald Qualls]

I'd have no problem posing nude, if someone were willing to pay me to do so. And I have a pretty high tolerance for low temperatures... ;)

However, the likelihood of anyone asking a balding, ponytailed fellow with a long, gray beard and 50 pounds of potgut to post nude is pretty, er, slim...

[Capocheny]

... - what I was responding to was the joking around about needing to be turned on by the photographer in order to pose nude for them. I guess it just hit a nerve for me. I get tired of people assuming that I do it to get people into bed. I also get tired of hearing people respond with a "wink wink nudge nudge" when you tell them you photograph nudes (assuming that I DO get people into bed). I don't seduce my models, and I would not predicate any decision to pose nude for someone else on how attractive they were to me - I'd have to have tremendous respect for their artwork and for their professionalism to pose for them. That's all I'm saying.


Scott,

Again, my comment have absolutely NOTHING to do with being turned on by a photographer in order to pose nude for them. It has EVERYTHING to do with whether one would pose nude in the first place. It's a question of "inhibition" or "no inhibition" to pose nude in front of a camera. Hence, my comment with respects to the wine (as it applied to one person... in this case, me. :))

Since I don't know you at all, I'd advise that you don't personalize the comments...

Cheers

[Scott Davis]

Scott,

Again, my comment have absolutely NOTHING to do with being turned on by a photographer in order to pose nude for them. It has EVERYTHING to do with whether one would pose nude in the first place. It's a question of "inhibition" or "no inhibition" to pose nude in front of a camera. Hence, my comment with respects to the wine (as it applied to one person... in this case, me. :))

Since I don't know you at all, I'd advise that you don't personalize the comments...

Cheers

I didn't mean to "personalize" it. I certainly didn't think it was directed at me, and I got it that it was a joke. You did say that it would require the photographer to be female, and "absolutely GORGEOUS", and that you would require other inhibition-lowering influences to get you to do it. That makes it sound like there is an automatic association between posing nude and sex. However, someone coming along who doesn't know you, like me, for instance, could mis-interpret your comment and get the wrong impression (which a large part of the public already has) that photographers see posing nude as a sexual situation. They could see this posting and say, "gee, if it would take being in a sexually stimulating situation for the photographer to pose nude himself, nude photoshoots must be sexual come-ons". That is of course false logic, but the hoi polloi are pretty good at false logic. It was not meant as a criticism of your personal set of inhibitions.

[Capocheny]

I didn't mean to "personalize" it. I certainly didn't think it was directed at me, and I got it that it was a joke. You did say that it would require the photographer to be female, and "absolutely GORGEOUS", and that you would require other inhibition-lowering influences to get you to do it. That makes it sound like there is an automatic association between posing nude and sex. However, someone coming along who doesn't know you, like me, for instance, could mis-interpret your comment and get the wrong impression (which a large part of the public already has) that photographers see posing nude as a sexual situation. They could see this posting and say, "gee, if it would take being in a sexually stimulating situation for the photographer to pose nude himself, nude photoshoots must be sexual come-ons". That is of course false logic, but the hoi polloi are pretty good at false logic. It was not meant as a criticism of your personal set of inhibitions.


Scott,

I did get comprehend your postings and how you feel about the "joking around!"

Now, let me summarize my thoughts on this posting:

Yup, for ME, I'd maybe, or maybe not, pose if the photographer were female and absolutely gorgeous. Do I need to justify my requirements in order to pose nude for a photographer?

NOPE!

Does this statement necessarily imply that there would be sex involved? Or, a definitive connection between posing nude and sex?

Again, a resounding, "NOPE," "NOPE!" But, it DOES imply that there would have to be a connection of some kind between the photographer and subject.


Your reading of this posting seems to insinuate that, "if a person were walking down the street and noticed an absolutely gorgeous person of the opposite sex walking by... that one would necessarily think ONLY of having sex with that person."

YUP, some people would! NOPE, some people can simply admire the beauty of that person and let it go at that.

Does that mean that they can't make a comment to a friend that, "Wow, I just saw the most gorgeous gal/guy walking by?"

NOPE, sure doesn't!

Does that imply anything else other than the person just saw a gorgeous person of the opposite sex (or same sex for some folks) walk by?

