WARNING: The following contains wit, sarcasm, direct, explicit and sexual language. If you're offended by any of these please don't read further.

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Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: Models have to be tall.
Truth: Only runway models should be above 1.72m or 5'8". There is no shortage of demand for averaged and even below normal height models.

M: I have to pay to model.
T: No agency should ever ask you any fee to register on their books or to interview. If they do I can guarantee you it's a scam. If a test shoot is needed they should offer you a photographer free of charge.

M: I heard if I do professional modelling I have to do runway modelling and even model my body completely naked because people want to see and stare at it, is this true? I'm very shy and can't appear before a crowd like that.
T: Models can choose the assignments and types of modelling they want to do. Nudity requirements and the extent must be stated upfront. It is true that rarely some fashion shows require the models to be completely naked but to display jewellery and accessories without having distracting clothing and not in order to show the models' bodies. Read my model requirements though on why you should however consider nude modelling and why I think every woman should pose nude or naked and if you ever have the opportunity to do a runway show naked you should do so.

M: I need to have a certain body type to model.
T: To an extent it is true that there is more demand for certain body types in professional modelling. Art modelling however doesn't have any requirements and indeed celebrates diversity. That doesn't mean you should not try to look your best for your category as modelling is still competitive within those categories.

M: I need formal training to model.
T: While having some experience is advisable so-called modelling schools are mostly a waste of money and a pastime for kids. Rather use the money for a reputable photographer to build a portfolio or do TFP shoots until you have enough practical experience.

M: Nude modelling requires having a lot of experience.
T: Having experience modelling may help but you don't need to be highly experienced. Nude art modelling is mostly about taking direction and a lot of nude models never did any modelling before posing nude and are fine on their first shoot.

M: Nude modelling is intimidating.
T: Not for the model. It is understandable to be nervous at first but it doesn't last long. You'll be yourself and at ease in no time and many nude models describe nude modelling as easier and more enjoyable.

M: Nude modelling is unsafe.
T: Not any more than regular modelling. True you should be sure of the person you're modelling for and if you feel uneasy about it or it seems too good not meet with them in private. The reality is that true nude photographers just want you naked and nothing more.

M: Nude modelling pays a lot.
T: Madonna got rich but she only got some grocery money for her first shoot. Nude modelling does pay a bit more than clothed modelling but to be lucrative it needs to be done for at least 10-20 half days a month. Doing nude modelling on the side can be a nice bonus but don't expect to retire from one session unless you're really famous.

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Glossary of modelling terms

Book/Lookbook (noun): A portfolio of images taken of a model.

Book (verb): To arrange a time and place for a photoshoot or filming.

Booking or Gig: An arranged modelling or acting opportunity.

Boudoir: French for a woman's private room or bedroom. Classic boudoir photography has a focus on women in their underwear or lingerie or other revealing clothing usually in a private bedroom setting. In modern times however more women are opting for outdoor or nude-in-nature shoots or even shoots involving sexual acts.

Casting: An audition for a modelling or performing job. This can be through e-mail, phone call, video call, or in person either alone or where multiple models or actors apply. For nudity a model or actor may be asked to do a nude audition but only after their suitability for the job has been determined.

Casting Call: Advertisement by a model agency or photographer. The casting call will contain details of what the work entails and model requirements as well as contact information and how a model should apply.

Casting Couch: A fictional scenario where a model interviews for a job and ends up modelling nude or performing sexual acts as part of her audition. In reality the real interview already happened ahead of time with the model knowing she will be performing these actions but is acting as if they are part of the interview.

Comp Card/Z Card/ZED Card: A marketing card used by a model. Composite cards can take multiple formats, usually containing a headshot of a model with several shots showing her best work, together with contact information and in some cases a few of her latest jobs. Can also be in digital format.

Composite: Not to be confused with comp cards. Composites are images made up of elements from other images. Most commonly this involves taking a subject and placing them on a different background to create a different context.

Figure Modelling: A type of usually nude modelling traditionally showing the body for drawing or painting.

Glamour Photography: Modelling with a more sensual look to enhance the visual appeal of a product of clothing. Glamour nudes focus on presenting the model's body in a more alluring and visually appealing manner using makeup or other enhancements without being overtly sexual.

GWC: Guy with camera. A term for a man who uses photography in order to date women. GWC is strictly a term for men who can't or doesn't have enough confidence to date women on his own and not for amateur photographers looking to primarily do photography. GWCs have a less than good reputation but should not be confused with scammers or those looking to cause harm.

Model Release: A contract signed by a model to allow a photographer to use and license any photos taken in general or for a particular purpose. For acting jobs a similar contract is called a talent release. Model and talent release are not legal definitions and it's the wording of the contract that determines its suitability for a particular use or purpose.

Petite Model: Any model shorter than 1.72m or 5'8" for runway modelling or for glamour or art modelling markedly shorter than average height.

Pin-ups: A style of nude or semi-nude photos or depictions usually found with calendars that isn't too graphic or revealing.

Pink Shots: An informal term for photos in which a woman spreads open her labia or poses open legged in such a manner that the inside part of her vulva is mostly visible.

Portfolio Shoot: A photo session where the model uses the pictures to show her look. Portfolio shoots are usually paid for by the model or done as TFP.

Tear Sheets: Magazine, newspaper or pamphlet clippings to show where a model's pictures have been published.

Test Shoot: A photo session to determine a model's suitability for a particular campaign or future opportunities. Test shoots are usually paid opportunities and should not be confused with portfolio shoots.

TFP/TFCD: Time for Photos. A transaction where a model receives photos (or a CD with photos) for her portfolio or for personal use in return for providing her time.

