Notwithstanding my experiences in organized nudism - and whatever inroads I was making on that front were stymied by the COVID lockdowns, and then my subsequent dedication to free-range nudism in the great outdoors. Anyway, nudists are pretty allergic to photography, not to mention any emphasis on the inconvenient fact that some bodies are more beautiful than others. Notwithstanding all that, I say, my nearly 18 years of experience shooting nude photography has, disappointingly, not yielded induction into any kind of community of likeminded artists, as I might have hoped.
Don't get me wrong, sharing photos online is fun. I wouldn't still be doing it after all these years if it weren't. But almost without exception, it has the feel of performing for an audience, rather than contributing to a think tank. I'm just producing disposable content for consumers. I'm not networking with other producers of similar content. I'm not sharing tricks of the trade with other tradesmen. The few artists I've followed over the years have either been professionals entirely out of my league (with, therefore, no chance of opening any kind of mutual dialogue), or amateurs I've seen something of myself in, only to sooner or later be rebuffed because I'm too sex-positive.
To be fair, I'm a bit of a loner and a shut-in. I wonder sometimes if that's the reason why I feel so isolated in this society. I tend to push people away. But I'm also an outlier, and I struggle to find other people like me who I feel I can relate to. I think that if I did, I'd be willing to go out on a limb, to step outside of my comfort zone, for that potential gain. In fact, I've proven that that's the case on at least one prominent occasion. Sadly, it ended in failure.
I just don't find people like that very easily. After considering joining a local photography club, I successfully managed to talk myself out of it. Why? Because, come on. They're not gonna be anything like me. They're gonna jump to conclusions, and associate me with a stereotype I don't even relate to. It's why I don't join photography clubs online. There's pornography, which doesn't have the same goals and aesthetics as I do. And then there's fine art, which sees me - in their myopic worldview - as a deviant and a rogue. Plus, there's the trend these days in websites forcing nude artists to PAY for the privileges other artists get to take advantage of for free.
There is no conclusion to this post, because the issue remains unresolved. They say we have freedom. They tell us to pursue the things that make us happy. But I just feel like an outcast and an outlaw. And it feels ridiculous to campaign for an unimportant thing like personal joy or fulfillment, when people's lives are being thrown away in pointless wars, denied their fundamental rights over arbitrary designations they didn't choose at birth, and driven into debt and poverty through no fault of their own, because they can't afford to pay their own health bills - all while the billionaires keep getting richer! If we can't even get these basic things right, then what hope do I have, to ever be able to live in a world where I can celebrate the beauty of the human body openly, without being treated like a scoundrel or a criminal?
Monday, September 22, 2025
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Varieties of Nudist Lifestyles
[description: infographic describing eight different varieties of nudist lifestyles]
I came across this image on social media, and it resonated with me. I guess I like how it focuses on the fact that there are many different ways to practice nudism, instead of divisively arguing whether, e.g., home nudists are "real" nudists, or asking whether you're a nudist OR a naturist (as if they're not the same thing). It's a checklist - not a single choice. That said, some of the categories conflict with others, so it's not like you can just collect the whole set. Let's run down the list real quick, and I'll add some of my own comments.
1. Social Nudists - These are the type of nudists who like to go to resorts and hang out with other nudists. Obviously, I count myself as a social nudist. In spite of my generally solitary lifestyle, I do appreciate the opportunities and the sense of community that comes from being part of a group of like minds. Especially within such a fringe minority.
2. Home Nudists - These are often contrasted with social nudists, in the sense that they prefer privacy and are comfortable in their own skin, but not so much in front of other people. While there is some merit to that distinction, it feels weird for me to say that I'm not a home nudist, seeing as I spend so much time at home nude. I just think there's room to be both, instead of it being strictly either/or.
3. Recreational Nudists - I think this category distinguishes itself from other kinds of nudism (especially social) in that it's activity-centered. For some people, being naked itself is the draw. Others might be willing to strip down as long as there's a purpose to it. While I do find nudity to be its own reward, I also love having something to do while I'm naked. Whether it's household chores, sports, outdoor activities - alone or in a group. Nudity is the best uniform.
4. Naturists - A lot is made of the "difference" between nudism and naturism, but it's largely semantic. In some cases, naturism is just a regional variation of the term "nudism". Which is why it's offensive to suggest that naturists are nudists with principles. Many self-labeled "nudists" share those same principles. That said, I could conceive of a type of nudist who just enjoys being naked, without making it a whole philosophy. But that ain't me. I especially like the connection with nature that's implied by the term naturism. While I like nudism within the bounds of civilization and society, being naked in nature takes it to another level.