"NOPE, sure doesn't!"

Does it imply that ALL proper behavior goes out the window just because one of the individuals involved is nude and the photographer is "female and absolutely gorgeous?"

Again, another resounding, "NOPE!"


What I'm sensing here is the fact that you shoot nudes and people have obviously given you a hard time regarding shooting nudes and the false idea that you are having sex with your subjects. You're peeved because this isn't necessarily the situation as it applies to YOU! In other words, you're really sensitive to this "wink, wink, nod, nod" joking around about the subject matter.

Well, my friend, guess what? Unfortunately, society isn't going to change their notions because you would like them to. From my point of view, I have no false sense of grandeur that I would expect them to change either. So, I'll not be wasting my time trying to achieve that end. [I'd imagine that most of the photographers at Playboy, Vogue, etc, etc isn't going to either!)

However, if you wish to make the grand gesture in doing so... please be my guest! I surely wish you the best of luck and hope you'll succeed. But, in your quest to accomplishing this end... recognize that NOT all of us believe or even think that YOU hop into bed with any/all of your subjects even though an innocent enough joke is made!

And, FWIW, I don't necessarily disagree with your comment about being professional and having sexuality be an INFORMED part of the image. And, yes, I fully agree that photographers shouldn't let horniness/sexual arousal dictate the direction of their shoots.

Enough time wasted on this posting!

Cheers

[Ernest Purdum]

At 77 there are lots of things I don't do.

[Scott Davis]

Scott,

I did get comprehend your postings and how you feel about the "joking around!"

Now, let me summarize my thoughts on this posting:

...

However, if you wish to make the grand gesture in doing so... please be my guest! I surely wish you the best of luck and hope you'll succeed. But, in your quest to accomplishing this end... recognize that NOT all of us believe or even think that YOU hop into bed with any/all of your subjects even though an innocent enough joke is made!

And, FWIW, I don't necessarily disagree with your comment about being professional and having sexuality be an INFORMED part of the image. And, yes, I fully agree that photographers shouldn't let horniness/sexual arousal dictate the direction of their shoots.

Enough time wasted on this posting!

Cheers

I completely agree with you. I'm sorry if I came off as being uptight.

[Capocheny]

I completely agree with you. I'm sorry if I came off as being uptight.

Scott,

Not a problem... I think we would have been able to resolve our ideas perfectly had we been face to face. Sometimes, this technology isn't conducive to great conversations. :)

Cheers

[Leonard Metcalf]

I would and I have...

http://static.flickr.com/105/288340190_a9b9e38c5e.jpg

[Eric Staudenmaier]

I did a project relating to this in school. I set up a small private studio with a Nikon, some polapan, a self timer, and one light. Out of 30 people in my class, 27 agreed to photograph themselves nude, in private. Three declined. The 27 agreed because the slides would be shown to a blindfolded class, and then destroyed.... They agreed because no one but me would ever see the photos. The topic was censorship.

The first chance for censorship was to not participate.
next, pose in a way to hide your vitals.
next, light yourself to hide you vitals (very high contast film with no fill).
next, wear a blindfold during the slideshow.
next, agree to have the pictures destroyed (in bleach, right after the show).

Can you guess who might pull up their blindfold for a peak at the slideshow???.....
the three people who declined to pose, of course! :)

It was an assignment on censorship. The 27 agreed to be a part of a photo show that would be censored. The 27 were very angry at the 3 who refused the censorship.

Some of the nicest photos I've ever taken... wish I could show them to you.

[BrianShaw]

I would and I have...

I see you wear (wore) briefs, Len :o

[Dirk Baeumker]

I think everybody who is seriously interested in nude photography should have some own experience of how it feels to pose nude in front of a stranger behind a camera.

With this experience, you can imagine how your models may feel in front of your camera. Besides, you learn to keep your hands off the models - you didn't like the idea of getting touched or stared at by your photographer, did you?

If everybody who shoots nudes would have to pose nude first, I bet we would see less nudes - but better ones. Just my thoughts...
Dirk

[spb854]

If I had the body.....yes.

But, being that I take male nudes for those that want them
I won't scare everybody with MY silhouette! LOL

Steve

[Ben R]

You wouldn't want me to, I promise...

