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

Recruiting Tip #4

Experienced models know the importance of communication. When doing a nude shoot, there are a lot of questions that can come up. It’s important to get these questions answered before the shoot is booked. Less experienced models are not going to know what questions to ask. When recruiting a less experienced or inexperienced model, you need to use your expertise to help educate them. Make sure you explain what kinds of poses you expect. This needs to be established before the two of you agree that you’re going to do a photo shoot. When it comes to recruiting nude models, images communicate better than words. A well planned and executed portfolio is the core of your communication.

Recruiting Tip #3

Don’t give up if you have trouble finding models. The availability of models can be seasonal, rising and falling in sync with college schedules, weather, economic factors, and a whole array of dynamic elements. Staying motivated is the most important factor in early success.

New to nudes

Some photographers who are new to nudes may jump right in. Others are timid; if this is you, you need to work your way up by shooting other styles of photography. If your photography skills are rudimentary you may wish to learn the basics with landscape and still life to fill in the times you can’t find a portraiture model. Start with friends and family if you don’t feel comfortable recruiting a stranger. Start with fashion if you don’t feel comfortable hiring a glamour model. Work on a glamour portfolio if you don’t yet feel up to photographing nudes or if you’re having trouble convincing models that you can produce worthy images.

At some point you’ll start working with nudes. A certain degree of apprehension is normal. After hundreds of nude models, I still have concerns about making sure a shoot works to its best potential. I wouldn’t say I experience nervousness any more, but rather a heightened sense of attention that keeps me on my toes. If you wait until you have no uncertainties, you’ll never shoot nudes. Somewhere between self-inflicted paralysis and utter calm lies the photographer who is ready to shoot nudes.

Building your portfolio

You need samples of nude shots in order to book your models. Building credibility is an essential step to recruiting models, and nothing builds credibility better than an astounding portfolio. But how do you get your first nudes? This may seem like a catch-22, but you can get there. You may have to add progressively unclothed shots to your portfolio until you have a portfolio of nudes. Shoot clothed models until your work is competent enough to convince someone to do glamorous bikini or lingerie shots with you. I’ve rarely met an attractive woman who wouldn’t pose in lingerie and for implied nudes. Then you can move on to models who do implied nudes (nude from behind, for example) or topless shots. In many cases your first nude model can be one you’ve already photographed clothed. Each time you work with a model, the two of you will build trust and comfort.

There is a first time for everything, and I’ve hired my fair share of models who are posing nude for the first time. I don’t recommend this for beginning photographers, since neither of you will have much experience with nude shoots. But bear in mind that every model who poses nude had a first time.

Eventually you’ll have no trouble finding your first nude model, especially if you work repeatedly with the same model or hire a model who has a lot of experience modeling nude. Finding your first nude model may seem difficult at first, but it’s really not.

Once you’ve finished your portfolio, complete with everything you need to impress prospective models, know this: you’re not done. You’re never done building your portfolio. Periodically review your portfolio and relentlessly eliminate weak or old photos. Recognize what works and stick with it or update it. Your portfolio should contain only consistently strong, recent work.

Recruiting Tip #2

Models care about more than just money. Certainly, getting paid is important to any professional model. Like anyone else, she has bills to pay and various other needs for cash. First-time or occasional models are going to be enticed by monetary compensation. Even part-time models rely on modeling for income. However, they want more out of a modeling career than just a steady stream of paying jobs.

Models want to be portrayed in a favorable light. They want a comfortable working environment and an amiable photographer. Models want to work with a photographer that they perceive to be an echelon above whoever they’ve worked with previously. Novice models will want to fortify their portfolios with images that are superior to their current ones. Experienced models care about working on projects that are higher profile than they have worked on before.

Certainly a few models seem to only care about money. But even the money-conscious model has more than one dimension. Although some models tell me that they are willing to work with anyone who will pay, I’m willing to bet that they perform better when they admire the photographer.

Offering more money will often bring in more models. But anything significantly above a fair wage will yield diminishing returns. Offering outlandish pay can backfire as models become suspicious of your legitimacy.

