Becky - Implied Nude

[Manfred M]

I have another shoot scheduled with Becky this weekend, so I am reviewing some of my previous shots so that I can give her an idea of the type of shoots I am planning to do with her. I like the lighting I used in this shot but will probably stick to shooting her on white seamless and / or black seamless, rather than the grey background I used here.

This shot is referred to as an "implied nude". The model is either nude or has arranged her body and other props to hide "sensitive" areas. In fact, the model might not be nude at all, but the viewer cannot tell from the shot. These types of images are often used in fashion advertising including magazine spreads and outdoor public advertising.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, perhaps you could add another concept to the "implied nude" which was used by the television industry to also imply nudity; such as frosted glass, the strategically placed still life object or stage prop, the actor's big head.

[Manfred M]

Nicely captured, perhaps you could add another concept to the "implied nude" which was used by the television industry to also imply nudity; such as frosted glass, the strategically placed still life object or stage prop, the actor's big head.

Some of these effects are definitely used in photography as well; although some only work well in film and television as the time duration of the effect is important.

I had hoped to use Becky's hair in just that way, it's long but not quite long enough. I also have used shadows cast by other objects, rather than purely physically blocking the view as well, but they tend to be a bit more revealing. I tend to be rather conservative in posting nudes / implied nudes on CiC, so I have posted a very limited selection of these types of shots.

[Donald]

I tend to be rather conservative in posting nudes / implied nudes on CiC, so I have posted a very limited selection of these types of shots.

I don't see why we should be concerned about posting nudes on CiC.

It's has been a subject for artists for an awful long time and has been a subject for those using photography as their medium, since photography began.

I really don't see why nudes should not be as prevalent as, say, landscapes.

I prefer shooting trees and walls and hills, but I am always keen to see what others do with other genres.

[Shadowman]

Some of these effects are definitely used in photography as well; although some only work well in film and television as the time duration of the effect is important.

I had hoped to use Becky's hair in just that way, it's long but not quite long enough. I also have used shadows cast by other objects, rather than purely physically blocking the view as well, but they tend to be a bit more revealing. I tend to be rather conservative in posting nudes / implied nudes on CiC, so I have posted a very limited selection of these types of shots.

Another added technique is body stockings, even a thong to give suggestion of exposed buttocks.

[rpcrowe]

I agree with Donald in that tasteful (vs. outright pornos} are a perfectly legitimate genre.

[billtils]

It's has been a subject for artists for an awful long time and has been a subject for those using photography as their medium, since photography began.

Very true, and in a way that says all that should be needed.

However, it can be controversial as was demonstrated recently with this classic photo-journalism image, and Manfred's reserved approach makes a lot of sense.

[Donald]

However, it can be controversial as was demonstrated recently with this classic photo-journalism image, and Manfred's reserved approach makes a lot of sense.

But I don't think we let Facebook's algorithms inform us to what is art, or in that case the image that helped bring the Vietnam war to an end.

[Shadowman]

I had recently posted commentary about artist named Balthus whose works were being displays at MOMA, a frequent visitor to the museum started a campaign wanting the artist's works removed but the endeavor failed, the works didn't feature a lot of nudity, implied or actual, but did display young girls in what was then and sometimes now considered provocative poses.

The Photographer's Intentions

[billtils]

But I don't think we let Facebook's algorithms inform us to what is art, or in that case the image that helped bring the Vietnam war to an end.

Only too true Donald.

[Manfred M]

Very true, and in a way that says all that should be needed.

However, it can be controversial as was demonstrated recently with this classic photo-journalism image, and Manfred's reserved approach makes a lot of sense.

My reserved approach has two major drivers:

1. Nudity is frowned upon in many parts of the world for reasons related to societal views on modesty or due to religious beliefs, so I do not want to offend too many CiC members; and

2. I tend to like subtlety in my image making and one of my philosophical drivers in my photography is to take images of people that do not put them in a negative light or can be viewed as degrading.

I'm quite new to shooting implied nudes and nudes, so am still struggling with the genre.


When it comes to Facebook and social media in general, their approach is rather blunt. I got banned from Facebook for a short while when I dared to post an image like this one...

[rpcrowe]

Some people are less accepting in art than are others. In 1961 (agreed that was a long while ago), I was on a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea with a photographic squadron. We published a small magazine to send home on every post call.

One of our photographers did a very artistic montage of the various statues found in Athens, Greece. One of our officers, took offense. "I'm not going to send home pictures of naked women to my mother!"

[skitterbug]

If you would like an "old lady's point of view" I am not put off by tastefully done "nude" pictures. I wouldn't like porno stuff obviously but this picture is part of this woman's culture so what is not to like? Just my opinion of course.