I work with a lot of amateur models, doing TFP/CD* work. Most of the time, I find these new models through sites like ModelMayhem, and on my profile there, I clearly state that I don’t shoot nudes or erotica. Allow me to explain.

First of all, if you surf the portfolios of many of the photographers on ModelMayhem, you will see that a lot of them do shoot nudes, implied nudity and lingerie shots. It is a popular subject, and the competition is fierce. Personally, I have no problem with nudity, but it’s also not my specialty, and I don’t see myself competing in that arena. With so many photographers doing it very well, there’s little room for dabblers.

On top of that, many new models don’t like the idea of nude shots. By having a non-nude policy, and stating so up front, I immediately have a much easier time booking these. When they take a look at my pictures, they will see that they back up this policy, and so will be less on guard.

During shoots, I often ask my models what their experiences have been with other TFP/CD photographers, and many talk about creepy guys trying to push them into semi-erotic photo sessions. I don’t want to be one of those guys. On the other hand, I have had models ask me, if I’d take nude pictures of them, and I’ve had to turn them down. It’s not that I’d never do a nude shoot, but it would have to either be a paid job, as in specifically hiring me to do so, or as part of an art-project in which nudity is essential. If I start making exceptions with TFP/CD work, I will be undermining my own credibility.

Sure, there are several non-erotic shoot ideas that lend themselves well to nudity. But as the image above shows, it is possible to show a little skin, without crossing the line. This photo is from a recent shoot of mine and is a good example of how far I will go during a TFP/CD session. See more in my stock portfolio.

*TFP/CD (time for print / cd) is when a model is paid in photos instead of hard cash. Usually this is a good deal for both parties, if both are working on building or expanding a portfolio.

Rasmus Rasmussen is on loan from iStockphoto, where he is part of the image inspection team.

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