5. Occasional Nudists - I feel like this option should have been listed earlier, after social and home nudists, because it's kinda disrupting the flow here. Regardless, these are situational nudists, who are not at all dedicated to the lifestyle, but happy to engage in it - when the right opportunity arises. They might not share that dedication to the lifestyle that you or I have, but they really are a special kind of person. Contrasted with the stereotypical textile who suffers from a culturally-instilled gymnophobia, they are open and accepting and even game to dabble in a different worldview! How wonderful is that?
6. Spiritual Nudists - There's definitely some overlap here with the naturist category. I guess you could distinguish them via a secular versus a religious approach. I'm not normally a religious person, but whatever spirituality I experience is definitely related to nudity. Part of that is the rapture one experiences in response to a fine specimen of naked beauty. But it's also about the fundamental truth of our being, and our connection to the universe, which I feel most profoundly when I'm naked in nature.
7. Political Nudists - Not all nudists like to get political. Some fear drawing negative attention to themselves or their lifestyle. Some even accept their underclass status, and prefer to hide away in self-loathing, lashing out against their braver peers who dare to stand up for their own community's civil liberties. I apologize if there's some venom in my voice. I understand that not everyone is in a position to stick their necks out and rock the boat, but I resent the frequency with which these accommodationists accuse those of us who are willing to fight for the right to freedom of dress of being antisocial perverts who just want to expose ourselves to strangers in public. How can they even call themselves nudists if they view the human body from the textiles' perspective - as something ugly and offensive that must be shielded from public view (or worse, something that requires consent, like a sex act)? Especially in this day and age, if you're not political, then you're not doing your civic duty.
8. Family Nudists - I can't say that I'm a family nudist, only because I don't have a family of my own. But if I did, I would be. It's not an easy path to walk in this society, but I couldn't do it any other way. So I have lots of respect for those who are able to navigate the obstacles. Some nudists are understandably cagey about mixing nudism with children, but if you ask me, nudism without children isn't even really nudism. It's just an "adult" activity - like the kind nudists try to distance themselves from. Children, therefore, are the proof of concept. They're what keeps nudism pure and honest.
I came across this image on social media, and it resonated with me. I guess I like how it focuses on the fact that there are many different ways to practice nudism, instead of divisively arguing whether, e.g., home nudists are "real" nudists, or asking whether you're a nudist OR a naturist (as if they're not the same thing). It's a checklist - not a single choice. That said, some of the categories conflict with others, so it's not like you can just collect the whole set. Let's run down the list real quick, and I'll add some of my own comments.
1. Social Nudists - These are the type of nudists who like to go to resorts and hang out with other nudists. Obviously, I count myself as a social nudist. In spite of my generally solitary lifestyle, I do appreciate the opportunities and the sense of community that comes from being part of a group of like minds. Especially within such a fringe minority.
2. Home Nudists - These are often contrasted with social nudists, in the sense that they prefer privacy and are comfortable in their own skin, but not so much in front of other people. While there is some merit to that distinction, it feels weird for me to say that I'm not a home nudist, seeing as I spend so much time at home nude. I just think there's room to be both, instead of it being strictly either/or.
3. Recreational Nudists - I think this category distinguishes itself from other kinds of nudism (especially social) in that it's activity-centered. For some people, being naked itself is the draw. Others might be willing to strip down as long as there's a purpose to it. While I do find nudity to be its own reward, I also love having something to do while I'm naked. Whether it's household chores, sports, outdoor activities - alone or in a group. Nudity is the best uniform.
4. Naturists - A lot is made of the "difference" between nudism and naturism, but it's largely semantic. In some cases, naturism is just a regional variation of the term "nudism". Which is why it's offensive to suggest that naturists are nudists with principles. Many self-labeled "nudists" share those same principles. That said, I could conceive of a type of nudist who just enjoys being naked, without making it a whole philosophy. But that ain't me. I especially like the connection with nature that's implied by the term naturism. While I like nudism within the bounds of civilization and society, being naked in nature takes it to another level.
5. Occasional Nudists - I feel like this option should have been listed earlier, after social and home nudists, because it's kinda disrupting the flow here. Regardless, these are situational nudists, who are not at all dedicated to the lifestyle, but happy to engage in it - when the right opportunity arises. They might not share that dedication to the lifestyle that you or I have, but they really are a special kind of person. Contrasted with the stereotypical textile who suffers from a culturally-instilled gymnophobia, they are open and accepting and even game to dabble in a different worldview! How wonderful is that?
6. Spiritual Nudists - There's definitely some overlap here with the naturist category. I guess you could distinguish them via a secular versus a religious approach. I'm not normally a religious person, but whatever spirituality I experience is definitely related to nudity. Part of that is the rapture one experiences in response to a fine specimen of naked beauty. But it's also about the fundamental truth of our being, and our connection to the universe, which I feel most profoundly when I'm naked in nature.
