hello, my name is Alisa and i need some guidance. you see, i am a college student majoring in photography, we are learning about nude photography, and have an assignment to take nude photos. is nudity art or sin? this is a question that not only me and classmates ask, but the teacher did too. he wanted us to do a report on it. so, i thought id write in and ask someone who is more knowledgable than myself on this matter. please help if you can, thank you very much, Alisa!

-- Alisa Michels (alisa.michels@my.interiordesign.edu), December 16, 2004

Answers

alisa, you ask a tough question...

i would say that the answer depends on intent, in this case. in the event that the subject of the picture is placed so as to illicit lustful reaction on the part of the viewer, such as in pornographic material, then these photos must be deemed as sinful in nature.

However, if the object of the picture is to display the reality of the human body, with no focus on illiciting sinful behavior or providing the near occasion of sin, then i would say that nudity could qualify as art. after all, some of the greatest masterpieces of religious art involve nudity as a matter of course.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), December 16, 2004.

Dear Alisa,
You shouldn't accept any assignment to pose nude unless it's truly important for learning your craft. Your major shouldn't require you to let others see you undressed. That isn't what you're there to do, is it?

Particularly if it raises doubt enough for you to consult with faithful Catholics here. You don't seem comfortable about the assignment.

Not that there's anything offensive about nudes in art, necessarily. There's beauty in the female form for sure; and it's quite possible for good people to admire fine works of the kind. But these are impersonal and aren't aimed at anyone of lascivious intent.

You, however, already find yourself in the kind of environment where impious young people abound. You'll be sure to meet numerous wanton young men on campus, if you don't watch out. And we assume you don't wish to offend God by consorting with any. It shows here in your post by your request for Catholic guidance. I for one am eager to commend you for this sign of good faith.

You are in control of your own conduct, not your teachers or your peers. Even if others think your modesty is quaint or simple- minded, you must keep your distance from all temptation. Nobody has any right to see you undressed for art's sake. Don't let somebody else make you do anything you're ashamed of. Good luck in your studies, work hard and offer them up to Jesus Our Lord. He who dearly loves you and will never permit you to fail as a professional artist. Thanks for coming to our forum, Alisa!

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), December 16, 2004.

eugene, i was under the impression that the assignment to take nude pictures was going to involve alisa taking pictures of someone else, like a professional model. I dont think that a liscenced center of education could possibly be accredited if it required its students to doff clothing for a mandatory class in their major. although, im sure, alisa can clarify on this point.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), December 16, 2004.

OK, Paul-- Thank you for the heads-up. My bad;
It appeared we were asked about posing, at first glance. BEG PARDON ! ! ! Please don't laugh at this old-timer, Alisa. (Must be galloping Alzheimers or something.)

It's my bugaboo about college in our country these days, I guess. Hope you understand. Take only my best wishes seriously, then.

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), December 16, 2004.

Oh good grief, it is an art/photography class! Should we break the statue of David?

Have any of you taken a life drawing class? Well, let me tell you, at the college level, people are not taking it for the porn factor. You run into all sorts of models--tall, short, skinny, fat, male, female, some draped in some fashion, some not. You are busy trying to draw correctly, so busy that it is no different from drawing a set-up still life, except that the model has to take breaks now and then. Any guys thinking they're going to meet someone out of Playboy is going to be REALLY disappointed.

What do you learn from this exercise? That everyone is beautiful, even those who normally aren't considered beautiful by popular standards.

As to posing, what is wrong with it, for an art (drawing/painting) class? As far as photography, I wouldn't recommend it, but more for the fact that there are unscrupulous types out there that unfortunately would have no compunctions whatsoever about selling such "art photos" should the poor student model become famous later on. You are instantly recognizable in a photo, much less so in drawing and painting, particularly if you do not allow yourself to be photographed, even to "set up" your pose.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), December 16, 2004.

Dear Alisa,

I think you'd have to use your judgement.

Personally 'I'm' a prude, so if I needed to be the one poseing nude, I'd have to drop the class.

If it's someone else (a concenting fe/male adult) posing nude, so long as it's tasteful, modest and not meant to be erotic (as in soft or hard pornography) and it was under professional circumstances.

I'd be fine with taking photos for the class.

God made us, so we are all handsome/beautiful. There's no harm in celebrating our physical form in tasteful artistic expressions (unless your Muslim and it's against your religion to show the human form). As others have said, there are beautiful (not pornographic) examples of nudes in statues, drawings & paintings through out history.

Good luck with your class :) Love, Grace & Peace, Dorian

In an effort to include people of all faiths: Enlightened Rohastu, Happy Hanukah, Bah Humbug, Merry Christmas, Blessed Winters Solstice/Yule, Abundant Kwanza & Prosperous New Year

-- Dorian (DontLikeMyAnswer_Shrugs@yahoo.com), December 17, 2004.

i am a college student majoring in photography, we are learning about nude photography, and have an assignment to take nude photos

The way I see it: In your case , it's not a matter of , is nudity a sin or art ??

So suppose: If you don't take them and this will result in , you will not graduate ??

Salute & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), December 17, 2004.

ART

as long as it ain't hardcore porn

-- nathan (de_nathan_winter@msn.com), December 17, 2004.