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…
Kim and Jason Lee of Genesis Photography embarked on a hiking and modeling shoot in Idaho, exploring the natural splendor of an alpine lake, framed by ancient trees, formed by a long-erupted volcano. They found inspiration amidst the waterfalls, marveling at the magnificence of nature and emphasizing the beauty of existing within it.
Idaho has such natural wonders! It is such a pleasure to get out for a hike and model shoot on a beautiful alpine lake! Kim and I hiked down to this beautiful area, formed long ago from the breaking of a volcano’s cone and now filled with crystal blue water and ancient trees. The natural setting and waterfalls inspire one to be free and whole in one’s skin – breathing in the air of God’s creation and experiencing the sun on your back – what a wonderful world we inhabit.
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!
In their fourth collaboration, muse Hannah and photographer Jason Lee, a striking body paint photoshoot took place amidst the captivating landscape of the desert. Set against the backdrop of rare rock formations found in only a few parts of the world, including Idaho, the shoot offered a unique and visually stunning environment. Hannah’s natural beauty and artistic expression were enhanced by the intricate body paint, creating a mesmerizing fusion of art and nature. Both Hannah and Jason embraced the creative process wholeheartedly, resulting in a successful shoot filled with joy and excitement. Through Jason’s lens, the beauty of the desert landscape and Hannah’s captivating presence were immortalized, capturing the essence of their collaborative endeavor.
As usual, Hannah rocked this shoot and we had a blast doing it. It’s definitely been fun working with her.
During a summer shoot in a busy Boise park, Jordan’s confidence shone through the natural smoky lighting. Despite initial surprises, an encounter with a supportive onlooker, a pregnant woman who embraced nudity, added a pleasant twist to the successful river photoshoot.
Jordan has a great freedom and confidence that is endearing. This city park nude shoot was really fun. When Jordan got in the river, we met a nice pregnant lady who enjoyed watching our shoot. She was soaking her feet in the cool water and shared with us that nudity was so much more common and accepted where she grew up in northern Europe. She was glad we were out there taking advantage of a great afternoon.
Model Joy’s dream of a hotel boudoir shoot in a boutique suite became a reality with the help of photographer Jason Lee. Utilizing a connection to secure the perfect location, they embarked on a creative journey to bring Joy’s vision to life. Amidst the confines of the suite, they expertly played with light and dark, capturing moments of intimacy and allure. Through Jason’s lens, the result was a series of photographs that exuded elegance and sophistication, showcasing the beauty of Joy’s dream realized in every frame.
Joy had always wanted a hotel boudoir shoot in a boutique suite, and as she had a connection who could provide it, she asked if I would help bring her dream to reality. Here’s the result of a fun shoot working with confined spaces, playing with light and dark.
In a bold and creative endeavor, Jason Lee transformed Harlee’s presence into a majestic representation of a tigress. With intricate body painting, they adorned her nude form with striking tiger stripes, each stroke accentuating her natural contours and radiance. As her curls cascaded down to her shoulders like a mane, Harlee embraced her role with fierce elegance and grace. Through Jason’s lens, the fusion of Harlee’s untamed spirit and the raw power of the tiger came to life, creating a captivating visual narrative that celebrated the beauty and strength of both woman and beast.
Harlee has a great intensity to her. It’s matched by stillness and calm – like a tigress.
EmH made a remarkable debut in modeling during a photoshoot under a concrete bridge by the river, brilliantly captured by Jason Lee. The diffused light bouncing off the sand accentuated her features, highlighting her natural beauty. Despite being her first time, EmH’s artistic sensibilities shone through, delighting Jason with her adeptness, leaving a humorous tale to be shared in person.
There’s a funny story with this shoot, but it’s best told in person. The way the light diffused under the bridge, as it bounced off the sand, was just outstanding! I love how it bounced in her eyes and highlighted her features. Even though this was her first time modeling, I couldn’t have been more pleased with how adept Em was. Maybe it’s because she’s also an artist?
Model ErinK joins photographer Jason Lee to explore an enchanting one-lane bridge over a serene river during golden hour. Despite the bustling surroundings, Erin’s professionalism shines through, complemented by her infectious laughter and radiant smile, creating a memorable shoot amidst nature’s tranquil beauty.
Erin and I went and checked out this amazing old one lane bridge over a little river. It was golden hour, but boy was the area busy! She was a pro and has an infectious laugh and smile.
