Entering the realm of nude modeling can be a bit “touchy” for many people. Undraped modeling is one of the oldest forms of modeling and can be traced back to antiquity. This blog is not about the history of undraped modeling but rather what can be expected by someone who performs this type of work. Seeking wealth and fame is not the realm of the exposed model as much of this work is done at the university level where the pay is not up to scale, about $15 per hour, in many cases. Sculptors, painters, artists, and photographers will all have need for the employment of a nude model. Portraying the draped figure of a human is much easier than dealing with the complexities of a naked body.

How we get involved in nude modeling is varied and sometimes tarnished by the desires of modern man. In most cases we enter the arena out of the need for money. Young college people can earn a little spending cash by removing their clothing and posing for a class of either undergraduate or graduate students. The removal of clothing is not the hardest part of the job. In most cases, the model is expected to remain mannequin-like (no movement) for a period of time. We need to set a reasonable schedule for the pose so that we have time to relax our muscles. Depending upon the experience of the model and the nature of the poses, time must be allowed for relaxation so that the next pose will be successful.

There are three basic categories of poses with each one having a variety of positions. The easiest of the poses to accomplish is the “seated” pose where the model is seated in a chair, on a sofa, or even the floor. The “standing” pose requires a considerable amount of control in that it is hard to stand stock-still for longer than twenty minutes. The “reclining” position is also difficult as there are many variations of that position. Another pose that is very difficult is what is referred to as the “classical contrapposto” where the model is standing with a majority of weight being on one leg and the body twisted either to the right or to the left. Some art instructors like to use what is referred to as “gesture posing” where the model is going through a physical motion that must be repeated many times. An example of this type of posing would be the throwing of a ball. The body will have to be configured in the throwing action many times over the course of the session.

Professional artists and photographers generally have lists of models who they employ on a continual basis. This is not a bad gig as the work is generally steady and the money is much better than the academic model can expect. Association with the professional people will often lead to other assignments.