(I posted this originally on my deviantArt journal last October. I am reproducing it here with some edits.)
Younger models please forgive me, but today I would like to write something in defense of and in praise of older models, the 40+ gang.
I did not do art nude until I met Wolfgang Kettler in March 2008 and did a shoot for his website which involved nudity. Wolf found me through a life modelling website, he prefers to work with life models and I fitted the bill (I have been a life model for years). Since then I have done a lot of photographic nude, I would say that 90% of my work is art nude.
When I joined deviantArt my age immediately drew attention. Sometimes people can be very rude about it but usually they are very complimentary. I obviously like the compliments, they make me feel good, though I know one should take them with a pinch of salt. The point is, however, that my modelling is always assessed in relation to my age. Physically I am very fit, very flexible, I know my yoga practice gives me a healthy and toned body. But my age seems to define me, there is no getting away from it. I am never a model, only ever an older model.
It is difficult to be accepted as a model, if you are older. When I submit my portfolios to photographers for art nude or life style, a good percentage of them writes back saying that my look is strong and they would be happy to work with me, for their own portfolios/personal explorations. But when I go for a commercial casting it can get ugly, like when my agency sent me to a casting for a particular hair show and one of the women on the selection panel said, as soon as I entered the room, after a moment of embarrassed silence,‘To be honest we don’t want SOMEONE LIKE YOU’ I was so stunned, I just walked out saying nothing, not even handing in my form and card, I wanted to cry but I did not, not until I was out. Luckily it was a rainy day so tears could mingle with raindrops. When I am angry, I either cry or turn very sarcastic.
Of course! My hair is not coloured, hence the reaction. Bookers often tell me that they cannot really put me forward for much commercial work with hair like mine. The good thing is that whereas commercial work is getting scarcer, as I refuse to colour my hair or cut it in a bob, art nude remains something that the model arranges for herself, agencies do not do bookings for art nude, by and large, and I have found that, ironically, I am getting more work as an art nude model than as a commercial one.
An older model is too much of a challenge, not only photographically, but also in terms of personal interaction. Older women seem to know what they want and will say it. It can be difficult to be challenged and questioned all the time. For a photographer, to trust an older model does not come easy. I often see it in the look on photographers’ faces when they first meet me, with my clothes on – can she really deliver? When I strip and begin to move and pose, things change. I can confidently say I know what I am doing and I do it, but before we get to that stage my portfolio is crucial for a photographer to make the decision to work with me.
I suspect that in the case of younger models there is the possibility they may be looked at in terms of potential, whereas for someone like me potential is not an option, my modelling ability has to be demonstrated fully in the work I submit at selection stage. And even then, people may have misgivings. A photographer who wanted to switch genres, and take up nude, recently contacted me and we were in the process of finalising the booking when he suddenly told me he had decided to use a YOUNGER model, no need for me to turn up, thank you very much. I was stunned he had to make it a point to tell me he was now using someone younger. But I have learnt to develop a very thick skin.
Having said this, I have had the opportunity to work with photographers who were happy to take me as I am, who really liked my look, believed in my ability and wanted to do something with me. They also taught me much and I appreciate the fact they were willing to share. I have also been very fortunate to connect with the wonderful Unbearable Lightness who at 65, is a presence to reckon with in art nude. UL’s friendship has been invaluable to me and one of the reasons why when I turned 50, I did not decide that my foray into art nude modelling was over, on the contrary , I would definitely stay.
I totally believe that modelling is a skill and that youth and conventional good looks are not a prerequisite. Obviously there are types of modelling I cannot and wish not do. I am happy to look my age,I don’t want to be made to look younger, I do not want my bodily imperfections to be airbrushed. I look forward to the day when we can see models of all ages, all ethnicities, all body shapes and think of them as models and evaluate their performance as models on the way they pose and interact with the camera rather than on the loveliness of their eyes, breasts, buttocks, complexions and youthful appearance. But then I have always been a dreamer.
(All photographs modelled by AlexB)
Younger models please forgive me, but today I would like to write something in defense of and in praise of older models, the 40+ gang.
Photographer: David Nuttall
When I joined deviantArt my age immediately drew attention. Sometimes people can be very rude about it but usually they are very complimentary. I obviously like the compliments, they make me feel good, though I know one should take them with a pinch of salt. The point is, however, that my modelling is always assessed in relation to my age. Physically I am very fit, very flexible, I know my yoga practice gives me a healthy and toned body. But my age seems to define me, there is no getting away from it. I am never a model, only ever an older model.
Photographer: George Swift
It is difficult to be accepted as a model, if you are older. When I submit my portfolios to photographers for art nude or life style, a good percentage of them writes back saying that my look is strong and they would be happy to work with me, for their own portfolios/personal explorations. But when I go for a commercial casting it can get ugly, like when my agency sent me to a casting for a particular hair show and one of the women on the selection panel said, as soon as I entered the room, after a moment of embarrassed silence,‘To be honest we don’t want SOMEONE LIKE YOU’ I was so stunned, I just walked out saying nothing, not even handing in my form and card, I wanted to cry but I did not, not until I was out. Luckily it was a rainy day so tears could mingle with raindrops. When I am angry, I either cry or turn very sarcastic.
Photographer: Marcello Pozzetti
Of course! My hair is not coloured, hence the reaction. Bookers often tell me that they cannot really put me forward for much commercial work with hair like mine. The good thing is that whereas commercial work is getting scarcer, as I refuse to colour my hair or cut it in a bob, art nude remains something that the model arranges for herself, agencies do not do bookings for art nude, by and large, and I have found that, ironically, I am getting more work as an art nude model than as a commercial one.
