Ruby in the Churchyard

Female model, churchyard, wooden fence, redhead, shirt.

I saw this eloquent post the other day, and I just had to share it with you. With the permission of the author, and kindred soul The Nude Blogger, find her here. She detailed how the reality of being nude is not an invitation to act badly with another person. I always treat my models with the utmost respect and dignity in any situation.

Attraction is still normal in a non-sexual nude setting. This doesn’t just switch off because we see the words ‘non-sexual’…nor should this be expected of you!
So, just like nudity, attraction, too, is human nature. Meaning, yes, it is just as natural. To deny attraction would be defying human instinct.

It all comes down to the way in which you conduct yourself, should you find yourself in this situation. Clothed or naked, consent and respect is always a MUST! Act with sensitivity and respect your fellow nudists.
What is expected is that you approach the matter with utmost respect, integrity and dignity.

Whilst attraction is human nature…there is a difference between attraction and objectification and sexualisation. You can be attracted to people without objectifying them. You can appreciate someone’s beauty without sexualising them. You can be attracted to others whether you’re clothed or naked…BUT! Being naked does not mean you have permission to be creepy, perverted or inappropriate. Nor is it an invitation for you to project your energy in a way that would make others feel uncomfortable! Social nudity is NOT a green light for unsolicited remarks and behaviour. NUDITY IS NOT CONSENT! Nudity DOES NOT mean somebody is ‘asking for it’…let’s get that f*cking straight!
Boundaries and consent are still a must.
Nudity does not, and should never, disregard or compromise this.

Just because there is nudity involved does not mean it is of an exhibitionist nature, nor does it mean that people are asking for sex, nor to be sexualised…make the distinction!

My mixed naked yoga classes are a prime example that you can practice non-sexual nudity and have it empower and liberate you…and they are a great success because there is a mutual understanding that it is not a sexually-charged event so as to create boundaries and safety.

So, it really is in the way in which you conduct yourself and approach the matter. This makes all the difference. It is not about whether or not you’re allowed to be attracted to others in a non-sexual social nude setting. As I’ve reiterated…attraction is natural, normal and even expected.

Profile: Ruby

 

My latest background, and model Ruby, from the Farm Shoot.  First time working together, took her to an old farm some friends rented.  I warned my model that I didn’t know what we would find when we got to the location.  First time I had used the farm as well, not sure as to how much privacy we would have; so we might end-up having a nice lunch with cold wine to wash it down.  Let them know when I was on property, that we’d say hello after.

Ruby and I set to work, getting comfortable with each other, and the way we worked.  I was very pleased, relived to find she had very good poses, and looked terrific in motion.  Funny how this was a “still” shoot, yet her movements were wonderful.  That’s something I work hard to capture, that playful exuberance only the young have.  We played with each other, or rather she played for the camera, I was just attached.  I will upload them as I find the time to give each one the attention it deserves.

A word or two about the backgrounds, in a break from traditional plain white matts for each print.  I craft a unique background matting for each print, or you can have that plain white border if you rather.  The image was created using real film that was scanned to PhotoShop, with the traditional techniques in the handling.  The backgrounds are a product of PhotoShop, and are crafted to compliment my images.

I try for a certain balance, a zen like feel; Ma the Japaneses words for, “it is the thing that takes place in the imagination of the human who experiences these elements”.  Like an old friend, seen in the mind-eye wearing their favorite outfit.  Get to know my works for who they represent, the creative mind behind the images.