How Important Are Pictures?

[RandBNudeInOregon]

In promoting a naturally nude and unashamed lifestyle, how important are wholesome, uncensored (including the face) photographs of nudity in recreation and daily living? What age groups should be shown in these pictures, or should all age groups be included? Would (or have) you ever published photos of yourself or allowed others to publish them? Do you have them, but keep them in your own private collection not to be seen by others, or do you not allow nude pictures of yourself to be taken (for personal or moral reasons)? Please answer these questions for me. Thank you!

[RandBNudeInOregon]

In promoting a naturally nude and unashamed lifestyle, how important are wholesome, uncensored (including the face) photographs of nudity in recreation and daily living? What age groups should be shown in these pictures, or should all age groups be included? Would (or have) you ever published photos of yourself or allowed others to publish them? Do you have them, but keep them in your own private collection not to be seen by others, or do you not allow nude pictures of yourself to be taken (for personal or moral reasons)? Please answer these questions for me. Thank you!

[Suntied]

I just have a small problem with the published part of your question. I've never had any on this site, yet if they were apropriate for this site, I would let them be published/shown (whatever that means) /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

The pictures they show on the INA "photoes of freedom" are all good because they depict the wholesomeness(sp?) of nudity as a recreation not a... what's the word??? Sexual thing!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Suntied /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Doug H]

I read the poll questions and answers. Unfortunately for question #4, no given answer fits me. I don't mind being photographed at a club or event, but I don't have any photos myself. I would be giving you a false and misleading answer.

Doug H.

[Bob S.]

Q1: I think it is more important for real-life examples to show how nudism can be fulfilling rather than pics. Pictures can only tell so much and when they are of strangers, can tell very little. It will take someone else to guide a new nudist into the lifestyle either in person or on forums like this.

Q2: If you are going to show pics of nudists engaged in activities, there should be no reason to limit them to a certain demographic. If the point is to show the nudist lifestyle as it is, the best thing to do is to show a basic breakdown of who is a nudist. Be they overweight, underweight, young, old, caucasian, asian, african, etc.

Q3: No, I have never had a nude pic taken of myself, at least none that I know of. My mother may have a picture of me as a baby sans clothing. /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

Q4: I agree with Doug on this one; it is too vague with the answers. Since I have no pic of myself nude, answers 3&4 do not apply to me. At the same time I don't think I am necessarily uncomfortable with it (although that is the answer I gave) nor do I think it is wrong. I eventually will have my picture taken while naked. My problem is that I don't find myself very photogenic and hate most pictures of myself so I may not like my picture, but I wouldn't mind getting one taken.

Bob S.

[RIVERRAT]

YES

The only one I had difficulty answering was the last one. I've taken nude photos of myself and shared one with the folks in this forum. Otherwise they stay in my computer. I don't show them to everyone--not that I would care, but some people would. My daughters certainly wouldn't want to see them and wouldn't want me to show them to my grandkids.

[Vin]

I guess I think pictures are important in showing that naturists enjoy all the same activities as textiles, they just do them sans clothing where possible.

That said, I had the same problem with Question #4 as some others. None of the answers really fit. I have some pictures that I would share with people I know and trust, but I'd be concerned about abuse and job/family repercussions of sharing them indiscriminately.

[FireProf]

We feel that the pictures that depict the true naturist lifestyle are good so that those that are concerned or apprehensive about the lifestyle can see normal people, couples, singles, families enjoying naturism.

We have pictures of each other. Most places we visit, we have our picture taken. We don't display them throughout the house. We don't have them hanging on the wall. Mostly because my wife is still private about our lifestyle with our non-nudist friends.

It's not as easy as we wish it could be to educate of explain why we love being nude or visiting nude venues, besides having to explain why we have nude pictures of each other. Most people are not like us, nudists, some just don't understand and I guess the easy way out is to keep it private from some of those we are friends with. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Jochanaan]

Several have commented negatively about Question #4, but nobody has proposed a solution. Here's my suggestion:

If I had nude photos of myself, I would:
1. Show them to the world.
2. Show them on naturist websites such as ClothesFree.com.
3. Share them only with friends and/or family.
4. Destroy them and sue the s.o.b. who took them.

