The Nude Nude Photographer
Laurie Jeffery is a photographer of nudes based in the United Kingdom. However, unlike a Spencer Tunick, he himself has always been nude whilst taking the photographs. We interviewed Jeffery about his art.
Nudist Day: When did you start nude photography, and when did you start shooting nudes whilst being nude?
Laurie Jeffery: I started shooting nudes when I was still at secondary school. As part of an “A” level qualification I wanted to work with a classic subject and one that would really test me, so I decided upon the female nude. As I remember I was 15 at the time. Being so young and at school, it wasn’t easy to find a model. But I ended up with 5 girl friends who wanted to help and the project got me an A grade. I started shooting whilst being nude myself at the same time.
ND: Is nude photography how you make a living?
LJ: Yes, I sell my nudes online and to publishers. I do still work as a director of TV programs, but nude photography is my primary means of making a living.
ND: We saw you maintain several sites related to nude photography as well as a blog. How do you find time for all this?
LJ: It’s not that hard. People I know tell me that I work very hard indeed, but it never feels like that for me. I find shooting as instinctive as breathing; and shooting nudes is my calling. As for the websites, they are made easy for me as I use very good computers, Apple Macs.
ND: We noticed you published nude pictures of your daughter. Photos of naked minors are a touchy matter these days. How would you respond to those who would criticize you for doing just this?
LJ: It’s a pity that in our society we have such taboos about nudity. This seems to be just another not-very-well-thought-out one to add to the list. As it happens, this is the first time this point has been mentioned. I’ve never been criticized for sharing the happy times I spend with my family.
ND: Your wife, Vicky, appears to be like-minded. Was she introduced to naturism by you?
LJ: I met Vicky when I was 19 at University studying for my degree. Again I needed models for a fashion project I was working on. I put up a rough poster in the fine art department. Vicky and a few of her friends turned up for the casting just for fun. A short time after, I asked her if she would pose nude for me and she didn’t hesitate. Since then, being naked is just a part of our life together. Yes, we are like-minded. And good friends as well.
ND: How do models generally react when they find-out the photographer will be nude? Has there ever been a model that felt uncomfortable that you were also nude?
LJ: To date every model I have worked with has been more than happy. I asked Leigh, who has modeled for me while we were both nude, to answer this question. She said, “Laurie had such an easy and relaxed manner when we worked. The fact that we were both nude during the shoot added to my own comfort. It was very fun, very natural.”
ND: What, in your opinion, are the elements of a great nude photo?
LJ: There are many–lighting, composition, etc. But it’s not only about the photography; not by a long way. The best work always inspires a sense of communication between the model and viewer. It’s a truly beautiful thing.
ND: Where, in your opinion, is the line between an erotic nude and an artistic nude?
LJ: Quite simply, the line between an erotic nude and an artistic nude is drawn in the mind of the viewer.
ND: Tell us about some of the publications that have included your work, as well as any galleries that exhibited your work, or are slated for the near future.
LJ: Gosh, there are so many. Magazine articles and covers include: Elle, Vogue, Cosmo, Red etc. I’ve done exhibitions in London, New York, dozens of books and book covers. Actually, don’t bother with this one–it sounds like I’m boasting.
ND: Does it ever bother you that it’s likely a lot of men view your photos and videos with an interest other than artistic?
LJ: Yes and no. The fact that people are seeing my images is a good thing, I hope. I choose to focus on the considerable feedback I get from viewers telling me that my work is stimulating and inspiring in many positive ways.
ND: Would you call your web sites a labor of love as opposed to a means to an end?
LJ: Both, but only 60/40. It is a labour of love for sure and it is also a means to an end. But honestly I don’t want it to end. Know what I mean? So much of the reward in what I do comes from the process and the experience.
ND: What are your plans for the future?
LJ: Keep working. Keep promoting nude art. Keep promoting naturism.
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