If the idea is intriguing, contact me by e-mail or by telephone and let's talk about it. There is never any pressure and I never try to "talk you into" posing. The sessions are always in private, with only a makeup artist or light specialist sometimes present, depending on what we are doing, and even that is very rare. You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone with you to be present during the session (for your first shoot especially.) A chaperone is always welcome in the studio/on location during the session, as long as he or she is not distracting (it's hard work and I have a short attention span, to be quite truthful). IMPORTANT NOTE: I reserve the right to end a session before completion if there are too many distractions from your appointed chaperone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions of new models

What is an art photography session like?

The sessions are usually a lot of fun, and are pretty relaxed and casual. It is work, though! I have found that many new models are nervous at first but don't want to stop by the end of the session as they are having too much fun. There are breaks in the action to relax and change the pace and I often have music playing during the session. No, not Barry Manilow. ;)

What age should I be?

If you are under 18, your images aren't worth much to me because of publishing restrictions. Although it is perfectly legal to photograph minors in nude non-pornographic images, it does create hassles. I will only photograph models under 18 under very specific circumstances (not the least of which is parental consent.) If you are under 25, it pretty much depends on how mature you are in a working environment. You must be able to provide a photo ID to be photocopied at the session. Aside from that, age is not really important. Some models have been 17 or 18, others have been in their 40's and 50's and older.

What should I look like to be one of your models?

If you have a proportioned figure and at least somewhat attractive face, (thin and flat is not a problem, nor is very curvy), then I am interested in you. And please don't think that 'somewhat attractive' means 'super-pretty.' I find almost all facial types very pretty and for many art sessions the face is minimized anyways. I'm interested in real women, all flaws included. I'm mostly interested in the average model; a girl you could meet just about anywhere. A perfect body isn't at all necessary, although if you have a flawless complexion and supermodel body you certainly won't be turned down for consideration either. Every potential model has a place in my art. Things like surgical scars, birthmarks and minor scrapes and bruises can all be worked around so they are not a problem.
Experience is not a factor. I have photographed highly professional models and rank novices alike. Many of my models are volunteers who I photographed nude for the first time; who after seeing part of my collection, decided they wanted to be included. To date, not one has ever regretted the shoot. I'm interested in personality and motivation far more than in appearance. I want you to really want to do this! I am also looking for very *unusual* models in terms of body type, modifications (tattoos, piercings, etc), unique racial characteristics and so on. If I can ever find an amputee midget willing to pose nude I would shoot them in a heartbeat, because they would be the ultimate "unique" nude. My work is non-sexual and non-erotic, so 'sexually attractive' is NEVER a consideration for or against hiring a model.

I'm interested in posing, but am concerned about being nude in front of someone I don't know.

This is an easy one. Either don't do the shoot or feel free to bring a girlfriend with you as a chaperone/bodyguard. I don't like keeping an eye on strangers in my studio while trying to do a shoot, but I understand the need to have a friend along for beginning models. I DO NOT generally allow male chaperones. (There are a few RARE exceptions to this rule, but it MUST be discussed in advance.) Not because I am a pervert, but because inevitably men get upset (if they are a significant other) or they want to offer up a host of ideas that most often are not within the scope of my artistic vision.
Your guest will be welcome in the studio/on location during the shoot, as long as she is not disruptive or distracting to either of us. (I/e: asking unnecessary questions, raiding my fridge, etc.) A photo shoot is business and hard work, not a social activity. I promise you will not be unnecessarily touched during the session. If your hair, a hand or foot for example, needs to be adjusted, I'll tell you what needs to be done. If for some reason I need to adjust a hand or foot, or hair, or make a slight adjustment in an article of clothing or fabric or your torso, I'll ask your permission, if I can't verbally direct the pose. There is nothing sexual about the shoot! Besides, I'm firmly convinced that all of the women in the world know each other. If I had a single "incident," then within a few hours every woman on the planet would know about it and I would be out of business by the next week.
A list of references from over 400(!) different models is available upon request. There are also references on my Model Mayhem page.

What if I discover, after starting a nude session that I'm too embarrassed and decide I really don't want to do it?

It's not too much of a problem... Let me know ASAP that you are unhappy. We will stop immediately and delete the images, but let me know your feelings as soon as possible. The last thing I want is for a model to feel embarrassed and have regrets after doing a session. After the shooting session is completed and we have spent an hour or two of our lives shooting, it's too late! I mostly shoot on digital these days, so deleting images isn't really a problem (or a waste of money), but it is a waste of my time and yours. I have been known to remove images of models YEARS after the session when they have moved on and decided they want to forget that they ever did nudes, but I don't make a habit of it. If you have any fears of doing a shoot, I would strongly recommend that you don't do it in the first place. My art is on permanent display in many galleries and museums worldwide, so these images are forever.