[Ole Tjugen]

Dirk Baeumker summed up my opinions on this quite neatly.

So yes - I would. And have. And would do so again, if asked (which hasn't happened in 20 years).

[Brian Sims]

I got to know my great aunt in her late eighties. She was a leathery-faced, large lump of an old woman. She outlived two husbands and divorced one. She prospected for gold in Nome when she was young, and lived across from a mortuary when I got to know her--for convenience she'd say. During one visit, we started to discuss photography. She grunted and pushed herself out of her overstuffed chair and disappeared into her closet. She returned with a large, framed, black & white photo of a beautiful, young nude woman on the edge of a dark forest. The pose was "impish" and the shot was very well done. I immediately thought it was one of Imogene Cunningham's. I asked, "Where'd you get this...who's the photographer." She plopped down next to me on the sofa, leaned into me and patted me on the thigh. She said, "I don't tell many people this, but my first husband took that photo, and that's me standing there." I swear the room started to spin.

That night, I called my mother and told her about the visit. When I started to tell her about the secret photo, she interrupted and said, "I suppose she said she never tells anyone. She'd show the postman if he'd stay on the porch long enough."

I think everyone should have a nude of themselves in their closet. To remind yourself of who you were (are inside).....and for the entertainment value of shocking your grand nephews.

[Dick Hilker]

At 74, I can't imagine being asked.

But, for those who were and said they'd pose nude, I can't help but wonder what their motivation might be. Exhibitionism? The desire to share something beautiful with the public? The desire to arouse a lustful response in the viewer(s)? A joke? Would those who agreed also go to a nude beach or houseparty?

[Ralph Barker]

I got to know my great aunt in her late eighties. . . .

That's a great story, Brian, and even more "shocking" if one considers the times in which she posed for the photo.

[sanking]

I think everyone should have a nude of themselves in their closet. To remind yourself of who you were (are inside).....and for the entertainment value of shocking your grand nephews.

You might want to make sure that your adult nephews and/or nieces are around when you decide to shock the grand nephews and nieces.

Sandy King

[Mystery Jig]

What a cool story. I remember picking up a book of Cunningham's work at the library in college. The first picture was a self portrait she did of herself nude in the grass as a young woman. Then at the end of the book was a photo of her as an old woman. She was wearing a dark dress, a granny hat and she was carrying a TLR with peace signs all over the neck strap.

It had a large impact on me. Something to do with the strange time/space connection between the two bodies tied together with the same spirit. It's hard to put into words, but I think it's beautiful.

So, I made some nude self portraits. Now I'm waiting to get old.




I got to know my great aunt in her late eighties. She was a leathery-faced, large lump of an old woman. She outlived two husbands and divorced one. She prospected for gold in Nome when she was young, and lived across from a mortuary when I got to know her--for convenience she'd say. During one visit, we started to discuss photography. She grunted and pushed herself out of her overstuffed chair and disappeared into her closet. She returned with a large, framed, black & white photo of a beautiful, young nude woman on the edge of a dark forest. The pose was "impish" and the shot was very well done. I immediately thought it was one of Imogene Cunningham's. I asked, "Where'd you get this...who's the photographer." She plopped down next to me on the sofa, leaned into me and patted me on the thigh. She said, "I don't tell many people this, but my first husband took that photo, and that's me standing there." I swear the room started to spin.

That night, I called my mother and told her about the visit. When I started to tell her about the secret photo, she interrupted and said, "I suppose she said she never tells anyone. She'd show the postman if he'd stay on the porch long enough."

I think everyone should have a nude of themselves in their closet. To remind yourself of who you were (are inside).....and for the entertainment value of shocking your grand nephews.

[tpersin]

So, I made some nude self portraits. Now I'm waiting to get old.

This is the best post I've read here today..... thanks

[Don Wallace]

Would you yourself pose nude?

I have tried many times, and been arrested on each occasion.

[stradibarrius]

For me response #2 by Scott is the answer. I don't know that anyone would ask any more but I am of the opinion that a lot of beautiful nude work is missed because people miss the beauty in a model that may not be the perfect example of youth. I think there are many beautiful older women that would make great fine art models. Part is because some photographers do not seek out older models and part may be because older women may not feel they are not in their perfect form any longer and may not be interested in posing.

