To put it lightly, Beth was a little wary at the idea of shooting nude (“Nudity is not my scene,” she said), but she saw something special in my art and decided she would at least consider some implied nude shots. We met up at a local park and started off with some flowing outfits she had brought and used an ancient cottonwood tree for our first setting, then moved on to a country lane near a shallow river, discussing body positivity and the perfect beauty of God’s human masterpieces.
When we got to the river, Beth decided to risk a little more and ventured out in front of the camera into the breeze with only a large decorated scarf. Shortly, the fabric was flapping in the wind and Beth was dancing with exhilaration. She had discovered a new-found freedom, that of being nude in nature. Something changed in that instant and her fears were gone. The remainder of the shoot was filled with laughter and light, as her inhibitions at being nude were gone and she embraced her fullness as a beautiful creation of God.
Here’s what Beth had to say after our shoot: “I had so much fun! I LOVE THEM!!! I am so obsessed. My friends are so obsessed!! Those ones on the beach with the scarf are KILLER.”
And then a few weeks later, I got this sweet message: “Hey!! Just wanted to tell you that you’ve seriously changed my life! I’m SO comfortable with being nude now! I wanted to thank you because I feel so free now!”
We were meant to live in this life. I’m glad Beth has embraced that discovery!
Recalling their dynamic collaboration, photographer Jason Lee reflects on the vibrancy and authenticity that defined their first shoot by the river with model Danya. Inspired by Danya’s professed admiration for his work, the shoot was infused with a sense of vibrant enthusiasm that added depth to their creative process. Danya, described as a vibrant and multifaceted individual with a go-getter attitude and an infectious grin, brought her unique energy to the session, resulting in numerous powerful shots. Jason expresses the need to share more from their shoots together, recognizing the significance of their collaboration in capturing moments of beauty and authenticity. Through Jason’s lens, the essence of Danya’s vibrant spirit and their shared enthusiasm for creativity is immortalized, creating a visual narrative that celebrates the power of connection and artistic expression.
I really need to share more from my shoots with Danya. I was just looking at the website and noticed that I had only shared a bit from one, so far! SO, here’s an installment from our first shoot together – down by the river. I learned on our drive out that Danya was already a fan of my work (“I f***n LOVE YOUR WORK!!!”) she said. I think because of that, there was a vibrant enthusiasm that added deepness to our shoot. So many powerful and authentic shots to share…
Sarah, a model with a passion for art, uses her body as a canvas to represent her life’s memories and symbols. A shoot at a nature preserve underlined her personal philosophy, particularly the importance of supportive friends and family, and self-expression. Sarah’s love for art is infectious and personal.
As we walked along a nature preserve, chasing the golden light and finding interesting shapes and patterns for which we could add to and contrast, we discussed the ups and downs of life, parenting, family relationships and friendship. One thing that stood out was her comment on how important it is to have friends and family around you who support who you are and how you express yourself to others.
Shelly’s fearless spirit captivated Jason Lee during their photography session on the Boise River. With an aura of determination and resilience, she exuded the confidence of someone who fearlessly tackles any challenge that comes her way. Reflecting on her adventurous nature, Jason recalled her willingness to navigate rough terrain, both in conversation and in action. Despite the absence of any harrowing situations during their shoot, they enjoyed a delightful afternoon capturing moments of beauty along the breezy banks of the river in one of Jason’s favorite canyons. Through Jason’s lens, Shelly’s boldness and adventurous spirit were immortalized, creating a visual narrative that celebrated the essence of her fearless soul.
Shelly strikes me as the kind of woman who can do whatever she sets her mind to. She’s not afraid to drive through a field, off road, full of rocks (ask me how I know!) or crack down on a bad situation (she’s got stories!) Thankfully we didn’t have to face anything like that — we had a great time shooting on the Boise River in a breezy afternoon in one of my favorite canyons.
Brittney, a young wife, mom, and Instagram influencer, teamed up with Jason Lee for a photo shoot at a riverside museum. Celebrating her “tiger stripes” and bonding over automobile restoration and family, the session captured her humor and unique beauty amidst the park’s scenery. Enjoy the vibrant photos!
