Client request for nude commission

[Chris Saper]

Dear Morris,

I think I would approach this client the same way that I might approach any client: try to understand how she want to have her image conveyed, what she might have in mind, what of her physical appearance (no difference, face or body), she likes best. You might offer the option of shooting true nudes as well as more "boudoir" images.

I don't think you should worry about what her husband thinks, as long as she is happy, he will be, too ( or regret saying otherwise). I also don't think you should worry about where it might hang. If she is happy with the painting, she will be sure to show it to others.

What I do think you should think about is the non-refundable down-payment you require when you take the photos. This I say from personal experience. Some years ago I wanted to do the same thing for my husband. When I saw the photos I was aghast! I thought, "Who is that woman and what is she doing in my living room!?" I decided not to go forward with the commission. While I think I could trust myself to know how I would want my figure to be perceived, I just wasn't sure that a middle-aged male painter, no matter that he was very highly skilled, could udnderstand what I would want from him.

Just a brief reminder about the Forum's No Nudes policy, regarding the posting of nude images. You might take a look at some of Pino's semi-clothed images which are very lovely. I will hunt for a link later today.