7. Political Nudists - Not all nudists like to get political. Some fear drawing negative attention to themselves or their lifestyle. Some even accept their underclass status, and prefer to hide away in self-loathing, lashing out against their braver peers who dare to stand up for their own community's civil liberties. I apologize if there's some venom in my voice. I understand that not everyone is in a position to stick their necks out and rock the boat, but I resent the frequency with which these accommodationists accuse those of us who are willing to fight for the right to freedom of dress of being antisocial perverts who just want to expose ourselves to strangers in public. How can they even call themselves nudists if they view the human body from the textiles' perspective - as something ugly and offensive that must be shielded from public view (or worse, something that requires consent, like a sex act)? Especially in this day and age, if you're not political, then you're not doing your civic duty.
8. Family Nudists - I can't say that I'm a family nudist, only because I don't have a family of my own. But if I did, I would be. It's not an easy path to walk in this society, but I couldn't do it any other way. So I have lots of respect for those who are able to navigate the obstacles. Some nudists are understandably cagey about mixing nudism with children, but if you ask me, nudism without children isn't even really nudism. It's just an "adult" activity - like the kind nudists try to distance themselves from. Children, therefore, are the proof of concept. They're what keeps nudism pure and honest.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
A View From The Sidelines
As you may know, I enjoy playing volleyball. It's a hobby I picked up from my experiences visiting nudist resorts over the last fifteen years. There's an annual tournament I used to like to attend, and this year I returned for the first time since the COVID lockdowns. The best part of the tournament is being able to play volleyball nude with other like-minded (open-minded) people, whether you win or lose. But I won't deny that another part of the fun is getting to sit on the sidelines and watch top level athletes - both men and women - perform at a professional level on the volleyball courts, in the nude.
A particular moment sticks out in my mind, that stirred up a lot of thoughts in my head. It's important to me that I describe this situation with tact, because I don't want to give the wrong impression. Between matches, one of the players stood in my line of sight, not ten feet from where I was standing, to rest and get a quick bite to eat. Although these things are subjective, to my eyes she looked incredible. And hers was a perfect, natural beauty - not the manufactured kind that utilizes plastic surgery and excessive makeup in a gross over-exaggeration of femininity, to stimulate men of poor taste who have only one thing on their minds.
As an artist, I was utterly mesmerized by the scene that had spontaneously formed in front of me. A beautiful young woman, completely nude, amidst a crowd of mostly dressed people (it was a bit chilly that day), in a totally relaxed atmosphere, without spectacle. Keeping in mind the typical demographic of someone who is comfortable being naked in a crowd of strangers, as a female under 40 (under 25, even!), she was doubly exotic. Triply, if you include the fact that she was in prime, athletic shape. I had to inwardly marvel at her calm acceptance of those circumstances. What a wondrous thing! I would hate for it to be ruined - for her to receive anything even remotely resembling negative or unwanted attention.
That said, I couldn't get over how picturesque the scene was. If this had happened on a public street, and I were a street photographer, and I'd snapped that shot, it would have been an award-winning photograph. (At the very least, great promotional material for the tournament). The juxtaposition of bodies, the novelty of the situation, the casualness with which it occurred, and the beauty on display... It goes without saying that this would never happen. Not on a public street - and on the grounds of a nudist camp, photography is strictly prohibited. I can't help that that fact stirs up a conflict within me.
Why should capturing an image of such a thing - such a beautiful, positive, and innocent thing - be forbidden? It kills me that people are the way they are - not the people who make these rules, but the people who behave in such a terrible fashion that these rules become necessary. What does that say about our own humanity, that we can't have nice things because we're so fundamentally rotten to our core? "In the face of beauty, evil was lost"? Rather, "by the hand of evil, beauty is lost". Is it so horrible that a scene like this would be preserved, to be shared with people who did not experience it firsthand, and to exist beyond the fading memory within my brain?
Sure, not everyone would appreciate the image for the "right" reasons. (For my part, my appreciation of the scene was predominantly aesthetic, and not erotic - I would admit it if that weren't the case). As I said, I would hate for the situation to have been ruined by poor behavior in the moment. That's something I like about nudism - that we can all hang out completely naked and still behave like civilized creatures. It's the reason nudist camps have tall fences and strict guidelines, despite how free-minded and laidback we generally are. I wouldn't change that. I just wish it could coexist compatibly with the mindset that beauty is a virtue, while acknowledging the potential for photography to be an innocent expression of that, and not solely the vile and existential threat it is perceived to be, in the unfortunate hands of the depraved*.
