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.
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%.
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.
In a poignant collaboration, Jason Lee embarks on his first “Trash the Dress” shoot with model Crystal. Amidst the backdrop of grief, Crystal bravely utilizes the session as a form of therapy, allowing Jason to capture the raw beauty of her emotions. Through the lens, they explore the cathartic journey of processing loss, demonstrating that love triumphs over pain. Crystal’s vulnerability and courage shine through, leaving a heartfelt imprint on the photos captured during this deeply meaningful experience.
It was such a blessing to be a part of this trauma-healing experience. Have you used art to process emotions?
Jason Lee, renowned for his love of capturing the fluid beauty of water, documents Gabby’s inaugural shoot—a momentous occasion where she boldly embraces her nudity amidst the aquatic splendor. Despite initial apprehension and teasing from friends, Gabby fearlessly immerses herself in the experience, recognizing her nakedness as a vital aspect of her persona. Through this transformative journey, she not only discovers a newfound courage but also cultivates a deep sense of self-acceptance and empowerment. With each splash, Gabby’s resilience shines, embodying the harmonious convergence of water’s captivating essence and her blossoming confidence.
Water is essential to our lives… and I love shooting in it! The way it moves, reflects, balances, enhances… I just love it! Gabby was absolutely spectacular. I’m so thrilled that she pressed through adversity to make this moment hers.
In the serene embrace of nature, model Kinsey and photographer Jason Lee embark on a peaceful nude shoot, capturing the beauty of the human form amidst the tranquil surroundings. For some, anonymity is preferred, and Jason respects their decision, ensuring a safe and comfortable space for expression. Despite the inability to show their faces online due to social reasons, Kinsey and others like her remain undeterred, their courage and commitment shining through in every frame. Through their collaboration, Jason and Kinsey create a series of evocative images that celebrate the beauty of anonymity and the freedom of self-expression in nature’s embrace.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. There are always ways to accomplish a beautiful artistic nude shoot, even if everything can’t be shared publicly.
Jason Lee’s photography session with Brigette becomes a testament to navigating emotions through art. Despite years of scheduling attempts, their shoot finally aligns on a rainy day. Undeterred by the downpour, they embark on a wet hike to a steamy river location. However, Brigette’s unexpected decision to remain clothed instead of proceeding with artistic nudes poses a dilemma for Jason. Faced with disappointment and disillusionment, Jason confronts his emotions, ultimately choosing to embrace the day’s somber atmosphere as their thematic backdrop. The resulting images encapsulate the raw intensity of their shared experience, inviting viewers to connect with the emotional journey captured by Jason’s lens.
Standing there dripping wet — after setting aside a full day to shoot and planning this off and on for three years — I wanted to give up. Honestly, I was feeling a lot of negative emotions. I like to use this shoot as an example sometimes of how you can work through your own emotions as a photographer through art. The effects of the gloomy day were working on both of us, so we decided to use those powerful emotions as our theme. Can you feel it in the images?
In their collaborative session, KT’s professional yet enthusiastic approach meshes seamlessly with Jason Lee’s vision, yielding captivating art. Amidst the warmth of the sun and the cool embrace of the river, they craft moments of beauty. KT’s suggestion to play in the mud adds a playful twist, infusing the shoot with spontaneity. Lee adeptly captures this blend of professionalism and playfulness, resulting in photographs that exude both artistry and joy.
The sun was warm, the water in the river was refreshing and KT and I made some beautiful art… It was so fun to capture the inner child in the last set as she frolicked in the muddy river bank. 🙂
Completely captivated by the liberating experience of her first shoot with Jason Lee, Magon eagerly seizes the opportunity for another session. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she embraces the prospect of further exploration and self-expression through Lee’s lens. With a newfound sense of confidence and excitement, Magon embarks on this next chapter of her photographic journey, ready to delve deeper into the realms of artistry and vulnerability. Their collaboration promises to be a continuation of their shared creative journey, marked by moments of discovery, growth, and uninhibited expression.
It was such fun working with Magon again. In this session, you can see how comfortable and safe she has become with me and with herself.
In the presence of Jason Lee’s lens, Katie’s spontaneous action unfolded like poetry. With a simple gesture—stepping away, dropping her towel, and walking towards the river’s edge—she transformed the ordinary into something magical. In those fleeting moments, time seemed to slip away as they immersed themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. Through Lee’s photography, the essence of those captivating hours was immortalized, a testament to the ephemeral yet profound moments shared between photographer and muse.
And just like that a couple of magical hours went by in a flash.
In Jason Lee’s photography session with Monica Blue, the absence of clothing transforms into an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. Monica embraces the notion that without the barrier of clothing, the body itself becomes a canvas for artistic adornment. With a playful spirit, they explore how accessories can enhance the natural beauty of the human form, turning the shoot into a whimsical and liberating experience. Through Monica’s confident and carefree attitude, Jason captures a series of images that celebrate the joy of embracing one’s true self and finding freedom in self-expression.
Monica is so fun! She had me rolling with her antics and what a beautiful athletic form!
To photographer Jason Lee, Breane’s ethereal presence amidst the lush ivy instantly evokes imagery of a modern-day Eve in the Garden of Eden. Her natural beauty and grace exude an otherworldly allure, reminiscent of the innocence and purity associated with the biblical figure. Against this verdant backdrop, Breane becomes a symbol of timeless beauty and primal connection to nature, captured with reverence and admiration through Lee’s lens. Their collaboration transcends mere photography, unfolding as a poetic exploration of humanity’s eternal quest for identity and belonging in the natural world.
We should all be so free as Breana. Humanity would be better off if it chose to think the thoughts of Eden.
In a playful exploration of the absurdity of modern swimwear, Jason Lee takes a bold approach with Dee, painting on a bikini rather than relying on traditional garments. Embracing the notion that bikinis essentially mimic the skin they cover, Lee challenges conventional norms by eliminating the need for fabric altogether. Through this unconventional choice, Dee’s natural beauty shines uninhibited, stripped of societal expectations and constraints. Lee’s daring creativity transforms the ordinary into an avant-garde statement, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries of fashion and self-expression.
Bikinis are basically painted on, so why not just ditch it? The human body needs no covering. It is wonderful and perfect without any false modesty.
