A question that keeps coming up in the last few weeks: do I do nude portraits in my studio? YES.
In my studio, women have had no hesitation about taking off their clothes with me around. And I’ve never had a problem with clients taking their clothes off in front of me. Remember, I was a waxer for years before opening my photography studio.
When I was working in Boston and Hollywood as a full time Esthetician, I was asked to wax almost everything. Estheticians were doing “Brazilians” before they were given the name. In fact, we had no idea what shorthand name to give the service so clients could request it easily! The name we gave it in private is not fit for consumption here.
I was at a vendor fair recently, and was approached by another professional photographer. She asked me about the Boudoir and Nude photography in my business. She was curious about how hard it was for me to get clients comfortable with taking off their clothes. Not difficult at all. Why, she asked…Hmm. I believe it comes down to having an appreciation for what I think beauty is. Everyone I meet is beautiful to me in some way. I also ask my clients what they love the most about themselves and highlight that in their portrait session. People naturally trust me not to judge them or focus on what they don’t like about their body.
So a few days ago, I had a client call and ask me if I was comfortable with shooting nudes as a gift for her hubby. Yes, I am perfectly comfortable. I shoot very tasteful, beautiful fine art style nude portraits. So if you’d like to have those for your honey, or for you; by all means, you’re welcome to take off your clothes.
25 Comments
I’ve read some of your blogs before, and I can imagine you do get women to trust you, to trust that you can see beautiful in all shapes and forms. I can’t say I imagine a nude portrait to be in my future, but I like the idea of reflecting on it and contemplating what it would mean to me. For any woman to trust you that way and to have a positive experience would make not only the portrait a special gift but also the experience itself–an affirmation of the individual’s uniqueness and beauty.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
It is so nice that you can make somen feel so comfortable being photographed, whether it be nude or “normal”. It takes a special person to do so. I don’t see a nude portrait in my future though. I’m just happy to have a decent looking avatar!
Molly,you are too funny
I have never had a nude pic done of me and I don’t see one in my future either, it is not something I have ever really thought about, I think they are beautiful though and i think it takes a certain personality to make others feel very comfortable to get nude in front of them
Jillian – Your work is beautiful. I’m not sure I’d ever feel comfortable enough to do nude photos. But I do know that I’d want a photographer like you who sees beauty everywhere to photograph me. Debbie
Having been a model since 17 years old, I’ve done my share of nudes, lingerie and boudoir. Having a female photography always makes it easier! Continue to produce great work!
I really liked reading this blog, Jillian. Especially hearing about your own ease with clients who want nude pictures. It is another kind of gift you offer clients, particularly your lack of judgment. And I bet that most, if not all of them, love the photos of themselves because they have been taken in an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation–and therefore relaxation, allowing their true selves to shine through. I would love to do a dressed and undressed shoot with you someday! I think we need more images of more mature women who value and appreciate their bodies and still feel sexy!
Hi Jill,
Oops! Please delete the post below. I love Boudoir and Nude photography. I think they are so beautiful…especially when the photographer really captures the beauty of the woman in front of the camera. It’s art to me! I plan on doing this one day myself.
I feel it brings out the vulnerability in some woman, the beauty that’s hidden within them…there is just something about it. I think of so many portraits and paintings that I have seen like this. There is something shy about some of them to which I find beautiful.
Love that women feel comfortable with you Jill. It’s a gift that you give to these women to have a chance to do this.
xoxo
Alara
Hi Jillian,
Thanks for this thoughtful story. The main idea I take away concerns how important it is to create a comfortable rapport before we “take care of business”. Any kind of business where success depends on establishing a trusting relationship with friends, clients, or colleagues. I’m sure there are plenty of occupations that don’t apply here, but I can’t think of one right now.
Robbie
You take such beautiful photographs Jillian that I can’t believe your nude photography would be any less than beautiful and tasteful. Not sure I’m the client that would want a nude photo but if I did, you’d be the photographer for me. I love that you have no judgement and that you highlight what the client finds beautiful about their body. How many photographers do that? Probably not many!
