TeenHealthFX - Answers - Wants to Pose Nude

Sexuality & Sexual Health: Miscellaneous / Question
Published: December 17, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm an 18 year old female, and ever since I was 14 I wanted to pose nude. I'm wondering if I should, or would you think it would be too odd for me and or my family.

Signed: Wants to Pose Nude

Dear Wants to Pose Nude,

This is an interesting question, without a very straightforward answer. TeenHealthFX can not tell you what you should do, but can hopefully help you to arrive at the best decision for you and your family.

The fact that you are asking about how it would affect you all emotionally means that you are on the right track to finding your answer. Try digging a little deeper and think about what other questions you could ask yourself that may point you in the right direction. Nude photography touches a moral nerve for many people.

How does it fit with your morals and values?
What about your parents' morals and values?
Would posing for the pictures compromise your value system in any way?
Do you have any religious or spiritual conflict with doing it?
Why have you wanted to pose for so long ?
What desire in you would it satisfy?
Are there other ways that may be less troubling to you that you can achieve the same goal?

These are not easy questions, but try asking yourself none the less and pay close attention to your answers. You will likely learn a good deal about yourself in the process.

Since you do not say what kind of pictures you are thinking of posing for or who would ultimately see them, TeenHealthFX is not certain about how to address the specifics of your dilemma. We can tell you that it is important that the photos be respectful and non-exploitative to you. There is a wide range out there when it comes to photography with nude subjects. Some are taken with great care to preserving the integrity of the subject and portraying him or her in a beautiful, natural state, while others are utterly exploitative, offering degrading messages about the subjects and their sexuality and can even be illegal. Certainly you want to avoid the latter. You might also want to think about how much discretion you will have over where and when these pictures will be seen. What, for example, would your family and friend's reaction be to them if they were published somewhere, or even if they simply stumbled upon them?

Lastly, it is important to know that it is entirely normal for someone your age to be exploring their sexuality. Entertaining the thought of posing nude may be a part of your personal journey and need not be seen as a negative. Stick true to who you are and what you and your family believe, and you will likely make the right choice.

Signed: TeenHealthFX