To Nude or Not to Nude?

Throughout the time that I've been considering modeling as a hobby/interest for myself, there's always been a question of "Would you ever model nude?"

Its a good question.

There's the aspect of art that I truly love. The fact that the naked body is something that's sexy and to be proud of, that there's no need to fear being naked. All the possible concepts that nudity can incorporate. Heck, its a large part of modeling. A lot of people specialize in nude (whether it be models or photographers).

But then there's some 'negatives' to it as well, most of them coming down to some people being disapproving of being nude. Family, some friends, what will George think? He says that he'll be okay with it, but I sort of question whether he's just saying that because he believes that adults can make their own decisions and it would be my decision to do or if he truly would be okay with it. I don't want to experience him getting angry or upset over my decision after the fact.

There's a distinction between artistic nude and sexy nude to me. I'm more interested in artistic nude. Sexy nude is something that I feel that I'm not really ready nor confident for. There's also TFP work and paid work. Personally, there are a few photographers that I'd be willing to work with TFP because I feel like they'd really benefit me and my portfolio, but then there are others (and these will probably come after I get more experience) that I'm afraid that I'd only really want to do paid work with. I don't want to be the model who wastes someone's time and money.

I've seen a lot of backlash from people, I guess its mostly other women, who think that modeling nude is disgusting, its porn, and it makes you a whore. The internet is a scary and harsh place. With cosplay, I've already had people sit behind a screen and insult me, call me names. Its something that I know I'm going to have to deal with if I model nude.

Nudity is something new to me. Its something that I've never experienced before. I've done a photoshoot with a "strip poker" theme where I was topless with the goods covered up, and that was alright with me. I was mostly comfortable with that (the awkward that I felt was mainly from not really knowing how to pose or what to do with it)

I've sort of come to the conclusion that I can't decide if I'm comfortable with it just by sitting here and writing about it. Its like I can't tell you if I like horse back riding, if I've never been. It looks fun, people say its awesome, makes for great stories, but I've never been so I'm not sure if I'd like it. (Although, that's just a metaphor. I've really been horse back riding)


I think that I need to at least get in the saddle for a little bit and try it out. If it doesn't work out or if I don't feel alright with it, then there's always costume modeling work that I can 'fall back' on and maybe work my way up to nudity.

If I do decide to go that route with modeling....I'm realizing that I'm going to have to be strong about it. Develop confidence that's deeper than compliments. Ignore 'the haters'.

I guess it comes down to a post that I saw while exploring MM, "No, its YOU who's dissapointing ME." If you can't support the fact that I want to create art that involves me being naked, that I don't really want you to be involved in my life. The only person who's opinions has any heavy input and weight in my decision to model nude is George. And if it comes down to it, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.