Recruiting Tip #1

I’m often asked how I’ve convinced so many women to pose nude. The answer is: I don’t. There is no need to. The women I photograph are willing to pose nude before they even know I exist. The first nude shoot I did was a total surprise to me. The model just took her clothes off and stepped in front of my camera, ready to model. She simply assumed I wanted to photograph her nude.
The fact is, plenty of women want to pose nude for photographers, so you don’t have to convince them to. Not only have I photographed plenty of nude models, but they’ve shared with me their reasons for choosing who they pose for.

Some ideas to think about:

• Almost all particularly attractive, fit women enjoy being photographed.
• The vast majority of the above women  would be interested in posing nude at least once in their life.
• Almost no woman would pose for something she considered truly embarrassing.

Kathy E. had never posed nude before she met me.

The observations above are based on my experiences and conversations with models. The notion that would surprise most readers is the second one. Among women who are physically fit, highly attractive, and enjoy being photographed, most of most would be confident enough and interested in posing nude one or more times in their life. The key concept is that they would do it at least once. So what about the rest of their lives, the times that are not one of those times they wanted to pose nude? Consider that women who model are being approached many times to pose nude; they sometimes say yes and other times say no. Although you don’t have to convince someone to pose nude, most models are discriminating about for whom they pose. You have to convince the model that you are worthy of working with.

Many women, many styles of nudes

Another reason a woman won’t pose is if she doesn’t feel attractive. Either she’s never felt confident enough to pose nude, or she doesn’t feel attractive because of some temporary reason. Temporary reasons can come and go quickly, or they can last a long time. For instance, if a would-be model is experiencing a problem with her complexion, she might avoid posing all together. It’s not that she doesn’t normally feel up to posing; but rather, her resistance is just temporary.

Sometimes external factors, such as what others may think of them, come into play. This could be judgment from religious people or family, or the envy of friends, for example. Worrying about the opinions and judgments of others is based on her self-confidence and feeling attractive. Many models are confident enough not to care that others may be judgmental or envious of them. Sometimes models are relieved to discover that their family or friends are supportive of their aspirations to model nude. Other times, they just choose to follow the beat of their own drum. This transition is usually a one-time event; once a model comes into her own and decides to pose nude, she has come to terms with outside opinions. So finding someone willing to pose nude is easier if you can find a model with nude experience.

Sometimes, a woman doesn’t know she’s ready to pose nude until she sees a fantastic image and is inspired to pose for a similar photo. Sometimes the image she sees is mine; sometimes it may be yours. In that case it’s likely she’ll seek out the specific photographer in hopes of getting the results she wants. Maybe it’s a sexy image, or maybe it’s not sexy at all; maybe it’s deeply artistic, or maybe it’s downright shocking. Different women don’t always agree on how they want to be photographed. A model’s self image will not always fit with your assumptions of her, so you need to ask and listen. One woman may say yes to posing for sexy pin-ups and no to posing for more modest, artistic nudes. The point is your model imagines herself in the final image and that’s why she chooses to pose. However, if the model doesn’t think you can create the image, or listen closely enough to her to understand her point of view, then she won’t pose for you. Hiring is a two way street. Both employer and employee must have a common goal.

Having a varied portfolio can really help in this department. Stack the deck in your favor by showing a variety of your favorite nude styles in your portfolio. Remember your portfolio is intended showcase the kind of images you want to continue to create. This will help recruit models that are amenable to your style and genre.

From time to time I see someone, either a model or a photographer, ranting about one site or another. It usually starts with “all the people on this site are…” and then proceeds to generalize about every site member. Well, I’m not inclined to take stock in many statements that begin with a phrase like that. Take the instance of no-shows for example. It happens to all of us, but there are ways you can avoid no-show models, and I’ve written about that.

That’s Not Their Job

Most sites do minimal screening of their applicants and members. Most modeling sites are a free-for-all where only spammers and other unruly individuals are denied membership. Even modellocate.com which claims to to do a good job of weeding out people who shouldn’t be there, and which has a built-in feedback system, contains flaky models. The modeling site is just the conduit for social networking, and it’s up to you to use your knowledge and effort to find good people to work with.