[Jim Noel]

Many years ago I took a couple of workshops concerned with photographing the nude. At one of them every person was required to be photographed nude prior to photographing the models. One time when with Cole Weston a group shot was suggested, and no one in the group protested, including me.
I think that everyone who wants to photograph nudes should do so if for no other reason than to understand how the model might feel.

[Emil Schildt]

have done many times and would again.. (as long as I don't have to see the results...)

[C. D. Keth]

I think that everyone who wants to photograph nudes should do so if for no other reason than to understand how the model might feel.

Best reason I can think of right there.

[Andrew O'Neill]

What's with the resurrection of these old threads??

[Leigh]

What's with the resurrection of these old threads??
Because if you start a new one, the local police will lock it, saying that it's a duplicate.

- Leigh

[Leonard Evens]

I've taken nude pictures of myself to show bruises from an accident. The results exhibited what I wanted, but they had no redeeming qualities whatsoever ;-(

[Sal Santamaura]

What's with the resurrection of these old threads??It's called appropriately avoiding redundancy in the database so searching is easier. A very good practice.


Because if you start a new one, the local police will lock it, saying that it's a duplicate...No, the moderators don't do that. It would be great if they did, but there's enough real crap they have to deal with that asking for more from them wouldn't be humane. :)

[Kirk Gittings]

have done many times and would again.. (as long as I don't have to see the results...)

Me too but I don't fear the results. It is what it is.....

[Jim Galli]

Hell no.


Trust me, this is a win win

[ghostcount]

Hell no.


Trust me, this is a win win

Only videos and Eddie's the cameraman.:p

[Ed Bray]

Not me. Too old, too fat, too ugly. Never have, never will.

I don't shoot nudes either though.

[Michael Cienfuegos]

Not me. Too old, too fat, too ugly. Never have, never will.

I don't shoot nudes either though.

+1 :o

[Scott Davis]

I'm afraid if I did, I'd crack the lens the moment it focused on me.

[thomasfallon]

Why not? I've got the body for it.

[Jody_S]

I've tried self-portraits. The results were, er, underwhelming.

[Kirk Gittings]

So it appears that most people here believe that nude photography requires attractive people. I would suggest that (like landscape or architecture) such a notion excludes some of the most interesting subjects and excludes some of the best nude photography. IMO making pretty photographs of pretty people isn't much of a challenge any more than making pretty photographs of pretty landscapes.

Your thoughts?

[Brian C. Miller]

So it appears that most people here believe that nude photography requires attractive people. I would suggest that (like landscape or architecture) such a notion excludes some of the most interesting subjects and excludes some of the best nude photography. IMO making pretty photographs of pretty people isn't much of a challenge any more than making pretty photographs of pretty landscapes.

Your thoughts?

OK, so pretty pictures of pretty people are out.
That leaves:
Pretty pictures of ugly people,
ugly pictures of pretty people, and
ugly pictures of ugly people.

Now, a far more interesting thing would be to film people when you ask them, "Excuse me, would you please strip off your clothes for me right now so I can photograph you?"

[Jody_S]

So it appears that most people here believe that nude photography requires attractive people. I would suggest that (like landscape or architecture) such a notion excludes some of the most interesting subjects and excludes some of the best nude photography. IMO making pretty photographs of pretty people isn't much of a challenge any more than making pretty photographs of pretty landscapes.

Your thoughts?

I'm a huge fan of non-traditional nudes. That's why I attempted some self-portraits, it's just that I lack the skill to pull it off. I'm also not that much of a fan of the 'pretty landscape' school of photography, LF or otherwise.

[Scott Davis]

My reticence to pose has nothing to do with other people or height-weight proportionate requirements for models- it has everything to do with my own body image and confidence in it. I don't find myself to be physically attractive and therefore I don't want to be photographed nude. Maybe if someone who knew what they were doing photographed me and I saw what they accomplished I might feel differently, but there are very few people I would feel comfortable posing for.

[Christo.Stankulov]

Yes

[chaspics]

Yes, though no one has ever asked. If I ask others to pose for me, I should avail myself to others.