Brittney’s 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. Enjoy these fun shots!
Jason Lee reflected on his photoshoot with Adrianna, noting the enjoyment of hearing the paths that led to their collaboration. Adrianna aimed to complete 30 photoshoots for her 30th birthday, with Jason being the final photographer. They utilized found buoys by a river, enhancing the shoot with a touch of autumn charm.
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!
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.”
Accompanied by Audrey, a talented photographer, Jason Lee embarks on a day trip expedition to explore picturesque locations. Spontaneously, Audrey steps in front of the lens, merging laughter, hiking, waterfalls, and friendship into a delightful adventure. Their shared passion for photography intertwines with the beauty of nature, creating memorable moments captured through Jason’s lens.
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!
In the second half of our shoot, (see first shoot here), we ventured to a dry waterfall perched on a cliff, overlooking a stunning gorge. Jessie Jane candidly recounts her initial fear, gradually replaced by a sense of courage and connection with the rocky landscape. As she immersed herself in the surroundings, she reflected on the significance of personal history and the pursuit of inspiration and beauty. Becoming a canvas for art, Jessie embraced the freedom and joy it brought to her heart. Grateful for the experience, she acknowledges Jason’s role in empowering her journey of self-discovery.
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.
In Hannah G’s inaugural shoot, she and Jason Lee explored a captivating old dairy barn, lush meadows, and enchanting waterfalls. Serendipitously, they found a hidden hot spring, adding to the magic of the day. Little did they know then, this shoot marked a transformative milestone for Hannah, igniting a creative partnership that would flourish over time.
This was Hannah’s first shoot. We found amazing locations and as you probably know, I LOVE waterfalls! Over time, Hannah has become a muse with whom I have had the pleasure of working with on many occasions. What a great start to our friendship.
In a transformative journey of self-discovery, Jessie Jane embraces her femininity and reclaims her identity with Genesis Modeling and Photography. Amidst the natural beauty of rocks and water, she finds solace and empowerment, realizing the essence of self-love and acceptance. Through Jason’s lens, she rediscovers her natural beauty and athleticism, embracing her uniqueness with pride. Immersed in nature’s embrace, Jessie becomes one with her surroundings, embracing her worth and unleashing her inner beauty and strength. Her words resonate with the essence of self-assurance and authenticity, reflecting a profound connection to the world around her.
Jessie Jane wanted an opportunity to to reclaim what was hers, that is, her femininity — her rights to herself — and she thought shooting with me was just that ticket to freedom she needed. I couldn’t agree more.
Jason Lee
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.
Navigating the Boise River, Briahna and Jason Lee venture to capture breathtaking body paint shots. Post-shoot, Briahna reflects on the experience, expressing gratitude for the fun-filled endeavor. Their collaborative effort yields stunning images, a testament to their shared creativity and adventurous spirit.
Here are 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!”
Lindsey K returns for her second shoot with Jason Lee, marking a celebration of her resilience and triumph over life’s challenges. A true warrior and survivor, Lindsey’s spirit shines through as she embraces the opportunity to capture her major life victories through photography. With each click of the camera, Jason honors Lindsey’s strength, portraying her as the rock star she truly is.
This was my second shoot with Lindsey. She’s a warrior and I’m glad to celebrate victories with her.
Nicole and Jason Lee embarked on an adventure to the Camas Prairie Nature Preserve, aiming to capture the famed purple flowers as a backdrop. Despite being too late for the blooms, they improvised, embracing the windy conditions and utilizing the swaying grasses for a captivating body paint shoot, resulting in stunning imagery amidst nature’s embrace.
I think Nicole makes a great looking super hero. She is definitely out here saving the day!
Exploring creative avenues with Ally, Jason Lee delves into experimental body paint for their shoot, one of her preferred ideas. Utilizing a “paint pour” technique with metallic and white biodegradable paints and glycerin, they craft visually stunning compositions. Jason finds joy in outdoor body painting, where art meets nature, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces captured only in final photos, a testament to the beauty of temporary artistry.
