dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

Serious topic: I shoot mainly pin-up and fetish, and work with a fairly large meet-up group of photogs and models. Among the models, the topic of photographers' "inappropriate behavior" comes up frequently, especially among those who do paid shoots. One model asked me the title's question to which I replied "No, because I am concentrating on what I am doing, and even though the images are certainly made so that they are sexy or erotic, I don't find processing them to be a turn on either". Frankly, I don't care either way so long as photographers treat the models with courtesy and respect. But I thought it an interesting question worthy of discussion here.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Personally, I don't like to objectify people. However, when working with the subject of a photograph, I tend to view them more as an object. I'm concerned about lighting, highlight/shadow interplay, etc. Nothing handles light like the human form. There are no sharp edges so light to shadow transitions can be wonderfully artistic. Photographic art is the focus of my work with models.

This even applies to portrait work. The difference is with portraits I attempt to capture the personality, as well.
--Bob

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

For me it has always been "I am working" so concentrating on shutter, aperature, focus, lighting, pose, hair, hands, background, achieving overall effect, and whatever. I remember once laughing outloud a long time ago - had concentrated on a nude shot that showed public hair but didn't want too explicit. After the session I had to chimp my shots, I had no idea what color it was.

But take the model out of the shoot, encounter her in a bar or somewhere provocatively dress, and my mind would have different thoughts. For me it is the setting, I assume the same for doctors, tattoo artists, etc.

toxdoc42

That is an interesting question. I once took a course in photographing the nude, it was a pre-requisite for other courses I wanted to take. We had homework assignments and my wife agreed to model for me. I couldn't really get a good photo of her, not just because she wasn't a professional model, it was just that I couldn't ignore the fact that it was my wife/lover. The images showed a naked female, not a nude figure study. They were not all terrible, a few were worthy of being used for assignments, but most were garbage.

TheStarvingArtist

No. How is this any different than photographing any other subject?

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

If the photographer is a true "professional" this shouldn't be a concern as they would be well aware of the relevant issues at hand - a job to do, respect. It is an occupation. When I started in advertising photography the idea was obviously to promote the product in the best light possible and I now look at it the same way with fashion work. You have an end result in mind and the focus is on that. That's not to say you can't appreciate beauty in human form any less than when photographing an exotic car. Obviously there will be varying degrees of arousal for different individuals but keeping that in check is where standards and containment come in.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

Thank you for putting into words what my brain has been sperating between the various photographers who post here.

PAtony2000 Loc: Northeast Pennsylvania

I suppose it's all about what model you are trying to shot and were you acquired them to work for you ...an agency or picked-up a good looking babe at a bar who wants something more than headshots for what ever. mostly their boyfriend...The professional agency model is the easiest to work with ...always getting into their best side-pose and always waiting for the cameras shutter noise to get into another pose... non-professionals are sometimes the hardest to work with...your agree on work rate and it always seems to go up depending on the pose...Money always is a dampener not only for your sex drive but also the ego...And the session takes longer.
A quick note about nudes. it used to be pubic hair was a no-no in photos or even in nude figure art classes, up to about the early 70's...you had to be a good negative retoucher back then before photoshop came along, even for Nudist magazines...Now, it's almost the opposite

Stephan G

It is an interesting question, indeed. There are many aspects to consider, as can be expected. Also, there are at least two views at work during the shoot. It is what the model thinks and what the photographer thinks. Then the implication of what is "inappropriate behavior".

I can only speak for myself. I always view the model as a person, first and foremost. Their presence is what sets my view when photographing them. And the purpose of the shoot is just as important. I ask questions of the model as to what is acceptable to the model for baselines. Then I work with the information garnered. Having been a "card carrying" nudist for a long time, the degree of cover does not matter. The person I am looking at is the person I am working with. I do not get "turned on".

I do enjoy viewing naked people, just as much as I enjoy viewing dressed people.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

If you don't have film in your camera or a memory card maybe that's a sign it does.

InfiniteISO Loc: The Carolinas, USA

I can understand this in the setting of a meet-up. I think a few of those photographers are there just to take shots for themselves and to experience being in the presence of the models, it's a more legitimate experience than going to a strip club, and probably cheaper too, LOL.

My oldest daughter modeled quite a bit in her late teens and early twenties and I sometimes heard conversations between her and some of her model friends about togs to avoid. There are tons of photographers that models never shoot with twice, regardless of the type of work. She never went to a shoot alone and she only shot with photographers that had a good reputation. My impression is that there are a lot of questionable photographers taking advantage of the many young women that are trying to break into the business.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I think the concept "turn you on" is what is important. When I am in a situation with a model that is striking a pose or a look that I feel is perfect, I get extra "motivated" to get the shot right. It is not a sexual thing as much as a "I want to take advantage of this opportunity that is presenting itself to me, and do the best I can" feeling. When the model asked you that question, she was referencing her own concerns about her modeling. I find as much beauty in a face, as I would in other parts of the body, so doing portraits turns me on in the aspect of my blood pumping faster, maybe sweating a little, and breathing under control. But those are all part of the motivation to be the best I can be, at that particular moment. Boy, I hope that long paragraph answers the OP's question!!

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

There is really no difference. We may have a preference for peppers over a nude body. As some photogs
love shooting birds and other wildlife, landscapes, people and portraits or street activities, I prefer shooting models, sometimes clothed but mostly not. If what you're are photographing doesn't turn you on then what is the point?

Believe me, after photographing many hundreds of models, mostly nude since the late '60s, and enjoying the sight of lovely bodies (overall), it's really hard work setting up backdrops or picking appropriate backgrounds, adjusting the lights, posing the model and picking the right angles to shoot. Setting up a shoot is equally arduous: coordinating a shooting location, deciding on outfits, themes whether glamour, swimsuits, lingerie or just doing fine art nudes, makeup, releases and most importantly length of shoot and pay. Not to mention, maintaining and knowing your equipment and doing post-editing. Models and I both enjoy seeing great results from the shoots too!

As many other Hoggers have said, ethical behavior and respect are required or you might have headaches or a
bad reputation! Similar to other fields, there will always be those outliers who abuse talent due to their high position in the model photography field.

Be well! Ed

ski Loc: West Coast, USA

Any person who misbehaves when working with nude/implied/boudoir subjects does not belong behind the camera. Models who are abused should report the same. Myself, I require the model complete my "Model Release" which states the photos I create will not be used for pornographic or degrading purposes. I also have the model complete a questionnaire which includes what type of modeling she/he would like to do and then sign the form. I go by the old saying, "Keep business-BUSINESS".