artistic nude redhead smiling

Time Was Never

MODEL / BRITTNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Brittney is a young wife and mom and has a nice Instagram presence with a devoted fan base! Her sense of humor is contagious and you have to love her freckles! We decided to meetup and shoot near an old dam that’s become a museum on the river. Spending the cool morning sharing our mutual love of automobile restoration and talking about kids and family, we worked our way around the structure and park around it on both sides of the river. One thing Brittney definitely wanted to highlight in this shoot are her “tiger stripes!” She earned them and wants them to be seen and loved. Enjoy these fun shots!

nude female near orange buoys

Out Until Dawn

MODEL / ADRIANNA
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

It’s always fun to meet and shoot with a new model. I love to hear the stories that brought us together to create art — to hear how our journeys collide and enhance each other’s lives. Adrianna had a plan to do 30 shoots for her 30th birthday and as the penultimate shoot, I got to be the 30th! We shot near a river where some buoys were left sitting around by somebody. I love incorporating “found objects” in a shoot and, with the late fall weather, these bright orange balls were just right!

Photo by Jason Lee, Model in front of waterfall

In the Beginning

SOURCE / H & E Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE
INTERVIEW / MARK HAMILTON

 American photographer Jason Lee believes the human body reflects God’s glory.

How many other artistic photographers found their vocation courtesy of a personal dare? “It was 2006,” recalls Jason Lee. “I had been told throughout my upbringing that nudity equalled lust, and that it was impossible to spend time with a naked person of the opposite sex and not be automatically aroused. I thought this was absurd, but I wanted to test myself, and the theory, and find out if it was true. So I put out an advert as a photographer to set up what I thought would be my only experience.

“Probably not surprisingly, to those who already know how benign being nude in nature really is, I found that my model’s beauty did not distract me from capturing her likeness as art. We had a marvellous time shooting together, and I found that I had a knack for capturing art nudes. What started out as a personal challenge turned into a passion for pushing back against the negative narratives of body shame and porno-prudish thinking.”

It was the start of a new career, and Jason’s company Genesis Modeling & Photography (shootwithgenesis.com)  – which now offers a range of services including personalised shoots as well as workshops with both models and photographers – was born.

 “The name I chose is directly reflective of the creation account in Genesis, where man and woman were made naked and unashamed. I believe this is the original intent of God and that it has never changed, despite humanity’s fall. As a Christian, I believe that by experiencing and appreciating the beauty of the human body, we are reflecting God’s glory in which we were created. Genesis tells us that we were created in the image of God and in His likeness, completely without shame. My work as an artist in creating nude photography and body paintings is a way for me to present that viewpoint to the public.”

Approach

Jason’s beliefs are fundamental to his approach to work, and life.

“I base my understanding of naturism on what I’ve read and studied in the Bible, so I have settled on the term ‘comfortablist’.   Practically, this means I’m comfortable whether in clothing or without it. I definitely think of clothing as only necessary for specific purposes or decoration, and find it completely unnecessary for the protection of ‘false modesty’. I believe modesty is an attitude, not a dress code. Though I wasn’t raised as a naturist, I made the personal choice to sleep nude around the age of seven and haven’t looked back.”

Jason recounts that his upbringing was “no different to most adolescents in America who were raised in a middle-class conservative family: namely that nudity is reserved for married intimacy or taking a shower, and that it is not to be shared. Something inside me, however, never bought into this idea. I can remember being fascinated by the beauty of the human body, even as a child, yet not really having a sanctioned way to perceive this beauty.

“I was exposed to pornography while visiting a cousin when I was about eleven, and found it to be shocking and degrading. A few years later, I went to the library (this was before the internet was a big thing) and tried to search out pure forms of nudity. What I found were classical art paintings and a section of shelves that were supposed to hold art nude photography books but instead, they were empty. Apparently even tasteful nudity was too much to just leave out on a library bookshelf. The books had to be requested via a librarian and couldn’t be checked out. It seemed absurd.”

Hooked

It should come as little surprise that Jason discovered naturism, although as he admits, it came a little later in life. “It wasn’t until moving to Idaho that I began to experience social naturism and incorporate it into my photography. Idaho is home to two naturist resorts and has many hot springs. I learned after moving here that it is not only acceptable, but often expected, to soak naturally in nature in these hot pools. After experiencing it for the first time, I was hooked and never wanted to wear a swimsuit again!

“Since that first experience, I have enjoyed social naturism many times and find it beneficial for building lasting friendships and promoting body positivity. I have participated in three World Naked Bike Rides, and my wife and I have visited several resorts and beaches, including one in Italy on a recent holiday.”

Of course, not everybody is as relaxed about nudity as that.

“For every one model who agrees to a naked shoot,” reckons Jason, “there are another nine that say: I love your work. But I can’t shoot nude because I have body hang-ups, I’m afraid of what my family/boss/friends will think, or my boyfriend/husband won’t allow me to. I think this is one of the toughest parts of producing artistic nude work. People are afraid. They’re afraid to participate. They’re afraid to admit they enjoy the experience of viewing or owning it.”