No nude photos of me exist, except for one or two in the family photo album taken when I was about a year old. But if they existed, I wouldn't mind sharing them on web sites such as this one; I figure most of the people who visit such sites are serious about nudism or inquiring honestly, so there's a guaranteed friendly audience.

As for how important photos are, images of nudity have played an essential role in reconditioning my own mind to accept nudism. Yes, stories are important too, but photos of naturists in all settings are an essential element in the reconditioning process. It's especially important to show all ages, colors and body types, in both genders, so that inquirers realize it's not just for the "beautiful" people. (Where are the babushkas on the Holy Nature site? And why do we never see Mikhail Rusinov, the apparent founder? Sure, Uliana et al are beautiful, but most of the pictures reinforce a bad stereotype.)

[C]

I think that photos allow the new people (and even regular practicers) to get used to seeing the human form, especially in a way that isn't sexually suggestive.

I think it makes good practice for the new male nudist /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I found no problem answering the questions....and surprisingly answered the same as the leader on each question...at least at the time when I voted. You people who try to complicate the poll are just to analytical. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PaulC]

I too, find that I answered almost all of the questions tha way that most of you did. I think that is is extreemly important for people who donot understand our lifestyle to see that we are just ordinary people of all ages, sizes and shapes. One of the greatest things about being at a Nudist Club or beach is that everybody is equal, everybody is the same and our social positions or nationalities do not mean anything. To be nude in public you have to be a person who isnot afraid to show his or her true self and when you do that it stands that you are an honest and better person.

[scottnc]

Hi Everyone, I've been working long hours so I didn't see this poll when it came out - hope I'm not responding too late.

I know seeing nude pics of people doing everyday things helped me realize that nudity is not just for sex. The first nude pics I saw as a teen were of "beautiful people" in porn magazines. I'm not bad looking but I'm certainly don't have the perfect body. I'm sure I would have felt more comfortable with nudity if I'd seen pics like those on this site when I was a teen.

I don't care to have my picture taken clothed or nude, so I haven't posted any pics. It's just a personal preference. I have 2 sisters & a brother, and only one of us likes to have their picture taken.

[RIVERRAT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RandBNudeInOregon:
In promoting a naturally nude and unashamed lifestyle, how important are wholesome, uncensored (including the face) photographs of nudity in recreation and daily living? What age groups should be shown in these pictures, or should all age groups be included? Would (or have) you ever published photos of yourself or allowed others to publish them? Do you have them, but keep them in your own private collection not to be seen by others, or do you not allow nude pictures of yourself to be taken (for personal or moral reasons)? Please answer these questions for me. Thank you! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I personnally feel that this is a nudist/ naturist site, if you are, for whatever reason ashambed of your body, you don't belong here, this is a place of body acceptance, never be ashamed of what GOD gave you, get naked and live, never be afraid to let go and be nude, pictures are somewhat rare, for those of us who have pictures, we could care less about what others think about how we look, but accept who we are not how sexy or how attractive we are, in this site we should all be in the PHOTOS of freedom, strut your stuff, post your pix

[RIVERRAT]

I need to add to my my last reply, I have photos of me at a local beach, also at home, I don't hang them on the wall or put them up where all can see, but I do have publications, such as the BULLITAN from AANR, N from the Naturist society, skinnydipper ads, and the entrance to my game room has a sign posted at the entrance, "come as you are" "clothing is always optional", if any one wants to see the life style ,I have photos, and vidieos, I'm in some, the rest are professional. You ask, you get what you ask for. Iam not ashammed. As for posting a photo here, the more the better, There are thousands in the "photos of freedom", posting in this site, I have three photos posted here, who cares, you call yourself a nudist, you hang out in public nude, someone has your nude photo, DAH, why worry, you have no idenity here, but even if you do, I assure you if you are photographed in public someone knows you. I guess now you'll just stay home. NOT!!!!, fear not if others want to see you nude and you are out there, they already have your pik.