[LabRat]

Yea, for Joel Peter Witkin...

Steve K

[Jerry Bodine]

Absolutely not! I don't think it's a good thing to send folks screaming as they run for the door.

[Leszek Vogt]

Don't think Frank ever mentioned whether he would.

Les

[pepeguitarra]

I did it.

[Mark Sawyer]

eeewwwwwwww...

[Xia_Ke]

Absolutely not! I don't think it's a good thing to send folks screaming as they run for the door.

Really? I would do it just to see how many I could send running...lol

[Willie]

Are you talking "pose" - or "pose and let someone photograph you that way"?

[Tin Can]

Good one Jim!

I last posed nude for drawings and photography at age 49.

Why do we wear anything...













Many years ago I took a couple of workshops concerned with photographing the nude. At one of them every person was required to be photographed nude prior to photographing the models. One time when with Cole Weston a group shot was suggested, and no one in the group protested, including me.
I think that everyone who wants to photograph nudes should do so if for no other reason than to understand how the model might feel.

[Jim Noel]

at age 90, NO. When I was younger, yes

[pepeguitarra]

At 90 one should be a good model for Ortho film.

[bloodhoundbob]

at age 90, NO. When I was younger, yes

At 75, Jim, I am thinking soft focus for me to the point of needing quite an imagination.

[Andrew O'Neill]

If the price were right.

[DrTang]

I have a deal with my models..they take their clothes off..I keep mine on

so far..it has worked out well

[Paul Ron]

im sure that would ruin someones lunch.

[Bob Salomon]

Way, way back, in the day, I received a call from the Director of PR for Claroil that I was to bring my cameras and 20 rolls of 35mm to their head office, but they would not tell me what I was to shoot, other then PR photos.

I got there at 9AM and was told by the receptionist to make myself at home and to wait for the call. She told me that I might not be needed but that I would be paid for my time and for my normal business.

While waiting I talked to the receptionist who, like I, had no idea why I was there.

After feeding me a nice lunch I got back to waiting with her and by 3 she got a call that the shoot was off and to thank me for my time. While packing up she asked me if I shot nudes. I told her as long as I got paid I shoot them! She was surprised that I would charge her!

Turned out Lady Bird was supposed to visit Claroil that day but had cancelled out!

[Two23]

I'd only do it for a blind person.


Kent in SD

[pepeguitarra]

No lady photographers in this thread?

[Alan Klein]

Only when I run for Congress.

[Leszek Vogt]

Only when I run for Congress.

Alan, you wouldn't have to. No doubt your underwear would be X-rayed.

Les

[Alan Klein]

Alan, you wouldn't have to. No doubt your underwear would be X-rayed.

Les

My comment was kind of an inside joke. When I lived in Queens, NY, Representative Weiner represented me in Congress.

[Grandpa Ron]

You have got to be kidding. definitely no.

Men would gasp, women would faint and kid would run away screaming. :rolleyes:

[Joe O'Hara]

Maybe with x-ray film. And if only illuminated with x-rays.

[Amedeus]

So it appears that most people here believe that nude photography requires attractive people. I would suggest that (like landscape or architecture) such a notion excludes some of the most interesting subjects and excludes some of the best nude photography. IMO making pretty photographs of pretty people isn't much of a challenge any more than making pretty photographs of pretty landscapes.

Your thoughts?


Agreed here Kirk.

It is easy to photograph the pretty people that have made it a habit to pose for photographers aka "models".

I photograph a good amount of creative people from all ages/sizes and it's a bit harder to get them to the confidence level to shed most or all.

Since I photograph creatives, some of them photograph me. Has never been an issue.

Social norm attractiveness doesn't play, attractiveness as a subject (matter) does. And pulling that out of an individual is where we differentiate our individual work.

YMMV,

Cheers,

[Eric Rose]

As an example of photographing pretty people in front of pretty backgrounds, Kim Weston is making a living at it. I just can't understand plunking a nude model in front of a cliff face and somehow that's "art". Especially those images that have the model contorted in some weird manner to match the crevices of the rock face. Naturally the breasts are front and center. Just voyeuristic schlock imho.

