There is a wide range in the amount and type of “skin” a model may be asked to show. The level of nudity is both the amount the body that is shown and whether or not nipples and/or genitals are exposed. To make it easier for models and photographers to clearly establish comfort levels and expectations, we present s scale representing levels of nudity.
Why Nudity Levels
Models can be requested to wear anything from a little to a lot, so it is useful for the model to know what level is expected for several reasons. First, . Second, at some point the level nudity requested may be more than the model is willing to do.
- The more revealing a photoshoot is the more the model should be charging, and the more a photographer should expect to pay; and
- Photographers need to clearly communicate the maximum level of exposure to ensure they are only working with a model comfortable with the exposure level.
Scale Levels
When designing a scale, we need to consider what information is being imparted and to whom. In this case, we want a scale that is relatively simple, uses terms common to model photography, and is scaled to typical comfort levels of photographic models.
This scale is defined based on the level of exposure by the model.
Non-nude
The model is clearly fully-clothed. This is the common expectation for a photoshoot unless otherwise stated.
For models, you can use this to set your base hourly rate.
For photographers, if you expect less coverage then you must clearly specify.
Model: Geneviรฉve Dupuis
Implied Nude
Model: Kimi Bee
Backside Only
In this style only the model’s backside is shown. Again, the model’s front may or may not be covered in the studio, expectations of the level of coverage behind the scenes should be communicated.
At this level, models should consider increasing their rates for this style of image.
Model: Astrid Kalsen
Topless
Model: Kori Vee
Fully nude
The model will be completely nude but do not completely expose their genitalia.
Models should add a premium if they want to offer this coverage level.
Photographers must clearly state if they expect this level of exposure.
Model: Ira Balan
Pink
Also known as “MetArt” or “spread” style, the model is completely nude and poses in such a way that their genitalia is completely exposed.
Photographers should not expect most models to offer this level. Those that do will usually charge a premium beyond full nude.7
Model: Emily Moon
Models should make clear what their comfort level is with regard to these levels of nudity, and for those with which they are comfortable, what rates they intend to charge.
Photographers should clearly indicate the maximum level of exposure they want in their images so that models
- are both not surprised in the shoot;
- have a chance to turn down a shoot that exceeds their comfort level; and
- if they are comfortable with the exposure level, can quote an accurate rate.
Related Sources
Cowboy Dave Photography: Levels of Nudity
Contrastly: Guide to Nude Photography
Vocal Media: “What is Nude Photography”
Photowhoa: “What is Nude Photography”
Footnotes
- Will Preisner: “Nudity Levels” – Implied โฉ๏ธ
- Photocritic: “Implied Nudity in Portraiture” โฉ๏ธ
- Aniya Emtage: “Implied Nude Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- Photowhoa: “Implied Nude Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- Will Preisner: “Nudity Levels” – Topless โฉ๏ธ
- wikipedia: “Toplessness” โฉ๏ธ
- Will Preisner: “Nudity Levels” – Full Nude โฉ๏ธ
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