[Riverrat II]

Pictures are great. I do not even have wedding pictures, after 43 years. Got married at a Justice of the Peace, with a small group at my inlaws. Never been camera persons. Our photos are mostly of our Cats and Dogs. Must change though, we have a new grandaughter. Only one grand person! Our daughter and husband are inveterate naturists. It certainly shows in the little person. Hates clothes! Her first year was bonding au naturel to the bodies of au naturel parents and grandparents. This is what nature intended.

I too am a riverrat! Far smaller, the Fox. I am the old guy that swims naked every night all summer. I love the night in the river. Often, people return on their party boats and jump in too! Sans that constricting itching stuff. The freedom is infectious. Even in daylight, a lot of bares are on the boats , with a wary eye for the cops. Times might be a'changing!

For at least half of my daily sojurn on the planet, I wear nothing. Retirement looms! The half will go up substantially. First thing will be an endless pool in the basement.

Had a few crabs from nearby uptights about our exercise room. Some gawkers! Between the shades and windows.

[Trevor2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FireProf:
We feel that the pictures that depict the true naturist lifestyle are good so that those that are concerned or apprehensive about the lifestyle can see normal people, couples, singles, families enjoying naturism.

We have pictures of each other. Most places we visit, we have our picture taken. We don't display them throughout the house. We don't have them hanging on the wall. Mostly because my wife is still private about our lifestyle with our non-nudist friends.

It's not as easy as we wish it could be to educate of explain why we love being nude or visiting nude venues, besides having to explain why we have nude pictures of each other. Most people are not like us, nudists, some just don't understand and I guess the easy way out is to keep it private from some of those we are friends with. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I grew up in a time when there weren't many cement swimming pools. For a time I lived close to a YMCA where there were two hours of coed swimming on Saturday afternoon for us poor kids. None of us could afford swimming suits. We swam mostly in the ponds and creeks. My folks would let my brother, my best friend, and me play naked in our bedroom, but that was our limit.

I presently live with my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and twin grandsons age 10. We are talking about going on a vacation to a nude beach. We've never been out of the house naked. Although my grandsons enjoy the freedom of not having to wear clothes around the house, they are at an age where they don't think any other kids their age live their lifestyle. They think there won't be other kids at the beach. 99% of the pictures at INA are adults. 100% of the posts are older teens and up. I would like to see more pictures of families so that my twin grandsons will realize they aren't the only ones out there. I am going to encourage them to write a post to INA so that maybe some younger nudists will write them back.

But I definitely know that pictures would help them realize they are not isolated.

[Trevor1]

My grandpa said I should write and ask my question.

At our house, grandpa, grandma, mom & dad and my brother and me never wear clothes. My grandparents and mom and dad say that a lot of other kids don't either. My brother and me are 10.

They want to go to a beach called Gunnison beach for a vacation. My brother and me don't want to get there and be the only kids there.

Are there other guys our age that don't wear clothes when they don't have to?

Hi Trevor1,

I'm a grandad myself. I've seen kids of all ages at the nudist resort where I go. I've never been to a nude beach and know nothing about them. There are entire families that live in nudist resorts. That's what I hope to do this year after I retire.

Try it once at least. Once you're there and nude and enjoying yourself, it may not matter if you and your brother are the only kids your age there. I went to a nudist club once where I was one of the youngest ones there at age 55, and I felt out of place. However, I hate clothes and love being nude. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[RIVERRAT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Riverrat II:
Pictures are great. I do not even have wedding pictures, after 43 years. Got married at a Justice of the Peace, with a small group at my inlaws. Never been camera persons. Our photos are mostly of our Cats and Dogs. Must change though, we have a new grandaughter. Only one grand person! Our daughter and husband are inveterate naturists. It certainly shows in the little person. Hates clothes! Her first year was bonding au naturel to the bodies of au naturel parents and grandparents. This is what nature intended.

I too am a riverrat! Far smaller, the Fox. I am the old guy that swims naked every night all summer. I love the night in the river. Often, people return on their party boats and jump in too! Sans that constricting itching stuff. The freedom is infectious. Even in daylight, a lot of bares are on the boats , with a wary eye for the cops. Times might be a'changing!

