The Bare Basics

Just to warn you right off the bat, this post contains nudity. If this is something you’re sensitive to, I’d recommend following this link instead to one of my latest spring portrait sessions.

If you view the human body as a beautiful art form, proceed on because I’ve got some photos of one courageous and stunning woman that I’m wildly excited to share with you tonight.

When I was recently in Marfa, TX for Yeah Field Trip (one of the coolest creative places I’ve ever been), I had the opportunity to take Hailley Howard’s Bare Basics class on the relationship between subject and photographer in nude photography. As soon as the class was posted, it peaked my attention. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, but I was admittedly a bit nervous to sign up for the class because outside of a few boudoir sessions, I’ve never photographed someone nude before. I mean, I’m not even 100% comfortable nude in front of a bunch of strangers. How could I photograph and share someone in such a raw way that was beautiful, honest and respectful?

But then I realized, I was projecting my own discomfort with nudity and legit blocking my own creativity. Here I was, in a place where I needed a fresh experience to re-inspire my love for photography as an art, looking for something to pull me out of my creative block and an opportunity presented itself literally in front of my face. I had already even paid for it with my workshop fee. So I reminded myself that I no longer wanted fear to rule my decisions and joined the class.

As it turns out, I was more than fine. The gorgeous model was the one baring it all here, not me. Jax was vulnerable, courageous and bold and through her fearless modeling, inspired me in so many ways. I was blown away by a couple of my own photos in a way I hadn’t felt in a while, stirring up my creative fire inside.

Thank you to Jax, for baring it all and reminding us all that the human body is beautiful, and to the team who put this together for us.
Model: Jaclyn Izzy Tuchman
Hair: Pickthorn Studio
Costume: Muma Tribe
Makeup/Styling/Creative Direction: Hailley Howard
Shot on Location at El Cosmico Marfa for Yeah Field Trip.