Jason Lee
Erin’s thoughts?
I feel so liberated in my own body! 10 out of 10, I recommend!
ErinK
Here’s a video interview I did with Erin. Her smile is so beautiful!
MODEL / Hannah PHOTOGRAPHY / JASON LEE INTERVIEW – CHAPTER I
“[Modeling nude] is the most powerful thing to do.” – Hannah
Discover the empowering journey of Hannah, shared through intimate conversations with photographer Jason Lee. Delve into her experience overcoming personal battles post-sexual assault, reclaiming confidence through nude modeling. Explore themes of vulnerability, self-love, and societal perceptions in this compelling interview series.
Hannah is a treasure. We have worked together on several occasions and on the drive out to our most recent shoot, I got to ask her a few questions and she agreed to allow me to record our conversation and share it. She wanted to share with me about how the experience of shooting nude with Genesis Modeling and Photography has helped her overcome personal battles following sexual abuse. It was a long conversation and so we’ll break it up into a few chapters. We talk about some heavy topics, so if that triggers you, be forewarned. Hannah and I were privileged to shoot together on multiple occasions and this interview is excerpted from an audio-recorded session.
Jason Lee
Here are some excerpts from our interview:
Jason: Can you describe how shooting nude helped you after being assaulted? You called it something like “taking back who you are?“
Hannah: I think after [the assault] happens you kind of lose a sense of yourself, and you just kind of think like, okay, well if that’s all I’m really going to be used for, then maybe that’s all I’m only meant for…. It sounds kind of pitiful I guess, but at the same time, it’s like I went through something and came out basically feeling broken.
And so to be able to gain that confidence and vulnerability back in a good way, it’s just, it’s such a relief-feeling to know that you can still love yourself after that happened to you. That it was not your fault. And I think a lot of people that are victims of those things blame themselves, or they’re like, well, what if I just didn’t go to that party? Or what if I just didn’t have that drink? You know what I mean? And it’s being comfortable again with your body. Like literally, I could just never look at myself naked. It took so long for me to be to do that.
J: Why do you think that was?
H: I felt like it was my fault and I was stressing: how did I let that happen to me? And then I had to realize like a lot of things are out of my control and that I didn’t choose to have that happen. I needed to let it “break you or make you.” I told myself that it’s fine to have the grieving process, but you have to get on your feet sooner or later.
One of my friends is a rape victim as well. And it’s just crazy to think like how often it happens. And then when it happens to you, you reach out to other people and you find out that’s happening a lot more. It changes your perspective, I guess a little bit. So you don’t feel so alone.
J: So by sharing your story, embracing community, it gives you power over…
H: Yeah. It’s basically like, OK, you took that part away from me, but you’re not going to take away the rest. Like you’re not going to take me away from myself. Yeah, for a moment, you tore my identity apart, but now that I found out who I am, again, it’s like, you can’t touch me anymore.
If I can embrace nudity in a non-sexual way, then it’s like, what else is there to see? I think it’s very empowering for us to embrace being comfortable naked.
I think a lot of people are very immature and I admit that I also struggled with insecurity for sure, especially after what happened. I thought no one would ever look at me the same way if I told them what had happened. But being able to look at yourself in a better way – being able to see yourself naked pushes you to realize that it doesn’t really matter how the other people think. It’s how you feel about yourself.
J: Do you think that rape is more about the physical or about the emotional?
H: I think it’s definitely both. Personally, I feel like every rapist, even if they don’t want to extend it, they definitely feel remorse for what they did. Although there are some people that don’t feel that emotion like that, but I think the majority of people do understand that their actions cause pain. My rapist – He tried reaching out afterwards, like after a month and apologizing, but honestly, I just didn’t really want to hear it. I appreciate him understanding that what he did was wrong, but I don’t want any communication of that because it was his choice to do it.
I think people that feel the need to do that didn’t get the love that they needed growing up and they searched for it in the wrong way. They don’t get it from the ways that they’re searching either, because they go out and hurt someone and take away their happiness.
J: How do you think that society contributes to the environment of allowing or promoting rape?
