The following analysis pertains to a self-reported data from of over 140,000 American models. All respondents were female, ages 18 to 28, and actively seeking modeling assignments through online accounts that each model maintains. Each was asked if they were interested in nude modeling assignments. Their preference for or against nude modeling was posted publicly, along with their portfolio.

Of these models, those who openly advertised a desire to pose nude numbered 12.5%. This percentage includes all heights, sizes, and shapes. If we just consider models who fall into a particular body type, the number willing to pose nude goes up. For example for those between five feet tall and five foot eleven, having a dress size zero through eight, and have a bra cup size of “B” or larger, 15.5% are willing to pose nude. If we look at the subset of these women who have a bra cup size of “C” or larger, the number goes up to 17.5%. If we look at those with a D or DD bra cup size, 20% are willing to pose nude.

The first sample, models ages 18-28, one in eight is actively looking for nude modeling jobs. With the last sample, it is one in five. These numbers reflect models who are seeking regular employment modeling nude. If you consider those who are willing to entertain nude modeling on a case-by-case basis, the proportion increases.

The results can’t be considered scientific because it is based on self-reported data. However, this analysis does make clear that body type has an effect on an interest in posing nude. The single most influential factor is bust size. It seems bustier women are more comfortable posing nude.

In a separate survey, the willingness of models with breast augmentation to pose nude was considered. It was apparent that having breast implants did not significantly change a model’s willingness to pose nude. In fact, only 16% of those willing to model nude had breast implants, compared to 26% of all models in the survey. In most instances, breast augmentation reduces the aesthetic appeal of a nude model. Many photographers don’t desire the unnatural shape and scars that come along with breast implants and models know this. So, it’s not surprising that the percentage of nude models with a natural bust line (84%) is higher than the percentage of all models over eighteen with a natural bust line (74%).

It is also apparent that models of average or shorter heights are slightly more comfortable with nudity than their taller counterparts. Models who are 5’9” and taller were about 1% less likely to advertise a willingness for nude modeling jobs.

When comparing various ethnicities willingness to pose nude, the results are disparate. Over 62,000 American models ages eighteen to twenty-eight were sampled on a modeling employment site. Of those who stated an ethnicity, Native Americans and Caucasians were the most likely to express an interest in posing nude (22% and 16.5% respectively.) All other categories were less likely than the average (14.5%) to respond positively. The least likely to respond in the affirmative was East Indians, which were only one-third as likely to do so.

Even hair color plays a role in determining willingness to pose nude. In a sampling of models, again all ages 18 to 28 in the United States, respondents were asked to report hair color and their willingness to pose nude. Amongst blondes and dark-haired models the results were mostly undifferentiated. Redheads and brunettes were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Redhead models were the most likely to opt to model nude, more than twice as likely as brunettes. Even hair length comes into play. Models with very short or very long hair are up to twice as likely to model nude compared to those with medium length hair.

How to use this information? You don’t want to limit yourself to pursuing models of only a very specific body type or appearance. For one thing, the demographic that is most willing to pose nude may not be what you’re looking for in a model. If you want to photograph tall models with small bust lines, there is no reason not to pursue them as subjects. Additionally, the subset that is most likely to pose nude comprise only a small fraction of the available models. Although short, very busty models were the most likely to be seeking nude jobs, they accounted for fewer than ten percent of respondents.

The more experienced the model, the more comfortable with nudity

Experienced models are more likely to want to model nude than inexperienced. This is mainly attributable to the fact that modeling nude is a one way trip. Few models begin modeling nude and then stop. More often, models will start modeling before they decide to pose nude. Then they will continue to pose nude. Models who describe their experience level as “very experience” are more than twice as likely to pose nude as those who say they have no experience. The desire to model nude increases sharply as models gain experience. For this reason it’s beneficial to seek women who already have some modeling experience.

The style of photography is a huge factor in attracting models.

When models are asked their opinion of nude photography versus artistic nude photography, the results are astonishingly different. In a sampling of over 1,400 American and Canadian female models 15% of them said they would be willing to pose nude. When models are asked if they would pose for an artistic nude, the number jumps to 45%. This is three times as many positive responses.

This was not an anonymous survey. These data are from a modeling employment web site where the models receive job offers for various modeling jobs ranging from fashion to nude.

The models were told that artistic nudity meant full nudity with artistic intent. For sake of clarity, the models were told that this was not implied nudity. One in seven models are willing to pose nude, while nearly half are willing to pose nude when the photography is described as artistic. Clearly the style of the photographs has a huge influence on a model’s willingness to pose nude. What makes a photograph artistic is subjective, and it is the photographer’s intent and style that attract models. Because art is in the mind of the viewer, you need to do more than describe your work as artistic. This is why you need a portfolio.

