It’s time to let those clothes hit the floor, friends. We’re getting naked … seriously.
Well, not together (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Instead, we’re taking this from sexual to textual because we’re talking about all things nudes.
That’s right. Here at Sexual + Being, we understand implicitly the power of a fire pic that shows off all your ass-ets in tantalizing ways. And, now, we’re sharing our wisdom with you.
Whether you’re an all-star nudie taker or a beginner looking for some help from your SB digital hype squad, we are here to help. Let’s drop some trou and get sexy with it.
Understanding the basics
As a queer person who just left their 20s, let me tell you: I’ve seen (and shared, oops) many nude photos of (and with) potential paramours. Oh, I remember them dearly.
Like many younger queerdos, I’ve seen it (almost) all. From flirty to filthy, the range of photo positions and areas of focus has been … wide, to say the least. But we all have to start somewhere.
There are a few basic concepts to understand before letting it all hang out: what you want to showcase (are we thinking an ass-forward approach, or diving right into full frontal?), how you want to take your pics (think lighting, location, positions, and equipment), how are you storing them (password-locked storage apps are your friends!) and who they are for (a flirty new conquest or your long-term partner).
Chief among them is your comfort and safety. There are no successful nude photos that make you feel bad about yourself, your body, or what you’re craving sexually. Don’t let any partner tell you otherwise.
Be flattering … but honest
With the basics covered, let’s talk about how you position yourself uncovered in your full naked glory.
A word of wisdom to remember: We all have angles that we believe showcase our birthday suits with aplomb (or a-bum). Lean into what makes you look and feel your best. That said, don’t use camera trickery to alter your appearance or mischaracterize how you look. Let me tell you why.
The power of a successful nude comes from how YOU feel YOU look. If your goal in taking it all off is to present an inauthentic version of yourself to others, then we need to have a different conversation. It can harm your self-image and mental health if you’re getting sexual attention for a photo of “you” that isn’t who you are or how you look.
Trust me, been there. I get the temptation and, frankly, I understand the insecurities. But, as both a (former) sender and receiver of nudes that don’t match the person, it can sully the sexuality and lead to some, including yourself, feeling a level of deception. No, thank you!
Plus, let’s be real: you’re sexy as hell just the way you are. All bodies deserve to be showcased, lusted after and craved just as they are.
Focus on feeling the fantasy
Not all nudes are equal, or taken for the same purpose. It’s just science, honestly.
Some may be for your spouse or long-term partner(s). Some may be for that new special someone you’re dating. Some may be just for yourself. Heck, some may just be for that guy on Grindr or your loyal and adoring OnlyFans audience. The options are endless!
Whomever they’re for, it’s important to tailor them for your (and their) unique fantasy. We love a mirror pic, duh, but what are you really trying to convey here? Think about the text around the pic, the time of day you’re sending it, what you’re wearing (or not wearing), and the ultimate goal of sharing it.
This also includes making a moment out of taking the nudes themselves, too. Throw on that one song that makes you feel sexy, play around with angles and live into your own personal Playboy centerfold shoot. Why not, right? It’s not brain surgery here, it’s sex and photography!
The full fantastical picture around your nude makes the entire experience more fun and definitely more sexy, so don’t be afraid to be present and try out new approaches. The only thing worse than a bad nude is a boring one. Those are words to live by!
When to send (and not to send)
We have to state the obvious here: there are risks when you share a nude photo of yourself with strangers, full stop.
A disgruntled partner may share with their friends or, in extreme and very illegal cases, may use that nude as a weapon against you. This is not to scare you but to share a dose of reality. It also doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. Moreover, we hope this serves as a reminder to be aware of those risks and to trust who you’re sending photos to.
It may be advisable to send your photos on social media apps that allow for times viewing experience a la Snapchat or Instagram DMs. That can give you the spice of nude-sending with less of the long-term risk of them living someone’s phone forever.
And, above all else, only share nudes if you’re comfortable. Again, it’s the “you” show in those pics and not everyone needs a ticket for admission.
Leveling up the experience
So, now you’re ready to push some boundaries? We know just the things that can help you turn up the heat even higher.
The natural evolution of sexy pics is … sexy video! If you’re feeling comfortable and frisky, there may be some opportunity to shoot some video as you capture your pictures. We’ll let your mind do the creative brainstorm here as to what exactly these videos entail but feel free to get steamy. You may even feel comfortable jumping right into a video call for a live show, or capturing content IRL with your partner included.
Beyond video, you may want to go audio-first and put in the sexy work via voice memos. Whisper sweet (or kinky) nothings into your partner’s ear from the comfort and safety of your own home. Or, alternatively, maybe leave sexy notes for them to (safely) find throughout the day. Don’t underestimate audio and text stimulation.
The choices are all yours and they are endless. Choose your own adventure and explore.
Well, there you have it. It’s time to push you baby birds out of the nest and have you take the reins of your nude-filled destiny. Godspeed and happy humping, friends!
For more sexual health resources, please visit sexualbeing.org.
Ryan Carey-Mahoney
Ryan Carey-Mahoney is a writer and LGBTQ advocate based in Washington, D.C. A journalist at heart, he's worked in digital strategy for over five years and has yet to turn down an opportunity to proofread. Talk to him on social media (@thegoodcarmah) about bi+ visibility, politics, and Beyoncé.