What if I am uncomfortable with a pose?

There are two ways of being uncomfortable: Sometime the poses are physically uncomfortable, because of stretching into some contorted positions for some of my more unique angles When that happens, let me know and we'll take a break so you can work out stiff muscles, or just relax for a few minutes. Sometimes a pose is uncomfortable because of the nature of the pose. In my studio, the model is always in charge of how she is portrayed in an image. If you feel a pose I suggest is too revealing, or too explicit, (which is rare, I assure you) just let me know and I'll explain what I am doing and what the pose is about. If you are still uncomfortable with the pose, then we simply move on to something else without any argument. I want my models to be pleased with the session so they will want to come back as well as tell their friends about it.

Suppose after seeing the pictures, I am uncomfortable with a pose. I may feel it is too explicit.

First off, my art is NEVER the explicit type, like you see in men's magazines, as I specialize in the non-erotic, non-sexual nude. But sometimes an image may come across as semi-erotic due to your pose, camera position and so on. Before the images are on display at any show, you will have the opportunity to review them. At that time, if you believe a specific pose is too embarrassing to you, let me know and I will strike through it and not use that shot. Remember, since it is your likeness in the photo, you are the boss. I believe you certainly have the right to control how you are shown. When viewing the images, this is the time for that decision. After final enlargements and prints are made, it's too late to reject a specific image. As stated above, I am willing to work with models about certain images even years after the fact, but I'm not in the habit of chopping my portfolio every time you get a new boyfriend. (See next question.)

What happens if after the shoot, my boyfriend or husband is unhappy and wants the pictures destroyed?

This may be art, but it is also business. If there is someone important in your life who may object, I strongly suggest you discuss it with them before doing the shoot. That's a problem you need to work out in advance. If it is likely to be a problem for you, please don't do the shoot. Once the shoot is done, then it is done. I invest a substantial amount of my time, energy and money in these sessions and can't throw that away. It is up to you to work out any potential domestic problems in advance. There is a reason you sign a release form, and no amount of threats from an irate boyfriend is going to get me to remove images. Please, PLEASE work out any potential problems long in advance.

Where is your work displayed? (AKA: Will my dad, pastor, etc. ever see these photos?)

The answer to the first part is easy: My work is displayed in full on my online portfolio site (UniqueNudes.com) but "Level 2" membership to view the images is required and that is only granted to models, photographers & artists, plus a *few* select fans. Selected images from my works are available online for sale from my website as well as on my deviantART store. I also show at galleries and museums worldwide, and my books are sold in major retailers such as Barnes & Nobels, Borders & Amazon.
The second part is a little more difficult. Because of the nature of my work, it is often displayed in password protected websites and age-restricted rooms at galleries. So it is somewhat difficult for somebody to just "come across" my images accidentally. But it can happen. If you are the shy type, we can work out display restrictions in advance, especially if your shoot is a Private Commission. (More on that later.) With regular modeling shoots, however, I cannot promise that someone you might object to seeing your images isn't going to see them. If it is going to be a *major* issue, don't do the shoot. As one of the world's leading nude photographers, many MANY people are aware of my work and even mainstream magazines have done interviews with me that displayed some of my images.

Do you shoot non-nude/fashion/clothed images?

Not really. I can shoot some to help you build a portfolio, but it is not my strong suit. There are far better fashion photographers out there than me. I am usually willing to trade some "regular" images for a nude shoot, but I make no promises on the perceived quality of the results.

How do I arrange a session with you?

Call my cell phone, or better still, e-mail me. If you e-mail I can have your contact info on hand and be able to refer back to it. I prefer a photo attached if you have one available, and/or a brief description of yourself. Contact info can be found at the bottom of this FAQ (last question) before the "New Model Questionnaire."

Where do the sessions take place?

My equipment is portable, meaning we can take the shoots at my studio, your house/apt, outdoors or anywhere else you feel comfortable. I pride myself on unique nudes, which often means unusual locations. My commercial photo studio (The Rorschach Complex) is in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, but I am not opposed to traveling within reason. (For me, "within reason" is pretty much L.A., Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino counties. I will travel to Ventura or San Diego as well depending on how badly I need a model's "look.") If we're doing studio work it is in Colton, CA right at the 10/215 interchange.

I'm a nude dancer or other entertainer and may need photos for my own publicity.

No problem. Let me know and we can arrange usage. Several dancers have had me do their PR images due to my unique approach. Shared Copyrights are not an issue if discussed in advance.

Can you get me into Suicide Girls?

Oh boy. I get this question a lot. Five of my models now have gone on to become Suicide Girls and I have shot some SG sets. However, working with me does not guarantee they will accept you, nor am I totally comfortable with their very restrictive contracts for both the model and photographer. However, if it's your major goal in life to become an SG and be featured on their site I can probably get you started in the right direction.