On a side note, various data were compared from modeling web sites of varying sizes. On heavily trafficked web sites, models are less likely to advertise their willingness to pose nude. Many models say that this because of the large number of undesirable correspondence they receive.  On smaller modeling sites more models indicate an interest in nude gigs.

For more on this topic, and other aspects of recruiting and working with nude models can be found in my new book, Up to My Eyeballs in Nude Women. This book is written for the serious beginner, the curious non-photographer, and even the moderately experienced photographer who needs a better grasp of recruiting and working with nude models. Understanding this book does not require comprehension of photographic technique.

Model: Audrey Rose

Modeling is competitive, and the world of the figure model is no exception. If you work out three times a week, you may lose your next audition to the model who hits the gym five days a week. If you run two miles a day then treat yourself to fried chicken, there’s the girl who runs six miles and never sets foot in a fast-food restaurant. Here are some ideas to stay in shape and showcase your talents and make sure you stay on top of the list of models who get called back for more work.

1. Fix your portfolio. Choose recent photos. It’s okay to keep one favorite, but old photos send the message that you’re not hired much. Choose photos that show how good you look, not how good the Photoshop is. Retouched photos make it look like you’re trying to hide something. Remember, it’s not an art exhibit, it’s a visual résumé.
2. Tone up. You’ve got to work out more than the competition if you’re going to beat them. Find exercise you enjoy so you won’t quit doing it.
3. Take care of your hair. Baby it. Don’t abuse it. Depending on its length, the ends of your hairs have been hanging around for a year or more. Don’t ruin your hair in one night with harsh chemicals.
4. Take the interview seriously. If you show up looking like you just rolled out of bed, you won’t get the choicest gigs.
5. Junk food is the enemy. You can lie to yourself, but your body will not lie to the camera. Treat junk food like a terrorist. Don’t negotiate with junk food. Drinks with whipped cream, anything fried, anything that drips grease, or has added sugar should not pass your lips. Whole, natural foods build a healthy body.
6. Keep a steady pace. Model regularly and in amounts that you can handle. Don’t overbook and don’t take extended holidays.
7. Fade those tan lines. Wear a variety of beachwear so you don’t have such a bad lines. Use tanning salons, but don’t overdo it. Buy one or more tan-through swimsuits. Use sunscreen. Avoid deep tanning.
8. Don’t smoke. The link between being smoke-free and a healthy, sexy look shouldn’t have to be explained.

Nude model outdoors. Model: Hope S.

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Disclaimer: This post is shameless self-promotion of my third book. See the end of this post for details.

Can you introduce yourself?

Hey y’all it’s Sara. I’m twenty one. I have been modeling for two years, just about. Yeah it’s fun. It’s easy. It’s exciting.

What inspired you to start?

Well yeah, my mom was in Playboy [magazine] and ever since I hear about that, or she told me about it, it’s kind of been a goal of mine. I was eighteen. Well actually I saw the Playboy ad. I was like Oh my God, mom, nice job! It’s the biggest sex symbol magazine known to man.

How many shoots have you done?

I’ve done a least a hundred nude shoots. And I’ve shot with probably about the same photographers. I’ve shot with several more than once. I’ve attended lots of workshops. Like lighting workshops, posing workshops, all kinds of things. Workshops are really hectic sometimes. It just depends on where you go. It depends on how many photographers there are, how many models there are, the ratio between them. How much space there is. How many setups and rooms there are. It’s really hard if the dressing room’s really small. But other than that, it’s a good time. You get a lot of experience. You learn how to be directed. And you try to figure out which way works best for you.

I remember the last one I went to. I think there was twenty-nine photographers and seven models. It was pretty crazy.

What makes for a good shoot?

You have to be confident on how you look naked. Otherwise it shows in your pictures. If you’re going to be afraid of one little wrinkle or one little, you know, line or crease, you just have to get over it. You have to kind of just man up and be comfortable with yourself. As soon as you’re confident it looks better on camera.

After all those shoots, do you still ever get nervous?

Sometimes I get butterflies, yeah. But I think that’s just, you know, the brink of almost there. Almost ready.

Sara appears in my upcoming book: Up to My Eyeballs in Nude Women, Techniques to Recruit Models, Direct Shoots, and Build Working Relationships.

Here is the general advice that I give models to prepare for a shoot. I’m posting it here in since it may be helpful to other models and photographers. It is in chronological order from about a week before the shoot. Models should read the whole list before beginning the schedule because the order of some steps will vary based on particular situations.

