Nudity & The Modeling Industry

Self Art in Rishikesh, India 2015

Young girls and adult women are unfortunately learning toxic ways to be treated and viewed by men, and vise versa, through pop culture, movies, music and media. It is projected women must be a set shape and size, have a certain image, and dress or act a certain way to be desired and appreciated. This is strongly false! There is immense power in freely embracing yourself and appreciating your body, regardless if you don't have the "ideal body image". Discover what makes YOU feel sexy and beautiful. Often people run endlessly chasing other people's opinions and validation to feel desirable and it all falls short to last. By all means, compliments are valuable but don't constantly seek out attention, that is when we base our self worth in the mind's of others. Our self worth is the value we have given our self. 

Nudity is not sinful...

When it comes to nude modeling, the individual should not be criticized or discriminated for being drawn to expressing emotions through the rawness of the human form. I personally have appreciation for the human body in it's natural form and see beauty within any race, cultural background, gender identity, shape, size, ability or disability. Through my modeling career, I notice both woman and men are beginning to finally accept and appreciate themselves and their physical body by just being a witness to my art. We learn by example right? 

...the motives and display platform can be what is dangerous. 

In relation to modeling, notice if you are exhausting or saturating your image or devaluing yourself and your worth. This can be a boulder in your path! People will treat you the way your allow them to; have dignity and self respect, it is highly valued in both personal or professional relations.

It can become easy for a model to draw unwanted attention to herself with the lack of quality images and subject herself to crude remarks or bookings with GWC (guys with cameras). If you are choosing to participate in posing nude for a camera:
First be mindful of your intentions and choose your photographers wisely. If you do not fully trust your photographer, that is enough to not do it. Secondly, be clear on boundaries, in all dynamics. Thirdly, agree on what is acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to posting/publishing the images, for any shoot. You may not want to be seen by a certain audience and this should be discussed and respected. Having a written contract or model release form that clearly states what you are comfortable with or not for the images can be important and helpful when documented (and have a copy). Have an honest discussion with the photographer before proceeding to shoot. You both must be on the same page and clear on the intentions of the shoot, what you and the photographer each are comfortable with, even if he/she is comfortable with something and you are not, you have the power to say no. Use your voice authentically. 

Honor your self and your truth. 

It is really easy to saturate your image once you take photos that lack dignity and class, regardless of genre. Professional models that pose nude or implied are a.) Most likely getting paid b.) Are working with professional photographers that obtain skill in displaying the model in respectable angles and lightnings and c.) Are mindful with their intentions even if it is simply for humble empowerment or a raw artistic expression of the human body. Be sure to proceed through a, b, & c. 

Nudity can be very Empowering and very vulnerable. Be sure you are ready to take on that next level, do not feel pressure from anyone for any reason. It is your body and your choice. I do suggest experimenting with various forms of modeling before you get into nude art. Also know not everyone, even those closest to you, will be comfortable with your decision.

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Photo by Mark Neiber - On the Ganga River in Rishikesh, India 2015

Nudity is a powerful thing; it triggers the vulnerability at the core of everyone.

Taryn Artistry