When discussing options for our shoot with Ally, she said that the ideas that stood out to her most were experimental body paint and hot springs. In this post, I’ll share the body paint section. It turned out really cool! I did a “paint pour” style What do you think?
Katie and Crystal, real-life sisters, embark on a unique photoshoot adventure with Jason Lee. Embracing the bond of sisterhood, they bare both their bodies and their souls amidst the forest’s embrace. Their laughter echoes through the trees as they revel in the joy of shared experiences and sisterly connection, creating unforgettable moments captured in Jason’s lens.
When Katie and I worked together previously on her “best shoot ever!” we talked about creating a future shoot that would involve her sister Crystal. What a great idea! Here are the results of that discussion. Two sisters, both wearing their birthday suits and frolicking around the forest. Think they had fun?
In the serene surroundings of the Boise National Forest, Jason Lee captures the essence of Meagan’s first-time nude shoot. Meagan reflects on the experience, describing it as simultaneously freeing and terrifying, yet ultimately empowering. She challenges societal norms around body shame and the sexualization of nudity, advocating for self-acceptance and the celebration of individual beauty. Through her words, Meagan encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and allow their true selves to be seen, echoing the sentiment that everyone deserves to feel liberated and appreciated in their own skin.
Meagan and I actually chatted for a few years before this shoot took place. We were finally able to get our schedules aligned and I took her to a little place I like to call Burnt Creek. It had been ravaged by a forest fire at least a decade ago, but life is slowly returning to the area. This was Meagan’s first shoot and it turned out really special. You can’t fake the joy that fills a person’s spirit when they connect with beauty and being seen as a whole person, just as created.
Jason
“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!”
In collaboration with the bold and beautiful Kaitlin, Jason Lee captures a transformative journey of self-liberation. Reflecting on societal pressures to conform to narrow standards of beauty, Kaitlin bravely challenges these norms, recognizing her body as a sacred vessel rather than a source of shame. Through the empowering experience of shedding inhibitions and embracing her natural self, Kaitlin finds newfound freedom and confidence, defying societal judgments to reclaim ownership of her body and mind.
Here’s what she said about this shoot:
A few words on the experience… I’ve always been told that my body should be kept “sacred.” I’ve also been told that my body should look a certain way, that I will only be liked if my body fits a specific set of standards. I’ve spent my whole life trying to fit those standards and the ironic thing is that when I did, no one would have ever known that because I hid my body. I hid my body because I was taught it wasn’t ok to be shown and that if it was, I was creating a negative image for myself and was being “provocative.” Through this experience, I was surprisingly able to let that all go and it was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. My body is a vessel for which my soul resides. It is nothing to be shameful about. It’s ironic because when my body fit society’s standards, I hid it. But now that my body has changed into something that can’t fit into a size 00, I was able to show it off more. That right there is amazing to me. Once you take away the judgments from society about a body being a sexual object and let yourself be free in your body, you feel free in your mind.
Amidst the tranquil beauty of the Boise River, Jason Lee and model Katie H embark on a transformative shoot. Katie admits to initial nerves, but Jason’s reassuring presence alleviates her anxiety. As they explore the scenic park, Katie confronts internalized notions of modesty, finding liberation in embracing her natural self. Jason’s patience and guidance empower Katie to shed inhibitions, resulting in stunning images that mark her favorite shoot yet.
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! ❤
Katie H
Katie had so much fun that she asked me if I would do an artistic nude shoot of her and her sister. Here’s a link!
Despite the dreary skies caused by fires across the Pacific Northwest, Jason Lee and model J find beauty amidst the haze. The smoke acts as a natural light box, casting a soft, diffused glow that enhances the colors and features of both the environment and the model. In this unique setting, they capture stunning images that transcend the atmospheric conditions, showcasing the resilience and allure of their collaboration.
J’s beauty rises amidst the smoky skies. I love her spunky attitude!