What's in it for me?

No one is asked to donate their time. Remuneration is available in a variety of forms. But remember, this is for art and there are no corporate clientele like in advertising or commercial shoots. Limited pay is available, but you won't be able to retire on this pay rate. 99.9% of my work is TFCD with 50% of print profits to the model, FOR LIFE. This means: no money will trade places either direction at the initial shoot. (I/e: I don't pay you, nor do you pay me.) You will get all of the images on a CD for your own use. In addition, ANY prints that sell, forever, you will get 50% of the profits, as royalties, for the rest of your life. IMPORTANT: If you are one of those models who believes she is worth "Playboy Style Nudes: $150.00 per hour, 3 hours minimum" GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. Although there are a few models who have made *thousands* of dollars in a single evening at a good gallery show, an average model makes between $50 and $500 per quarter (every 3 months.) This can add up quite a bit over time.

I would love to have pictures of myself for me or as a present for my guy, but wouldn't want them to be published.

That's easy, don't call me as a model, instead contact me for a private commission. You would be surprised how inexpensive some great personal photos could be. For my clients, I offer a written guarantee that no prints will ever be made without your express written consent. As a client, the photos will be as conservative or as naughty as you like. It truly depends on how wicked you feel, as I am not constrained by my own artistic limits when you are the boss. My studio is available for private commissions as well, and often times for MUCH less than you would expect.

Will I need to sign a release form?

YES. All models and private commissions are required to sign an "agree to hold harmless" waiver / release of your photographic session, once the session is complete. You may opt to check various parts on the form which limit the future prints of your session (if at all) and details regarding internet use. The form is a way of protecting both of our legal rights. A text copy of the release form is available on this site from the main menu.

I'm interested. How can I contact you?

By e-mail or by telephone. My e-mail (which I check quite often, usually more than ten times daily) is info(at)uniquenudes(dot)com. My cell phone (which is usually with me 24 hours) is 909-519-4456. Noon to Midnight (PST) is the best time to reach me, 7 days a week. If I don't answer, leave a voicemail message with your number or e-mail and I'll call you back or contact you as soon as I can. Usually I will send you a model questionnaire with a request for a nude or semi-nude photo if you have one. This is not because I am a pervert collecting photos for my personal collection! I need to match your body type to possible shoots I plan on doing. Your photo, along with the questionnaire, goes into a small printed database which doesn't leave the studio. A copy of the questionnaire is included below, so if you are particularly ambitious and want to work with me right away and/or be considered for any upcoming projects, copy it to your e-mail program and send it to the address listed above. (Subject: Model Questionnaire)

I hope you like my work and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Richard Rasner

Nakayama Studios/Unique Nudes New & Potential Model Questionnaire

Please cut and paste this questionaire in to your e-mail program and fill out the following items as completely and accurately as possible. When you are done, e-mail it to the address listed below. Be sure to attach a photo if you have one.

PERSONAL/CONTACT:
Full name:
Stage name or nickname (if applicable):
Contact information (phone/e-mail):
Date of Birth:
City of Residence:

WORK INFORMATION:
Are you comfortable with full nude shots as long as they are artistic?
Are you allergic to anything? (pets/food/fabrics/paint)
Are you comfortable doing scenes with other models (female/non-sexual)?
What is your ethnicity?
Would you describe your skin as light or dark?
Are you nipples/areolas pink or brown?
Does your pubic hair match your head hair or are you clean shaven?
Have you posed nude before (Professionally or for a loved one)?
Do you have any body piercings (other than ears) or tattoos?
Do you have any major scars or stretch marks?
Do you have any Noticeable birthmarks, moles or other markings?
What is the feature of your body that you are most proud of?
Is there any feature you wish to minimize?

PHYSICAL/EXP:
Be honest --
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Bra size:
Waist:
Hips:
Would you describe your body type as normal, petite or large-framed?
Modeling experience: (Amateur, semi-pro, professional)?

Optional --
OMP (One Model Place) #:
Model Mayhem #:
Other Web Portfolio/s (deviantART, Musecube, etc):

Lastly, you MUST attach of a nude photo of yourself to the e-mail ; it need not be professional. I will settle for a cameraphone picture of yourself in the bathroom mirror provided it gives me a good indication of your body type. I am pretty sure 99% of the world owns a webcam, camera phone or digital camera at this point. A link to a modeling website with nude photos is acceptable. Please include a password if it is required to view the nude images.
NOTE: I am not a pervert collecting photographs. This is for my model database so I can match a name/body to a face when deciding on who to use for future projects.info@uniquenudes.com
-- R.