Nudity Categories

Before you get undressed, it is good to know what kind of nude work we are actually going to shoot. Nudity in general is simply the state of wearing no clothes, but for practical reasons — mainly publication and your comfort — I divide it into three categories. We agree on the specific category in advance and confirm it in the model release.

Also read preparing for a shoot, where I describe how a collaboration works.

Category A — almost no nudity

Intimate parts, nipples and body hair are covered or only hinted at — by hands, hair, underwear or shadow. Implied nude, artistic portrait with a suggestion.

Category A photos usually pass on social media. Within nude work, this is the mildest position.

Category B — between A and C

Visible nipples or other intimate parts, without any sexual context. Classic fine art nude.

Category B photos will not pass on most social networks — even though they are in no way erotic, platforms often restrict or ban them, and they can trigger unexpected reactions. Keep that in mind when deciding where to publish.

Category C — explicit content

Sexual themes and explicit content. This category does not belong on social media and has its own specific venues (paid platforms, closed projects, exhibitions). If you are new to this genre, I do not recommend publishing publicly — the consequences are hard to take back.

I shoot category C only exceptionally, after a personal agreement and under clearly defined conditions.

What if a photo outside the agreed category is taken?

During a shoot, an image may come out that falls into a higher category than we agreed on. Will it be published?

No. Every shoot is based on an intent agreed in advance — and the moodboard, these categories and the model release exist so we stick to it.

If such a photo comes out and is genuinely worth it, we can additionally and explicitly agree on special terms of use (for example editing without publication). Without such an agreement, the photo stays in the archive and goes nowhere.

Nudity is natural and a nude shoot can be a great experience — there is no reason to fear it, but it deserves a thoughtful approach. I will answer any questions in advance, just get in touch.