---
*It won't win me any brownie points to say this, but I would argue that most people who just want to snap a picture of a hottie are pretty harmless. So they might add it to their "spank bank"? So what? There's no harm in that, other than a sociogenically manufactured psychic distress, which is born of a fundamentally sex-negative upbringing. Is it because it might be spread around the internet? I sympathize with the fear of being branded with the stigma we reserve for people our culture sees as having "loose morals" (which would pertain to those who willingly get naked in front of strangers, no matter how innocent the context). But that stigma is unjust. Such a fear only reinforces it. And it's not right, once again, to deny ourselves of what little pleasures this struggle that is life affords us, on account of the flawed nature of the human race. If I could nuke mankind and replace it with a more evolved species, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, I have to exist with the knowledge of what could be - the paradise we could be living in - frustrated by a daily reminder of the trash heap we've relegated ourselves to...
A particular moment sticks out in my mind, that stirred up a lot of thoughts in my head. It's important to me that I describe this situation with tact, because I don't want to give the wrong impression. Between matches, one of the players stood in my line of sight, not ten feet from where I was standing, to rest and get a quick bite to eat. Although these things are subjective, to my eyes she looked incredible. And hers was a perfect, natural beauty - not the manufactured kind that utilizes plastic surgery and excessive makeup in a gross over-exaggeration of femininity, to stimulate men of poor taste who have only one thing on their minds.
As an artist, I was utterly mesmerized by the scene that had spontaneously formed in front of me. A beautiful young woman, completely nude, amidst a crowd of mostly dressed people (it was a bit chilly that day), in a totally relaxed atmosphere, without spectacle. Keeping in mind the typical demographic of someone who is comfortable being naked in a crowd of strangers, as a female under 40 (under 25, even!), she was doubly exotic. Triply, if you include the fact that she was in prime, athletic shape. I had to inwardly marvel at her calm acceptance of those circumstances. What a wondrous thing! I would hate for it to be ruined - for her to receive anything even remotely resembling negative or unwanted attention.
That said, I couldn't get over how picturesque the scene was. If this had happened on a public street, and I were a street photographer, and I'd snapped that shot, it would have been an award-winning photograph. (At the very least, great promotional material for the tournament). The juxtaposition of bodies, the novelty of the situation, the casualness with which it occurred, and the beauty on display... It goes without saying that this would never happen. Not on a public street - and on the grounds of a nudist camp, photography is strictly prohibited. I can't help that that fact stirs up a conflict within me.
Why should capturing an image of such a thing - such a beautiful, positive, and innocent thing - be forbidden? It kills me that people are the way they are - not the people who make these rules, but the people who behave in such a terrible fashion that these rules become necessary. What does that say about our own humanity, that we can't have nice things because we're so fundamentally rotten to our core? "In the face of beauty, evil was lost"? Rather, "by the hand of evil, beauty is lost". Is it so horrible that a scene like this would be preserved, to be shared with people who did not experience it firsthand, and to exist beyond the fading memory within my brain?
Sure, not everyone would appreciate the image for the "right" reasons. (For my part, my appreciation of the scene was predominantly aesthetic, and not erotic - I would admit it if that weren't the case). As I said, I would hate for the situation to have been ruined by poor behavior in the moment. That's something I like about nudism - that we can all hang out completely naked and still behave like civilized creatures. It's the reason nudist camps have tall fences and strict guidelines, despite how free-minded and laidback we generally are. I wouldn't change that. I just wish it could coexist compatibly with the mindset that beauty is a virtue, while acknowledging the potential for photography to be an innocent expression of that, and not solely the vile and existential threat it is perceived to be, in the unfortunate hands of the depraved*.
---
*It won't win me any brownie points to say this, but I would argue that most people who just want to snap a picture of a hottie are pretty harmless. So they might add it to their "spank bank"? So what? There's no harm in that, other than a sociogenically manufactured psychic distress, which is born of a fundamentally sex-negative upbringing. Is it because it might be spread around the internet? I sympathize with the fear of being branded with the stigma we reserve for people our culture sees as having "loose morals" (which would pertain to those who willingly get naked in front of strangers, no matter how innocent the context). But that stigma is unjust. Such a fear only reinforces it. And it's not right, once again, to deny ourselves of what little pleasures this struggle that is life affords us, on account of the flawed nature of the human race. If I could nuke mankind and replace it with a more evolved species, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, I have to exist with the knowledge of what could be - the paradise we could be living in - frustrated by a daily reminder of the trash heap we've relegated ourselves to...
Monday, September 1, 2025
Dignity
Being confident in your skin, being an artist who focuses on the subject of the human body, even being a sex worker - people say these things lack dignity. That's a lie. You can do these things, you can be these things, and still maintain your dignity. What people are talking about when they say that is not a function of who or what you are, but the way they treat you. It's not that you lack dignity. It's that other people are choosing not to treat you with dignity. And that's their personality flaw. Not yours. When they say you lack self-respect, what they're really saying is that they lack respect for others. Don't let them confuse you. You deserve to be treated with dignity, and given the respect I know you reserve for yourself.
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