7 Days before the Shoot

• Confirm all details of the shoot and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to call and ask for clarification.
• Know what makeup (if any) you are expected to do before arriving to the shoot.
• Don’t experiment with hair or skin treatments. There’s not enough time to recover from a mishap.
• Don’t change your hair style unless requested.
• Cut back on tanning, which can dry skin. Use sun screen.

3 Days before the shoot

• Do your nails. Unless you’ve discussed otherwise, I suggest trim nails with a neutral color (e.g. French manicure).
  Take care of your skin. Avoid sun exposure, tanning salons. Avoid getting paint, ink or bruises on your skin. Stay moisturized.

2 Days before the shoot

• Get some moderate exercise.
• Get rid of any unwanted hair in your normal fashion. Do this more than two days before the shoot if it normally takes you longer to recover. Don’t experiment with a new method; you won’t know the recovery time.
• Exfoliate dry skin, don’t forget your feet.
• Exfoliate lips if needed.
• If this is your first nude shoot get a restful sleep tonight. You may be a too excited the night before the shoot to get enough rest.

The day before the shoot

• Day before the shoot:
• Pack your kit. Bring moisturizer, a snack, makeup, robe/cover-up. (see my post: Nude Model’s Survival Kit)
• Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Eat sensibly.
• Stretch. Stay limber. Stay active enough to burn off any excess energy before bedtime, but don’t do any marathon workouts today. Stay hydrated.
• Get a full night’s rest if you can.

The day of the shoot

• Wake up early enough that you don’t feel rushed.
• If you’ve been asked to have your hair and makeup a certain way, allow preparation time.
• Don’t put on any tight clothes or anything with elastic in it. We want to avoid elastic lines on your skin.
• Don’t tie your hair tightly, that can also leave a mark.
• Avoid anything that will stain your teeth: tea, coffee, cigarettes; they all show up on the image.
• Moisturize everywhere from the neck down. You don’t want anything close to dry skin.
• Directions to the shoot: Don’t forget to bring them with you. Call if you’re lost, don’t be embarrassed, just call and ask. If you’re going to be late or can’t make it, call ASAP. Don’t be a no-show without calling.
• Once at the shoot keep cell phone use to a minimum.
• Be friendly and professional

After and between shoots

• Take care of skin. Bug bites and tan lines can last a long time. A model’s body is her income, protect it.
• Eat healthy foods. Stay away from sweets, fatty meats, and junk food.
• Exercise vigorously five days a week. Perform a mix of strength, flexibility, endurance, and fat burning exercises.
• Practice posing and posture.

Nude with red cloth. Model: Audrey Rose.

Before shooting nude, the model and I warm up with some clothed shots. Here is Arabella acclimating in a bikini. She was a very natural and comfortable model.

Here are a few seconds of 1080p HD video of her modeling during this warm-up phase.

This model is originally from Georgia, but came here for school. This was her first photo shoot, and we had a great shoot.

More: Showcase

(sorry, no nudity in this particular video.)

…

For those who are interested, here are a few ways to follow me:

1. Subscribe to the RSS for this bog: http://blog.eleganteye.com/feed/
2. Follow my Tweets of nude photos.
3. Join the readers list for my books.
4. Follow me on Flickr.

Nude on couch. Model: Audrey Rose.

It’s Not Fair

I’ve heard many times, “It’s not fair,” in comment on how some nude models get lots of work while others do not. Often it is the aspiring model, having trouble finding work, who is commenting.

Nude modeling is not supposed to be egalitarian or documentary. Whether the decision maker is the photographer, an art director, or a publisher there is no obligation to take all applicants. Just as with any employment there will always be more applicants than open positions. Even qualified applicants will be turned away.

No, It’s Not Fair, and It’s Not Supposed to Be

Too tall, too short, too heavy, too thin, too male, too female, and any number of other reasons prevent a prospective model from getting the part. There is a misconception among some that if they try hard enough, they can get any part. While I encourage aspiring models not to give up, you have to find your niche. While you’re trying to find your niche you have to be realistic. It may take a long time, and you may face a lot of rejection.

Certainly there are those who will accept just about any applicant for their projects. These entry-level projects are a fine way to start, provided they’re legitimate opportunities. Most everyone has to start at the bottom and work their way up. It’s one of the few “fair” things about most any industry. But most models want to get to the next level. Many expect to be injected right at the top from the very beginning. It’s simply not going to happen.