Susan Berland
A Picture’s Worth
http://www.susan-berland.com
Intriguing title…got me reading – LOL! I definitely believe your attitude and seeing beauty in every body is what makes your subjects so comfortable in taking off their clothes. As I don’t have anyone to give nude photos to at this time…it is definitely not on my “to-do” list. I’ll have to think about whether I would or not in the future. Hmmm….
Brandy
I used to work for a photographer. She was very much an artist. She did a lot of portraits of nude, pregnant women. They were tasteful and she also was able to move the women into flattering poses. All of the women were very comfortable with her and no one felt the least bit awkward. They all loved the results of the images as well, as they were all beautiful.
I can only hope that someday I am comfortable enough with my appearance to do boudoir or nude photos. I’ve seen some amazing shots and I love the one you have posted. Having a photographer who is comfortable with the shoot is crucial.
Thank you, Judy. I believe the experience is the best part of it for my clients. I tell them it’s like a hard core Pilates class while they are in the studio, and the lasting mental/emotional effects are like years of therapy in just a few hours.
Brenda, I have to tell you NO ONE comes in completely comfortable with their appearance to do the session, I promise! The point for them is to feel so much more comfortable when they leave, and when they have the photos to look at for the rest of their lives. xo
It’s so great when photographers are able to make women feel and look beautiful–nude, pregnant, etc. I love to look at others’ portfolios and see the beauty they can bring out as well. xo
Brandy, I had a few “alternative” titles I played with…thought they were too wicked to put up there. Maybe one day I will let my more naughty sense of humor out here!
The most important person to *receive* the photos are the women who honor me with the opportunity to capture the light within them–either in a boudoir or nude type session, or a Femme Elegant session–clothed, jewelry adorned, etc. The most impressive thing, to me, is when I receive letters, calls and emails from women who have changed their relationship with themselves. xo
Thank you Susan. I love all types and styles of photos that make it a point to really show the “light within”. I think that has to come from no judgement–it’s really a philosophy I try to live with in all situations…though I am guilty of yelling at other drivers (does it count if they can’t hear it??). xo
I agree, Robbie–establishing trust is sooooo important in business. The trust varies–money, privacy about lifestyles, secrets, healing, etc. There are too many companies that try to shortcut that crucial element. I am proud to be surrounded with businesses with the same mindset–so many of them I’ve met through Ann! xo
Alara, I tried to, will try again! 🙂
Boudoir/glamour/nudes had gotten such a horrible reputation over the last 20 or so years (remember those mall studios?), it’s wonderful to have people recognize the genre as art again. Thank you for that!
Yes, vulnerability is there, which has to go hand in hand with authenticity, I believe. The purpose is to bring that out, to show her that she is beautiful, strong, sexy, UNIQUE. If we as women could see that and own it every day, how different would the world be?
xox
ABSOLUTELY, Maridel, we do need more images of “mature” women! I have been putting a new “focus” in my business for women 45+ in particular. I will be blogging that in the near future.
Women over 35 or so are completely disregarded in popular media, though it is* slowly* changing. When women don’t see themselves reflected at all in the world around them, I believe it robs them of their power, their ability to really contribute all they have and all the experiences they can share.
xox
Thank you, Alicia, I intend to! Have a lot of ideas floating around in this cracked brain! Yes, I can imagine it would be easier with a female. I once had photos taken for my husband in his uniform and the studio gave me a male photographer. I hated the whole experience!
xox
Thank you, Debbie. I am honored that you would want me to take them should you ever want them! xox
Thank you, Julie. In high school and college classes, I never really thought this would be my “genre”, though I am not sure why not. My personality is much more geared to it than lots and lots of babies! xox
Too funny indeed!! You have a lovely avatar! 🙂 xo
Comments are closed.