Look Before You Leap? Really?

To take the issue more broadly, let’s say you were hiring a cleaning service. You open the yellow pages and look for a nice looking advertisement. You immediately hire them, not bothering to get past references, ask your contacts if they’d heard about them, or even prepare any interview questions. You then discover that they do a lousy job and conclude “The yellow pages are terrible!” — Although this seems laughable, this is exactly the approach some take to using modeling sites.

You need to do your homework before hiring a nude model. I’ve written about this topic in a separate article.

If you learn how to spot a conscienceless, hard-working model, it stands to reason you’ll have better success booking models who give you a great shoot.

Even if you are very careful, you’ll still have bad experiences. But you will also have good experiences, and the more you learn and apply that knowledge, the more you’ll be able to sort the flakes from the real models. Even the crazy modeling sites have some good models on there. I’ve even found good models on regular social networking sites like Myspace.com, though many photographers will say “All the models on Myspace are…” well, you get the point.

Model: Meg S.

Meg is a model I found through modeling sites who yielded a good shoot. She was on time, had posing ideas of her own, and didn’t hesitate to try any pose I suggested.

You can find nude models in many places and with a variety of methods. One that is surprisingly effective is free classified advertising offered by sites such as Craigslist.org and Backpage.com.

I’ve found that free online advertising yields better and more reliable models than social networking sites that are specifically designed to hook up models and photographers such as modelmayhem.com or modellocate.com. I’m not sure of all the reasons but they probably include the fact that the classified ad sites have greater reach than the modeling sites, and do not require an account in order to respond to castings.

There are some tricks to advertising, and I will give you some tips to help you be more successful. In general, post regularly but don’t post too often. I post less frequently than the sites’ rules allow. But some degree of repetition (about once every week or two) is good.

Craigslist

Craigslist has a lot of rules about posting to their site, make sure you read and follow all of them. Craigslist does not allow adult ads in the U.S. anymore, so be careful your ad mentions that you are looking for models. I often use the term figure modeling or undraped art model instead of “nude modeling” so that it’s clear that I’m not running some kind of webcam service or other prohibited activity.

The site also checks your IP address to make sure you are posting locally. The problem with using your IP to determine your location is that the method is terribly unreliable. If Craigslist gets your location wrong your post will not appear and you will not receive any kind of notification that it is not posted. In fact, you may receive a message that your post was successfully posted when in fact it is not (this is called ghosting.) I advise using an IP lookup service like ip2location.com to make sure your IP corresponds to your actual location. When I loop up my IP location it is sometimes listed as being over a thousand miles away; for example it could say I’m in Florida or it could say I’m in Illinois. I’ve found that by switching off my router and switching it back on, my service provider will assign me a new IP address. You may have to complain to your Internet service provider, or even change services, if you are unable to obtain a local IP address.

Craigslist has a system for reporting inappropriate ads. Sometimes this system results in legitimate ads being removed from the site, though Craigslist claims the occurrence of this is very low. I find that ads I place in the evenings are never flagged for removal, though ads placed first thing in the morning sometimes were; I’m not sure of the reasons. If you have trouble with flagging, read the terms of use carefully, and try posting again in a few days.

Craigslist likes your ad to be unique, so type your ad from scratch every time. Don’t copy and paste from another window; CL may even use software to detect pasting.

Backpage

More robust and easier to use than Craigslist, Backpage.com unfortunately does not have as much reach. Depending on where you live you may have better success with Backpage, although Craigslist is more popular in many places, including where I live.

Backpage allows you to easily upload photos to your ad for free, and provides a number of paid upgrade services. Backpage doesn’t do any ghosting or IP checking, so there is no confusion about whether your ad will be posted or not. The site does some keyword checking, but is upfront about it, producing a message if you use words that indicate that your ad may be inappropriate or mis-categorized.