[Kirk Gittings]

As an example of photographing pretty people in front of pretty backgrounds, Kim Weston is making a living at it. I just can't understand plunking a nude model in front of a cliff face and somehow that's "art". Especially those images that have the model contorted in some weird manner to match the crevices of the rock face. Naturally the breasts are front and center. Just voyeuristic schlock imho.
Agreed!

[Alan Curtis]

Didn't pose but was photographed by my father in a stream in southern New Mexico at the age of 5. The photo appeared in either Life, Look or Saturday Evening Post around 1953. Fortunately, not frontal.

[Keith Fleming]

When my late wife was dying of cancer, she planned her own memorial service. I pulled out an old photo of her taken when she was about 18 months old. She was walking away from the camera, reaching up to hold her Dad's hand. She was wearing only a pair of shoes. I asked if she wanted that photo displayed at the memorial service. She replied, "If you show that picture, I will HAUNT you!"

Keith

[LabRat]

With all due respect to those who shoot nudes, I myself have never figured out what I would want the photographs to say, so didn't bother to raise the nerve to go about asking for subjects to pose for my camera (or me)...

Some people I know who shoot maybe seem to like to control nude figures, but that's a psychological factor I just don't understand, but power to them...

Photos by Imogen Cunningham and Wynn Bullock are nice, but the elements are like apples and oranges with nudes in nature...

I suspect many photogs really want to titillate themselves or others, but as i have pointed out to commercial clients that if you use nudity or suggestive imagery for selling something, you only have a market of those that find the model attractive, and will repel those who don't...

I guess one thing that might work for me is if I photographed those I didn't find attractive, but there was an honesty about who they really were nude... (Sometimes when I am out in public where I see strange to me bodies under their clothing, I am curious as what they might photograph like, but not ready to get near that project... ) :-0

Steve K

[Mark Sawyer]

Uh, could we use an anamorphic lens... ? :confused:

[Bruce Watson]

Yes, though no one has ever asked.

Thanks for waking up this long slumbering thread. Makes me realize how much I miss Frank Petronio's presence here.

[Armin Seeholzer]

Many years ago I did some nude selfies, long bevor the selfie's time!
But now in my age I think its better not!

[Tin Can]

I have no idea how you all were raised.

I'm from Northern Minnesota in the 50's were we often skinny dipped. Boys on one area, girls not that far away. Normal.

Later in the 60's near Chicago the High School forced all boys to swim nude. Not the girls. Not normal.

Still in the 60's and well into the 70's many my age, both young men and young women skinny dipped together in rural ponds. Bluegill nibble...

1980 I was in Oregon and we used deep forest Hot Springs naked, all ages.

Age 49 first day of acting class we passed each other. at random, slips of paper with an impossible task to act out. The teacher was my age, most students were younger.

We were supposed to do the 'acting' asap, so we all read our slips and I acted.

My paper said, 'Climb Mt Everest naked'. I knew I was setup by the class clown.

I stripped very quickly and lay still on the floor, face down.

I was so fast most didn't even notice. The instructor turned around and made no comment. Later he told I was the first to do that in class. No problem for anybody.

I have shot a few nudes, but now I don't and won't. Not even a selfie...

never say never...:)

One of the last Chicago Bathhouses, once called the Russian Bath, still exists right where I used to live. Lot's of naked politicians go there and that's why I never did. Now the upscale Traditional Russian / Turkish Bath House! (http://www.redsquarechicago.com/) AKA Red Square.

All this predates current events or does it...

PM for more

[Degroto]

Sometimes I shoot nudes and i would not have a problem posing nude. I did a series of nude self portrait after my stomach surgery.

[Timmyjoe]

When I was younger, like forty years ago, I posed for life drawing classes to make extra money in grad school. Of course I was thirty pounds lighter and in very good physical shape. Now, not so much. :D

Best,
-Tim

[otto.f]

Why not, what's the idea of this question? What cen be concluded from the outcomes?

[Andrew O'Neill]

....if the fee was right. :cool:

[abruzzi]

I REALLY don't like photos being taken of me, so, no I wouldn't pose nude, or clothed.

[maltfalc]

gimme like 6 months to get back into the sort of shape i was in back in my nude modeling days.

[moggi1964]

Of course.

