Over my 13 years as a photographer, I have had the chance to work with all kinds of models. I have photographed incredible women: some truly professional, committed, aware of their image and of the power of art. Others, however, have shown up wearing a model’s mask, when in reality their interests lay elsewhere.
I don’t speak from prejudice, but from experience. I have directed artistic sessions, editorial nudes, advertising campaigns and private sessions, and after thousands of shutter clicks and having seen it all, I can say with complete certainty what I share in this article. This is a reflection based on direct observation and on the contrast between two worlds that, although they dress alike, are not the same.
Below, I share my view on a difference that many sense, but few dare to say out loud.
Real Models
vs
Escort Models:
The Naked Truth
In the world of photography, especially when it comes to fine art portraits and nude photography, there is a huge difference between a real model and what many today shamelessly call escort models. This difference is not in their looks, their number of followers or how famous they are. The real gap lies in intention, attitude, professionalism and consistency.
Who is a real model?
A real model understands art. She is not afraid of her body, she doesn’t hide behind excuses, and she doesn’t use modeling as a disguise for other intentions. She knows that nudity is not vulgar when it is well framed, well lit and done with purpose. She knows the body can be expression, message, pure beauty.
Most of these women approach this work honestly. They know that posing nude is not the same as exposing themselves. It is an act of artistic surrender, of trust in the photographer and of respect for their profession. They enjoy it, they like it, and they feel confident in their work because they have nothing to hide. They are the first to say: “If the concept calls for it, let’s do it right.” They don’t hide behind false modesty. They don’t throw lines at you like “I just don’t want to be sexualized” while their Instagram is full of thong photos with self-help quotes and front-camera poses. And I’m not generalizing.
And the others? Escorts disguised as models
Yes, let’s be clear. Today there are many who call themselves “models” because they post lingerie photos on social media or because they did a micro-bikini campaign for a brand that only wants engagement. But the reality is that many of them are not models: they are public figures looking for attention, clients or followers. “Model” is a convenient label to justify the exposure and hide other intentions.
The funny thing is that these “models” are the ones who make the most fuss when it comes to an artistic nude. And not because they don’t like to show skin, but because they have something to hide. They are afraid an artistic image will give them away or put their professional reputation in doubt. Most of them want to show off luxuries, dresses, shoes, dinners and a lifestyle they don’t pay for themselves.
The irony is that many of these “models” make money showing more in private than a professional model would show in an artistic session.
And again, I’m not generalizing. There are a few escort models who carry their profession without shyness; they can be truly amazing at posing and completely natural once they are no longer afraid of anything.
Conclusion: The difference is in the soul, not the body
The body is only the canvas. The real difference between a real model and an escort model is the attitude with which they approach art. One works with her mind and intention aligned. The other, with her body and the fear of being caught in her lie.
Nude photography is not for everyone. And there is nothing wrong with that.
German D Canon C.
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