Travel Notice: An advertisement by a model informing that she will be available for photoshoots in a particular area on given dates.

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Common questions and answers

Can I model if I am overweight or underweight or have a physical condition?
I will only exclude over- or underweight models that indicate an eating problem. I do take people with disabilities and body disorders. In all cases I look for certain characteristics I want to show.

Is there a specific diet I have to follow?
Diet affects our physical condition as well as how we look. Something every model can do is to avoid very fatty foods or excessive sugar the weeks leading up to a shoot as this does affect skin tone. Shoots can also be physically demanding. A good diet before a shoot can be plant based and include lean protein without having to avoid meats.

Do I really have to model nude or naked?
Under some circumstances I may selectively choose non-nude or covered modelling on a mostly unpaid or TFP basis, it would be up to you however to come up with an idea that's worth my time and effort. My main interest is nude photography so I will likely require for you to be mainly uncovered or in revealing attire. For some looks or body types it will be necessary for you to be completely naked and fully exposed throughout the shoot to duly accentuate all your features and do them justice. You don't have to be concerned over being naked as this is so you can look your best and most beautiful and you'll be at ease in no time. Women who have posed nude find it to be the most natural type of modelling and a very enjoyable experience with some describing it as easier than clothed modelling.

What about scars?
We are all flawed in some way. Scars and other imperfections tell a story. I prefer not to cover or remove these as they compliment the beauty of a woman. When a woman is naked she isn't just to be looked at and taken delight in exposing herself. Her body is also a canvas written on by life events that have shaped who and what she is. She is something to wonder about.

Are the shoots sexual?
Thanks for volunteering. I believe as part of the service a model provides it is not unprofessional for her to perform sexually. My models are free to be themselves and express their sexuality noncoercively in any manner they choose. Some women seek the experience of being photographed naked doing sexual acts in which case they are free to communicate this to me in advance while others just get sexually turned on. All sexual acts are voluntary and usually suggested by the model.

Am I not too famous to pose nude?
Plenty of famous people have posed nude. We all like to think we're famous but reality is unless you have tens of thousands of followers you're probably not well known and even then you're not famous. Tasteful nudity is good exposure and some of the most well known nude photographers can provide exposure to hundreds of thousands of followers. Nobody is too famous to pose nude. Nudity can cause a loss of support initially but result in more support afterwards. Nudity should therefore be done from the start but if not can be introduced gradually at your own comfort level until reaching full nudity. Also see my section of why every woman should do nudity.

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What to expect before and on a shoot

If you're selected you'll receive an e-mail confirming it and asking for any additional information needed. This is usually a formality and it's rare that models will be declined at this stage.

We'll discuss any hobbies or talents you have. Singing and acting are not considered talents as they can be too easily mimicked for the camera. At this point you can make suggestions for posing or themes.

We'll set up a time and location for your shoot.

You'll be given any special instructions for your shoot as well as if you should bring any extra items.

On the day of your shoot you'll sign a model release before we begin. No shooting will take place without a release and no earlier signed release will be accepted.

I don't believe clothed "warm up" shots are helpful for nude shoots. A first time nude model still has to get used to the experience after these shots so they only take up shooting time that can be used more productively. Most models however become at ease after only a few minutes and it is more productive for a new model to undress when arriving for a shoot.

You can have a few short breaks from posing during a long session.

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What to do before a shoot

Make sure you get enough lean protein but avoid very fatty food and excessive sugar the week before your shoot. Even if your body can handle it it may affect your skin tone.

Get enough sleep and leave the energy drinks as they are no substitute and only leave you looking tired. If you need coffee to wake up make it a single cup. "Energy bars" are usually full of sugar, rather bring low G.I. snacks to keep your sugar levels stable.

PLEASE don't drink any alcohol. I can promise you you won't need it on your shoot.

If you're doing a nude shoot and have a specific pubic hair style (not just trim) you want to keep mention this in the initial discussion, otherwise ensure you're clean shaven but don't try any new shaving techniques or creams. If you don't normally shave do so before confirming a shooting date to test your reaction.

Don't wear any tight fitting clothing or underwear to avoid indentation marks. Underwire bras are notorious for this. If your shoot entails lingerie pack these in your bag.

If your shoot is in the morning don't bathe or shower on the day as this can open up pores. If it's in the afternoon you can do so at least 4 hours before it starts. Do so first thing after getting up and get dressed last to help your skin dry. Don't use any moisturiser as this can do the same and also leave your skin shiny.

If you normally exfoliate or use a tanning salon do so at least a week before your shoot to give your skin time to adjust and recover.

Make sure you take note of any makeup requirements. For art modelling a safe option is usually nude or natural colours, this includes nail varnish when wearing but avoid high gloss or sheen.

Staying fit can help you keep your posture in poses.

Tan lines can stay with you for a whole season or longer and unfortunately there is no real solution other than to avoid them. Also watch out for exposing the same skin daily as well as the infamous drivers tan where one arm is darker. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the sun whenever your shadow is shorter than you. If you have uneven tanning you can try to expose only those areas not tanned. Some recommend using high SPF sunscreen though sunscreen is designed to block harmful rays while still allowing tanning. Guard against unnatural looking dark tans as skin gets darker the first few days after exposure.

TIP: Whether modelling or not never sleep with makeup and remove it with Johnson's Baby Oil. Your skin will thank you in 50 years. I'm not receiving commission for this.

Don't ignore any of the advice given even if you think it is only for one shoot. Remember if you are going to be photographed naked you want to look your best.