I have the body of a 57 year old pasty white Celt who is a bit overweight and pretty unfit. If someone wants to photograph that then why would I interfere with their creative vision by saying no.

I'm actually 32 ;) (just kidding)

[John Layton]

Years ago, I actually photographed myself nude on a mountain top in New Hampshire...facing away from the camera thank you - with my arms outstretched in a symbolic embrace of the surrounding wilderness! Oh...puleeeze! (yup, pretty corny!). At any rate...maybe, just maybe, I'll post this sometime, if...I can find it! :rolleyes:

[Alan Klein]

Years ago, I actually photographed myself nude on a mountain top in New Hampshire...facing away from the camera thank you - with my arms outstretched in a symbolic embrace of the surrounding wilderness! Oh...puleeeze! (yup, pretty corny!). At any rate...maybe, just maybe, I'll post this sometime, if...I can find it! :rolleyes:

No thanks.

[John Layton]

Alan...thank you! (for letting me off the hook!)

[drarmament]

Might as well pose nude. I had to drawn nude people, I have photographed nude people. I never understood why people are offended by nudity. I was stationed in Germany and ever summer they are out there sunbathing nude. Males and Females. I lived by a college. After retiring from the military, I went to school for Fine Arts and discovered I can't draw, paint or sculpt well. Photography was a perfect fit.

[Graham Patterson]

My wife is an artist, and I have posed nude at times for her. While I have no particular qualms about it in general, I don't suppose that, as the years are advancing (more and more rapidly), I will ever do it for people I don't know. I would not want to be responsible for any mental scarring that might result!

[Alan Klein]

Alan...thank you! (for letting me off the hook!)

My pleasure.

[Alan Klein]

Might as well pose nude. I had to drawn nude people, I have photographed nude people. I never understood why people are offended by nudity. I was stationed in Germany and ever summer they are out there sunbathing nude. Males and Females. I lived by a college. After retiring from the military, I went to school for Fine Arts and discovered I can't draw, paint or sculpt well. Photography was a perfect fit.

Well, you don't want to scare the horses.

[drarmament]

Well, you don't want to scare the horses.

Right now, I don't think anyone want me to pose nude, the body isn't at its peak condition and there isn't enough wrinkles to make the body look really old.

[John Layton]

Well...maybe what needs to be said - is that any male who is well enough endowed to scare a horse had best keep their pants on! :rolleyes:

[drarmament]

Well...maybe what needs to be said - is that any male who is well enough endowed to scare a horse had best keep their pants on! :rolleyes:

Lol, That comment went right over my head, now I understand.lol

[vwbus1967]

Sure I would pose nude for a photographer! But myself I have no problem shooting nude self portraits, it's actually a lot of fun to do but hard to get just right! Maybe I'll post something...

[bmikiten]

When I was teaching photography, the class across from the darkroom often had a figure study photo class. The guys were all 55+ years old, 40+ lbs overweight with longer lenses than were needed for normal figure work. At one point, the model was heavier than the typical model selected by the teacher and there were several complaints which, I thought were somewhat funny but also hypocritical. One other time the model didn't show and it was suggested that one of the guys (no women took this course) simply model. There wasn't a single taker in 10 or more students.

[TorontoBuilder]

If you wanted to take the figure photography class as part of the college photography course I took it was a requirement that you at a bare minimum you had to complete a nude self portrait assignment. All assignments were shown and shared in class.

If you wont pose you shouldn't ask others to pose for you...

[Jim Jones]

. . . If you wont pose you shouldn't ask others to pose for you...

Why? That sounds like adolescents saying, "I'll do it for you if you do it for me." Most of what we do in life doesn't require reciprocal action. I don't recall any of the women who have modeled nude for me ever asking if I would return the favor. Since I never modeled nude for any of them, probably none of them ever asked. A look in the mirror makes that seem logical.

[Tin Can]

I have no fear of naked bodies

mine or others

I have been, 3 naked Midwest beaches

and a huge Gym, at night, we rented the whole facility

Pool, hot tub, big bar Wally Ball very popular with old men watching

No erections allowed!

Took me a while to get OUT of the Hot Tube

Private lake stoked with Bluegill and snakes

They nibble boy and girl parts

Keep moving