An older model is too much of a challenge, not only photographically, but also in terms of personal interaction. Older women seem to know what they want and will say it. It can be difficult to be challenged and questioned all the time. For a photographer, to trust an older model does not come easy. I often see it in the look on photographers’ faces when they first meet me, with my clothes on – can she really deliver? When I strip and begin to move and pose, things change. I can confidently say I know what I am doing and I do it, but before we get to that stage my portfolio is crucial for a photographer to make the decision to work with me.
Photographer: Ashley Cameron
I suspect that in the case of younger models there is the possibility they may be looked at in terms of potential, whereas for someone like me potential is not an option, my modelling ability has to be demonstrated fully in the work I submit at selection stage. And even then, people may have misgivings. A photographer who wanted to switch genres, and take up nude, recently contacted me and we were in the process of finalising the booking when he suddenly told me he had decided to use a YOUNGER model, no need for me to turn up, thank you very much. I was stunned he had to make it a point to tell me he was now using someone younger. But I have learnt to develop a very thick skin.
Photographer: Marcello Pozzetti
Having said this, I have had the opportunity to work with photographers who were happy to take me as I am, who really liked my look, believed in my ability and wanted to do something with me. They also taught me much and I appreciate the fact they were willing to share. I have also been very fortunate to connect with the wonderful Unbearable Lightness who at 65, is a presence to reckon with in art nude. UL’s friendship has been invaluable to me and one of the reasons why when I turned 50, I did not decide that my foray into art nude modelling was over, on the contrary , I would definitely stay.
Photographer: Darren Brade
I totally believe that modelling is a skill and that youth and conventional good looks are not a prerequisite. Obviously there are types of modelling I cannot and wish not do. I am happy to look my age,I don’t want to be made to look younger, I do not want my bodily imperfections to be airbrushed. I look forward to the day when we can see models of all ages, all ethnicities, all body shapes and think of them as models and evaluate their performance as models on the way they pose and interact with the camera rather than on the loveliness of their eyes, breasts, buttocks, complexions and youthful appearance. But then I have always been a dreamer.
(All photographs modelled by AlexB)
Thank you for sharing this post again, Alex. Your friendship has been invaluable to me as well, and you have been an inspiration. We must get to our mutual interviews soon and get out the word that modeling does not end at 30, 40, or even 50 or 60. In September I will be 66, and my shoot with Carrie Leigh was just published in NUDE. And I know you were quite recently published in the London Times, Alex.
ReplyDeleteWhat better testimony to the thing photographers often tell me. They love mature models! We do indeed have a great deal to offer.
Until the photographer/artist has seen the model they can never make a judgement. 40+ models are discriminated against because they think we're overweight, lacking muscle tone or just not good to look at. That's definately not the case with you, Unbearable Lightnesss or for that matter myself. But in my case as a guy my work is virtually non existant even though my body is better than most 30 year olds. Now you've started me off on a rant!! love you and your work, Phil x
ReplyDeletePhil thank you so much for commenting and for your continued support. When I said 'models' I also meant male models although I realise there are more women than men in this line. This idea that over 40 is fat and old is old fashioned in this day and age. 'Young' can also be fat, anyway! I dont mean to boast but when I went to the Pearl Jam gig in Hyde Park with my 23 year old son - Pearl Jam attracts an audience max in their thirties I got very appreciative looks from the many young men around, so much so that my son felt a little unnerved - I go out with my mum and everyone is looking at her!
ReplyDeleteIt never occurred to me that some might have issues with artistic figure models whatever their age, other than underage, until I read a number of comments and responses on your dA-gallery site. Shocking to see some of these remarks, not to mention they not seeing or appreciating your beauty and grace. Having enjoyed drawing and painting superb figure models of every sort of age and shape, and appreciate the professionalism and skill involved, I am also very surprised and disappointed at anyone in the art community who can't appreciate the beauty and individuality of the pure human form, especially one so lovely as yours. Barrie (aka, bripin on dA).
ReplyDeleteexcellent! what ever it is your hair and look really gives a different look form the common model!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely post, very heartfelt. I have always felt and still feel beauty is ageless. Some people like the young nubile look. I guess I find you beautiful because you appear real and not an airbrushed caricature of a woman.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I met my wife's 65 year old Parisian Aunt (15 years ago and a few years before she died) I was struck immediately how beautiful and elegant this woman was. I was 28 and in Paris for my first of many visits. Gabriella (wife's Aunt) didn't color her hair either and a significant amount of gray hair. But she carried herself with beauty and elegance and was a real woman. It shocked my wife I found her so attractive and I think I was elevated a notch in her eyes for my explanation of not having the same standard view of beauty that movies, fashion designers and magazines have pushed down our throat. The airbrushed ice chip dieters who have no blemish or hair perfectly colored is not real....Thank you stay beautiful!
If someone rejects you because you're not young, it says everything about him/her or the business and nothing about you. Your beauty and grace are ageless.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jochanaan.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments here, sorry for acknowledging your input so late. Could not agree more, Jochanaan, except that i would say beauty and grace have no age and this is applicable to a great many women.
ReplyDeletedifferent! good job!
ReplyDeleteage is just a real datum. but reality is just you beauty :D
ReplyDeleteps: love your expressions. unique glance!
Alex,
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for this post!! I too am an "unconventional" model and one that also fits into the 40+ group as well as being a plus body size. I have followed your work on dA precisely because you are in the 40+ age group and also because I love the work you have in your gallery.
Keep up the good work,
Valerie