H: I think it should be harder [on rapists]. So I think there’s the legal part where a lot of people that rape don’t get in trouble. It’s very rare for a rapist to go to jail, or anyway for a long time, or a real reprimand or consequence for their actions — whether it’s a female or male, you know, it can come from both ways. So I think that because of the way you view community and sex and stuff like that, like if you go onto like porn sites, a lot of it — it’s very rough — like not what real sex is. And I think people that don’t experience healthy ways of experiencing sexuality and nudity and being subjected to nudity very often have a difficult time distinguishing what’s right and wrong when it comes to sex. I think society play a huge part in that though. Especially now, if you go on social media, it’s all about girls’ bodies. Like it’s never about like personality or who they are, which might sound cheesy. But like, I feel like nowadays people shop for girls — or men as well — like it’s very subjective.
And I think society needs to do a better job at allowing helpful nudity. So I feel like if we subject everyone to more nudity, I don’t think [sexualizing] nudity would be a huge thing anymore. Like rape would still happen obviously, but I don’t think it would be as severe as it is now.
J: That brings up an interesting question to me: Does sharing nude photographs on social media help people see more normalcy of nudity to you? Or does it add into that shopping culture?
H: I think it definitely depends on how the nudity is being portrayed because you can take two different types of nude photos. You can make sexual nudes, or you can take artistic nudes. Like a girl eating a banana while wearing lingerie is likely insinuating something there. But like, for example, your photo of me, nude near a waterfall, definitely not sexual, it’s just nude.
You know what I mean? Like there’s a difference between sex and nude. And I think we have a hard time distinguishing that in society. And as soon as they see a naked person, they’re like, Oh my gosh, sex, that’s the first thing we are taught to think about. But instead, why, like, why do we think that way? Why can’t we think of it as just like an art form? And I mean, that’s what it is. We’re all born naked.
J: How did seeing yourself in the photos adjust your outlook?
H: I think a lot of what follows after sexual assault, is a lot of shame. And guilt. And I just wonder, like, why me? To get over that, you just really have to be vulnerable again with yourself. Like I literally never thought I’d be able to look at myself naked again, after the whole thing happened. And then like doing that shoot, I was like, why am I so scared? Like, I’m not going to die if I’m naked. Like nothing bad’s gonna happen!
J: What do you think the mental switch was?
H: I think I just stopped. Like I just stopped allowing my past to determine who I am as a person and as my future. I just allowed myself to embrace who I was and it just felt so good to just be who I was again. And being naked at our shoot was kind of like a turning point for me. I don’t know if it’s the vulnerability aspect or like having the ability to be in a safe place and feel that emotion as well and not be scared. It’s just a really great feeling.
J: Any closing thoughts?
H: I want more people to shoot nude! I don’t know why people don’t just go for it when considering a nude shoot. You know? Honestly, like it’s scary at first, and then when you do it, it’s just like the most powerful thing to do. And it’s just, why was I scared in the first place? It’s like not even worth being afraid about. It’s like everything worked out great. And you learn to love yourself again. 100%.
Enduring a chilly and windswept morning, Janna G and Jason Lee embarked on an adventure to North America’s largest sand dune. Despite the harsh conditions, Janna’s resilience shone through as she delivered a deeply moving performance, channeling the raw emotions stirred by the rugged environment. Her heartfelt response to the shoot— “They turned out AMAZING!”— speaks volumes about the success of their collaboration. Through Jason’s lens, the beauty of Janna’s strength and the raw power of nature were immortalized, creating a series of photographs that captured the essence of their unforgettable adventure.
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 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.
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.
In a spontaneous turn of events, Megan, who had accompanied her friend Ellie on a shoot with Photographer Jason Lee, embarked on a memorable shoot together. Amidst the natural beauty of the outdoors, they embraced nudity with a sense of freedom and connection to nature. Despite the smoky skies from nearby forest fires, the resulting images exuded a captivating moodiness, adding depth to their experience and creating stunning visual compositions.
Sometimes a model’s friend will decide to tag along on a shoot. This was one of those occasions and, as often happens, both girls end up in front of the camera! Ellie and Megan and I had such fun on this shoot. It’s just great to experience nudity in nature, just as God intended.
After months of occasional online correspondence, Dineka and Jason Lee finally align schedules for an unforgettable shoot. Despite living hours apart, Dineka’s impromptu New Year’s Eve visit to Boise provides the perfect opportunity to capture stunning images amidst the snow-covered landscape. Their collaboration amid the winter wonderland yields truly epic results, immortalizing the magic of the moment through Jason’s lens.
We got to shoot in the snow! Can you say epic? Check out this behind-the-scene snow cartwheel below! Dineka is a brave, fun and gutsy lady!