For at least half of my daily sojurn on the planet, I wear nothing. Retirement looms! The half will go up substantially. First thing will be an endless pool in the basement.

Had a few crabs from nearby uptights about our exercise room. Some gawkers! Between the shades and windows. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Rat II from Rat I, would love to meet you some day, I am retired and naked all the time, sometimes push the envelope, big time, probably those around who think it's a litle grose, we'll see when they get old, AMEN brother

[RIVERRAT]

Oh By the way RatII, please don't jump into my grave,Ive been here awhile and love this place, if you check back, I've made my mark, most are OK with me, some arn't, so join up or be aware. You from what I've seen, you seem to agree with me. but taking on the name rat, could be a problem, welcome, RAT II. Enjoy, Great site..

[Bob S.]

Trevor the elder, I might suggest that you get into contact with some clubs that are in your area. Try www.aanr.com (http://www.aanr.com) AANR's homepage and click on the clubs link on the right hand side. From there, you can search for an area near where you live.

Even better is a site called Friends of Gunnison http://hometown.aol.com/foghornnj/myhomepage/index.html
their email addy is foghornnj@aol.com
You might ask them about the general demographic of the regular beacgoer as well as maybe even getting in contact with some falmilies with boys around the same age as your grandsons. In fact, that is what you should do, explain to them that you would like to know of any other families with children in their age group to meet at Gunnison.

Good luck.

And Trevor the younger, depending on when you go there, it is doubtful that you will be the only kids there. It is a very popular beach and just as you would see many families at a regular beach, the same would go for a nude beach.

Good luck for you, too.

Bob S.

[RIVERRAT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Trevor2:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FireProf:
We feel that the pictures that depict the true naturist lifestyle are good so that those that are concerned or apprehensive about the lifestyle can see normal people, couples, singles, families enjoying naturism.

We have pictures of each other. Most places we visit, we have our picture taken. We don't display them throughout the house. We don't have them hanging on the wall. Mostly because my wife is still private about our lifestyle with our non-nudist friends.

It's not as easy as we wish it could be to educate of explain why we love being nude or visiting nude venues, besides having to explain why we have nude pictures of each other. Most people are not like us, nudists, some just don't understand and I guess the easy way out is to keep it private from some of those we are friends with. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I grew up in a time when there weren't many cement swimming pools. For a time I lived close to a YMCA where there were two hours of coed swimming on Saturday afternoon for us poor kids. None of us could afford swimming suits. We swam mostly in the ponds and creeks. My folks would let my brother, my best friend, and me play naked in our bedroom, but that was our limit.

I presently live with my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and twin grandsons age 10. We are talking about going on a vacation to a nude beach. We've never been out of the house naked. Although my grandsons enjoy the freedom of not having to wear clothes around the house, they are at an age where they don't think any other kids their age live their lifestyle. They think there won't be other kids at the beach. 99% of the pictures at INA are adults. 100% of the posts are older teens and up. I would like to see more pictures of families so that my twin grandsons will realize they aren't the only ones out there. I am going to encourage them to write a post to INA so that maybe some younger nudists will write them back.

But I definitely know that pictures would help them realize they are not isolated. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I can relate to your passion for being nude, Iam nude as much as I can be, my grand daughter used to love to hang out nude at my house, but do to a devorce she now is ashammed of being naked, this is her mothers choice and I don't feel I have the right to dispute it, Maybe when she gets older, it is sad for her as she did like being naked and now finds it offensensive.

[RIVERRAT]

I have completely gotten away from the subject here, our pictures here are just that, I have posted a picture in the forum and photos of freedom. First of all who is going to pay to see you naked at this site, and if they do, who cares. Ive said it in this forum and elseware, if you've been nude in public, someone has your photo in your altogether, don't be so nieveve, to think there are no camera's on that beach or whatever. You have been photographed, maybe by me, I take my camera to the beach. How else could I say yah, I was there. Leave the paranoiua(wow sp) behind, don't be affraid to be naked as you are. Pictures are just that, don't let them give you grief, If they turn up, either say no, thats not me or say yah, look great don't I.