Disrobed

'Being nude in front of one person isn't too daunting, the reality of being nude in front of a dozen or more was a different proposition.'

As human beings, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is something we spend a an immense amount of energy trying to avoid. Most of us eventually manage to get to a point of being comfortable exposing ourselves to a partner and circle of close family or friends. Being exposed however, both physically and emotionally in front of a large group, for most of us, brings out an intense flight or fight reaction.

The main focus of FH is to spotlight talented men; models, actors, singers and performers and the artists who capture them. For the men who disrobe for art or show, at some point, a decision has to be made about whether to bare. Not just their bodies, but often a deeper piece of themselves. One of the things I am always curious about when interviewing models is what factors went into the decision to take it off for a camera or role. The answer varies from man to man but universally it connects to a comfortably with self and vulnerability.

Getting naked in front of a camera or an audience may be to connected to having a healthy self image. For some however, it may not be confident or pride, but sometimes it be the complete opposite.

When working as a model, there is an opportunity to build relationship and trust with the artist they are working with. Although many may bypass this step, either for time, or financial reasons, the option is usually there. Even those who take it off for groups, like dancers and strippers, there is a degree of control. With their dancing, the music and all the other bells and whistles, the performer can control to a degree, the message they are sending out. A persona or character can be created to assist them from revealing more than they are comfortable with.

Modeling for an art class is an entirely different type of exposure. Your not just naked, your completely bare. I have interviewed a few art class models on FH and the experience of being naked, sometimes in front of 20 or 30 people, under bright lights, without anything to hide behind, is the ultimate test of vulnerability. Many of us have a sexualized fantasy of what it might be like (see video below), but the reality can be quite different.



From the models I have talked with and from what I have read (two interesting accounts HERE: and HERE:)although excitement and nerves are certainly a part, a concentration and focus on pose are what eventually takes over.

The thought of standing, or sitting, having to remain perfectly still. Fighting the urge to self protect, with dozens of pairs of eyes pierced on every part of your body is a frightening thought. Scary, yet still an oddly thrilling prospect. Something to add to the bucket list maybe, as the danger of exposing a vulnerability is a risk we all need to dance a little closer with now and then.

Last four images via SIRENOVARADO