Would switching the gender balance make a difference?

Jason isn’t convinced. “I mostly shoot with female models, but occasionally work with males. Sometimes I have received a little negativity for not including more males in my work, but I often invite the person complaining to go and create their own male nude work. I can’t do it all by myself! We need lots of new art and lots of new participants if we’re going to change attitudes. But I’m happy to say that I work with a lot of models who are experiencing nude photography for the first time, and have developed a reputation for being a safe person with whom to shoot.”

String

Photography isn’t the only string to Jason’s bow – he also paints abstracts, plays music, builds furniture and restores vehicles – but he does restrict his work behind the camera to the nude.

“When people ask why, I reply because nudity is pure. It’s always my goal to present the purity and soul of a model’s personality, not a fashion show. I’m not selling clothes or cosmetics. I am not interested in being coy but nor am I trying to sell my model’s sexuality in a photo. I look for the raw, innocent essence of who she is – and as much as she would like to share of herself in that space. My work reflects the goodness of the human body in its beauty, as created. It’s as simple as that.”

Jason doesn’t just believe that what he does is art for art’s sake. “I am humbled by feedback from models and patrons who find that my work touches them in a profound way. I’ve had models who have found freedom from body shame and dysmorphia, and reported experiencing a new personal ownership of their bodies. Sometimes this even happens in the middle of a shoot. I have had others who have reported that our work together has helped resolve sexual trauma from rape and abuse. Others have remarked on how their lives have been forever made brighter, and freer, and empowered.”

Given the choice, Jason prefers the great outdoors.

“I most often shoot on location in the Pacific Northwest of the US. My home base is one of the most beautiful (and unknown) places on the planet, though I love to travel, and I’m willing to shoot practically anywhere in the world. I have an invitation to shoot in Puerto Rico soon, so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also love to have my photographic travels take me to places like the UK, Spain or New Zealand, so if any readers are interested, feel free to reach out!

“As for favourite locations, I love to include water of some kind. We have shot around water in every season, even in ice and snow. I always feel that water, whether as a waterfall, steam-filled hot pool or snowy backdrop, incorporates so many elements of nature into one place. I try to always keep my eyes open for new potential shooting spots. I once spotted a couple of abandoned milk vans down in a ravine while on location for a different spot. Of course, we had to climb down and explore.”

Elements

When not braving the elements in the winter months, as part of his Personal Spaces Project, he also shoots models at home where, as he explains, “they can be naturally nude and do whatever it is that fits their mood. It’s designed to capture a personal vibe and natural body energy in a relaxed environment, and explore the personality, mood and creativity of each model.”

Indoors or out, Jason explains that “to come up with a subject or theme for a shoot, I will collaborate with the model. I am also incredibly inspired by the natural handiwork of God in nature. I love to explore a new vista with a model and chase the light and shadows, and compare and contrast the model’s form, emotions and style against the natural features of a landscape or even an abandoned manmade space. Body paints are often similarly imagined while on site, though occasionally a theme will be developed beforehand.

“I have had quite a bit of interest in seeing my work published in book form, so I am assembling my first book of art nudes, and debating on whether I should self-publish or go for the traditional route.

“Apart from that, I am perfectly content with life the way it is. I am happily married, and my wife and I are raising our children to hopefully be well-balanced members of society. We’ve incorporated our beliefs about the body into raising them, and believe this helps to prepare them better for life as adults.”

God willing.

Let the Sunshine In

MODEL / DANYA
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

What can I say about Danya? She has such energy and a wonderful personality! This was a selection from our first shoot together out in a sunflower patch and a corn field. I don’t think it turned out… corny. Do you?

Vision that Gives Me Sight

MODEL / AUDREY
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Audrey is an amazing photographer in her own right. One day she asked if we could hit the trail together and check out some locations I had told her about and then she volunteered herself to jump in front of the camera. Amazing laughs, hiking, waterfalls and friendship!

With the Sunshine

MODEL / Jessie Jane
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In the second half of our shoot, (see first shoot here) we changed locations to a dry waterfall and a its surroundings perched on a cliff overlooking a beautiful gorge.

Here’s what Jessie Jane had to say:

Legit, when I went out in these rocks near a cliff, it was pretty scare. I was definitely collecting my courage on this part of the rocks. My hands tingle as i remember it. As I relaxed and knew I would never be put in any real danger, I formed with the rock around me. Working in the tunnel made me want to reach high in all things. What will your history be? Of inspiration and beauty or opposite? I very much enjoy being a canvas for art. So fun and it sets my heart free. I want to take a moment and thank Jason for this shoot. It’s done nothing but bring me out.

Back to How It Was

MODEL / Hannah G
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

This was Hannah’s first shoot. We found an amazing old dairy barn to shoot in as well as some sweet meadows and waterfalls. As you probably know, I LOVE waterfalls! We even managed to find a hot spring.

Coming in Clear

MODEL / Jessie Jane
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Jesse Jane wanted an opportunity to to reclaim what was hers, that is, her femininity — her rights to herself — and she thought shooting with Genesis Modeling and Photography was just the ticket to freedom. I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s what she had to say about our shoot:

Sometimes you need to take a break from the world. Be yourself. Love yourself. Accept yourself, your natural beauty, go back to the basics.