Backpage does allow users to report inappropriate ads, but is not subject to erroneous or competitive flagging

Success Stories

Show below are just a few models I’ve recruited through Craigslist: Tawny, Hope and Mica

Tawny, responded to an ad on Craigslist seeking nude models

Nude model Hope, recruited through Craigslist

Mica, Nude model found on Craigslist

We all want our shoots to go as well as possible. Finding the right model is key. Some models are excellent, while others have such hectic lives that they can’t make it anywhere on time, or worse never intend to show up in the first place. The modeling site or classified ad site is just the conduit for making initial contact, and it’s up to you to use your knowledge and effort to find good people to work with.

To take the issue more broadly, let’s say you want to hire a gardener. You open the yellow pages and see an advertisement. You immediately hire them, not bothering to look at other yards they’ve worked on, ask your neighbors if they’d heard about them, or even prepare any interview questions. You then discover that they do a lousy job — This is exactly the approach some take to using modeling sites or classified ad sites.

You need to:

• Ask for references
• Look at work samples
• Prepare interview questions
• Perform a phone interview
• If possible, meet the model in person

When asking for references, you can write to the model and say “Have you worked with any photographers who can give you a good reference.” When contacting these photographers you can ask “I’m thinking about working with so-and-so, and she says she’s worked with you. Can you tell me what she was like to work with?”

When looking at past work samples, you should

• See how recent the work is. If there is not at least one photo from the past six months, ask the model why.
• Notice if the work is retouched. If you can see what she really looks like, ask for un-retouched photos.
• Look for large clear images
• Look for head-to-toe shots. If some body area is missing, it may be a problem area. For example if all the photos hide the model’s thighs by cropping them out, or showing her seated, she may be trying to hide unattractive thighs.

When interviewing the model, here are some questions I use:

• How many shoots have you done?
• Have you looked at my web site?
• One of my current themes is [brief description of theme], is that something you’d interested in being part of?
• Ask for any missing stats: height, weight, dress size, measurements

A phone interview is helpful. A model who is too busy or lazy to spend five minutes calling you is a high risk of being a no-show.

If possible, meet the model in person. This will help you see what she really looks like, without Photoshop. It will also help you screen out insincere or disorganized models who are likely to be no-shows or late. If she’s late to the interview, that’s an indication that you may waste some time waiting for her to show up to the shoot. If she misses the interview, it’s up to you whether you want to give her a second chance. I’d base the decision entirely on how she handles the absence. If she doesn’t bother to contact you promptly to apologize, or gives you some far fetched excuse, I wouldn’t reschedule.

A good model is one who puts effort into her work. A good photographer will do their homework before hiring a model.

Here are a few tips I have on nude model booking etiquette that I’ve compiled. They apply pretty equally well to models and photographers. There are tons more, but this is what comes to mind right now.

1. Treat others as you’d want to be treated
2. Be upfront about your expectations
3. Be realistic about your expectations — don’t think you’re going to get everything you want out of every shoot
4. Don’t apply for a job if you don’t meet the published qualifications
5. Don’t take any flack; if someone is a jerk, politely retreat.
6. If you have to cancel, call ASAP and be honest.
7. Show up on time.
8. Don’t get upset if things aren’t going well. Either take it in stride or end the shoot if you can’t talk it out.

Not all models flake. In fact, most don’t. But the flake rate with nudes can be higher than most, especially if you’re recruiting your models online. Sometime’s it’s the photographer’s fault, for instance by not giving enough details about the shoot until the last minute.

No matter where you recruit your models, a significant number of photographers complain about no-show models. I used to have the same problem, but not in the last several years.

In my experience, the following nine yellow flags precede 90% of all flakey models. By avoiding these situations you can avoid waiting for a model that never shows up. It’s been ages since I’ve had a no-show; more than 95% of my models show up.

1. No phone contact. Attempt a phone interview as soon as possible. If you can’t make a phone call happen, chances are a shoot is not going to happen either. Reduce flake risk by 15%
2. Model doesn’t have any photos from the last 6 months. If she hasn’t shot anything recently, good luck with that changing.  Reduce flake risk by 15% Read more