Meeting the Minimum Requirement is Seldom Enough

Make sure you read the requirements for any casting call. If it says minimum height is 5’6″ and you’re 5’5″ and three quarters, don’t get your hopes up. Even applicants who are 5’7″ are going up against those who are 5’10″. If height is stressed in the casting, they are probably looking for long legs. Unless you are “tall for your height” (leggy) you’re not going to be the most qualified even if you meet the minimum requirements.

Not every genre of modeling is going to be for you either. No photographer is obligated to shoot in multiple styles, or a even a single traditional style. Just because your look is perfect for a popular style of nude photography, doesn’t mean you’re a shoe-in for every job.

I had one model write to me “I don’t have the face for fashion or glamour, which is why I am perfect for nudes.” While this makes sense for some genres of nude photography, again it’s not a guarantee of employment. The majority of nude photography de-emphasizes the face to some degree simply by the inclusion of the body. But the degree to which the face is important varies from style to style. There may be more options for an aesthetically pleasing nude without the face than in other types of photography. However, not having the face for glamour doesn’t mean you’re perfect for nudes. (Side note: I did not find the model in question unattractive. I’m not saying who she is, but I photographed her and thought her face was one of the more interesting things about the images.)

Don’t Be Discouraged

If you are an aspiring model, don’t give up after a few rejections. It’s not fair, but you’re not being singled out. I’ve rejected models that were too thin, too busty, too tall, and other reasons that you might think would give them an advantage. The fact is, like other photographers, I’m looking for something in particular for each shoot. You won’t know what that is until you ask us. And like most employment applications, you’re more likely not to get the job than to get it.

I’ve had some models contact me twenty times without being awarded a shoot. I’ve even referred some overly persistent models to other photographers (admittedly with the selfish purpose of getting them off my back.) But other models have contacted me multiple times and only found work on the third or fourth contact.

Persistence will help you. Broaden your horizons and look for different types of castings, especially those where you fit in the middle or high end of the requirements. If they want someone 5’4″ or taller and you’re 5’6″, go for it. If they ask for few tattoos and you have zero, don’t forget to mention that. If they want comfort with implied nude and you’ve experience with full nudity, let them know when you apply. Look for those opportunities where you have an unfair advantage.

Sarah H. is a wonderful and experienced nude model, who applied a few times before I had a project for which she was suited. I've now shot with her several times.

In general, I avoid using slang for body parts, especially if it’s considered vulgar. When talking to models or describing my photos in writing, I sometimes struggle for the right words. I’m not looking to be politically correct or please everyone, or I wouldn’t make nude photographs in the first place. However, it is important to show respect to your model and not make her uncomfortable. Of course the words that are considered acceptable or vulgar vary from person to person, region to region, and over time. Read more

Models often tell me that they wonder why they didn’t get this modeling gig, or that one. There are a few things you can do to improve your chances, and really stack things in your favor. I’ve photographed hundreds of nude models, and I’ve looked at applications

The basics

Make sure you cover the basics. These aren’t tips or secrets; these are the bare minimum. If you don’t do these, you likely won’t get any worthwhile modeling job. Doing these won’t set you apart from other applicants, but if you don’t do them you won’t even get past the front door.

1. Read the casting call. Don’t apply unless you fit what they are looking for.
2. Reply with an answer to everything that is asked in the casting call. If it asks for stats, give them; photos, send them.
3. Include your contact information so they can contact you back.

Here are the Tips for getting the job

Here are some things that many model’s don’t do but should. These will help set you apart. Many models who worked with me did these things and it helped them get the job.

1. Look at the photographer’s work. Show him shots that show him how you can fit into what he does.
2. Get a second opinion before choosing your portfolio shots. If possible ask a photographer which shots will win more jobs for you.
3. Include large photos. Photographers want to see details.
4. Don’t send photoshopped images, or try other ways to hide what you look like. A plain image that is true is better than the best photoshopped image. photographer’s don’t care how good a Photoshop guy was with you’re image (they’re hiring a model not a Photo retoucher.) Photographers notice when a model is trying to hide something, and usually move on to the next applicant.
5. Follow up. You’ll learn more about the job after you apply, and you should get back in touch with the photographer to give him details that you forgot in your original application. Don’t be a pest, but don’t disappear either.
6. Don’t use old photos. Use recent ones.

More pointers

1. You don’t have to send nude photos to get a nude modeling job. Most model’s don’t send in nudes. A bikini shot is fine to see what you look like. You can send nudes if you want to, but make sure they’re not radically different from the style of the shoot you’re applying for.
2. Check your email regularly and respond to questions right away.
3. Don’t apply to so many gigs at once that you can’t keep up with them all.