On that day it was as if these rocks were perfectly molded for me, the water was beautiful (and chilly but hey), but on that day I was more than just a model. I am someone who finally loves and accepts herself. I cannot go on in life without positivity.

No words can explain how amazing the view was where Jason took me to shoot. Oh the nature around me ❤ I can look over this beautiful world and know that my artistic ways don’t stop here.

One funny thing I was thinking after seeing the results was, ‘I’m proud of my athletic bootay!’ and I can always work hard and always improve.

I became one with nature that day, I accepted myself and had to face the truth that I am who I am. Wanting to be like anyone else just made me sad. I am of worth, and made with beauty and I couldn’t be happier ❤.

So feel the beauty, be the beauty, become the beauty. This is where I let my heart free, and allowed my soul to fly. I know my worth and it has never gone away.

See Part II of our shoot here.

You Are Golden

MODEL / BRIAHNA
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Briahna and I explored the Boise River to get these epic body paint shots. Here’s her thoughts, post-shoot: “Thank you. It was super fun. Took Forever to wash the paint out of my hair but it was worth it!”

Tomorrow Knows What Tomorrow Knows

MODEL / RILEY
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

There’s a classic junk yard with vehicles ranging from the 20s to the 70s and I’ve wanted to shoot there for years! Finally got my opportunity with a couple of great ladies. This is Riley. She’s a dancer, an artist and she loves caring for animals. I love how she jumped into this shoot with such enthusiasm.

Grow Where You Are

MODEL / NICOLE
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Nicole agreed to hit up the Camas Prairie Nature Preserve with me to see if we could find some of their famous purple flowers for our backdrop. What we found is that we were too late for flowers, but it was windy and we took advantage of the plentiful swaying grasses for our bodypaint shoot.

Dreaming Out Loud

MODEL / E B
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

It was 15 degrees. The streets were frozen solid and we fishtailed around every turn, but we made it to this magical parkland and knocked out some stunning shots in the snow. Even saw a deer!

 

Til I Read Your Lips

MODEL / DINEKA
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Dineka made a quick trip down to Boise and we got this shoot in the snow! Can you say epic?

Sing This to Me Slow

MODEL / ALLY
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Ally asked for experimental body paint and hot springs. In this post, I’ll share the body paint section. It turned out really cool!

When I Look at the Stars

MODEL / Katie and Crystal
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

When Katie and I worked together, we talked about creating a future shoot that would involve her sister Crystal. What a great idea! Think they had fun?

Life Begins at the Intersection

MODEL / Meagan
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

In a little place I like to call Burnt Creek.

Here’s what Meagan had to say about her shoot as a first-timer:
“Participating in a nude shoot is one of the most freeing, yet terrifying experiences… but only because it’s doing something you’ve NEVER done. Being comfortable in front of a camera with clothes can be challenging, so a nude shoot really opens your mind to many possibilities. The human body is beautiful and is only sexualized because we body shame and hide ourselves away, constantly. I am grateful for clothes during the right circumstances, (like weather conditions or formal gatherings) however, I strongly believe hiding ourselves so much and all the time, has in truth also enabled us to hide away… not only our unique bodies, but also our minds. Allow Beauty TO BE SEEN. EVERYONE IS UNIQUE!”

Brighter Than the Pain

MODEL / Crystal
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

This was my first “Trash the Dress” Shoot.

Crystal asked if she could bring a wedding dress and work through some grief at this shoot and allowed me to help her process and capture the beauty of those moments and prove that Love is brighter than the pain. Thank you for sharing your heart with us Crystal.

Awaken All My Soul

MODEL / Katie H
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

Along the banks of the Boise River, enjoying the peace and solitude with Katie…

Katie says:
My shoot was amazing. I was definitely nervous because I had never done that kind of concept before. I felt anxious driving out to our location, and when I pulled up at the park, I really wasn’t sure what to expect.
 
Luckily, you arrived right then and I was reassured to see a normal, nice guy get out of the car. We introduced ourselves and made some small talk and I could feel myself relaxing a little bit. Like from an 70% stress level to a 50%. We talked through some outfit choices and posing ideas and I steadily felt more confident.
 
The location was so beautiful! The park was just like a forest with a gorgeous river and lots of plants and stuff. I felt like some kind of Pocahontas or something and it was really fun. But there was definitely some part of me that was holding back. My whole life as a woman I have been trained to behave “modestly.” To hide my body for fear of offending someone else.
 
It was insanely hard to fight this internal battle throughout the shoot. I know this inner struggle made me more difficult to shoot.
 
But you were great the whole time. Reassuring me, helping with my posing, and most of all having the patience to help me embrace my most natural self.
 
Your final product is stunning, I can honestly say this is my favorite shoot! ❤?
 

Waiting for Daylight

MODEL / Willow
PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE

One Word: EPIC.  That’s the only thing I can think of to describe our shoot in the Oregon desert.