Dream Big 105

For the past three hours I have sat in front of the keyboard staring at a blank screen, except for the title. It occurred to me that writers block is not a fabled myth, but a challenge needed to be reckoned with. So I searched for something to inspire me on social media, and that was a wash; so I posted that I was in need of inspiration, and was then given a few options from a close friend of mine. He suggested that I write about my experiences as a nude model, what it is like, what really goes on during the shoot, and how I mentally prepared for it the first time I did it. I thought to myself that although to most it could be a stand alone topic, with generic answers to the questions at hand, but the answers are far from generic or simple. My dilemma now I am having is whether to go into intimate details, or if I should keep things as they are, and let some things remain a mystery. To be honest, I should allow for the unsaid topic remain as it is; a mystery for the time being, and perhaps one day I will tell the full undisclosed details, but for now, the answers will remain simple and to the point. Shall we begin?

I'll begin with saying that I am not a shy person when it comes to nudity. I have been embarrassed when my weight exceeded its natural state that it should be in, and I have struggled with not only self-esteem issues, but how I struggled over the years to maintain my physical appearance. This obviously is a tale for another time, but for now I will stick to the point of my shameless fearlessness in being nude. To me the body is our temple for the infinite energy that we contain inside, until it at some point in our life our bodies expire. With that being said I have tried to take good care of my body, from eating right, exercising, avoiding too much sun, and even decorating the walls with artwork. I wasn't as mindful in my early twenties of course. Who is? But even then, I had no fear of disrobing in front of anyone, I was an exotic dancer when I first started modeling after all. Although not everyone has the same exhibitionist personality as I do, but you can learn to become comfortable in posing nude for the camera.

The first thing you have to make sure of when deciding to do any nude modeling is to work with a trusted, and reputable photographer. That is always number one in my book of experience. The second would be to make sure this is something you are positively comfortable with, because if it is not then you will be able to see it in the photographs. The third most important thing is to enjoy being nude, to love your body, and to love yourself; if you can not do any of that then you shouldn't be a nude model. I am not one to tell anyone to not do something until you try it at least once, and then if you don't like it then just don't do it again. It is really that simple to be honest, and that is the most blatant reasoning I can give to you. There is one thing I will say, and it is my own personal opinion of course. No matter what you think the demographic should be about nude modeling, throw the current ideas out of your head; simply throw them all out right now. The one thing you should know is that no matter what society deems as worthy to be nude is wrong. Everyone has the right to share their beauty, nude or not, and it does not matter what you look like, or what shape, and or size you are. Anyone, and I do mean anyone can become a model, nude or not. So, if you are only afraid to model your glorious self in the buff because you don't think you are beautiful enough to do so, then I am here to say so what. Do it. Do it now. I have the names of several trusted photographers that I have worked with, and I am here to tell you that they are not only trustworthy, but they are damn good at what they do. And if they can help pose me in such a way where I look at the previews of the shoot and marvel at their greatness, then you will too, if you know what I mean.

As far as what it is like to be a nude model, for me it is liberating, which is usually repressed by society. You have to experience it for yourself to be honest; as to what goes on during a nude shoot, it is the same as any other minus ones clothing. There isn't anything weird, or disturbing that goes on. There isn't even anything sexual about it really, because sexuality comes from the mind, and shines through the eyes. I am sure the stereotypical things that go on during the shoot are what you've possibly heard around a dressing room. I believe that most of the comments, or lewd discussions about the topic of nude modeling are done by prudish, repressed individuals who are too offended by the thought of their own nudity, and can not possibly fathom being naked in front of anyone, or even in front of a mirror for that matter. My advise is that if you want to try nude modeling, go for it. Trust me, it will not be the end of the world if you don't enjoy it, and you can at least say that you tried, but if you don't try, the regret you may feel is far worse for wear. But don't just take my word for it, go out there and get naked, we are all born in that way. So why not take a trip back to memory lane? You can thank me for it later.

Nudity is something we are born with, confidence is what we learn on the way, and doing something different than what we are accustomed to are experiences we will never forget. Don't fear the unexpected, dare to do what makes you smile, and always dream big.