I knew I was going to have to be naked.
'Great' is not the thing I was thinking.
When you know you are going to be naked for photos there are a few things that go through your mind. The sag of your stomach is one of them. No matter how big or little the sag is. You also don't want to wear any clothes that are tight when going for the photos, because you really don't want those nasty elastic lines on your skin. I also decided not to eat breakfast, but by 11 am was feeling rather faint (not a suggestion I recommend).
When I got there I was thrilled when I was told that I was allowed to keep my knickers on, which is a great start, I just had to roll them down as low as possible - phew.
My trusty photographer got snapping away and told me to close my eyes as the flash is very very bright and she had quite a few poses she wanted to snap me in.
All was going not so bad until:
"Could you please raise your breasts with your hands so I can get an image of the skin underneath."
Don't you just love getting old.
A couple more poses; side on, right leg bent, palms outwards, hair back, etc etc and I was good to go.
My body has now been mapped out with every freckle and mole that it contains, from the soles of my feet to the tips of my nose. All to make it easier for my dermatologist to keep an eye on the garden of spots that my body seems to grow. With skin cancer in Australia so ridiculously high, people like me with super white freckly skin need to be extra cautious, and nude photography is all part of the plan to ensure none of those little freckles turn kamikaze and try to take me out.
Ever been starkers in front of a camera?
I'll be getting examined soon I think. Steve has just been told he has a skin cancer (removable, although it might have spread, we're not sure yet) so it's hit our radar in a "we'd better look after ourselves better" kind of way.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly worth the embarrassment of having to stand naked in front of a photographer for a few minutes. Hope all works out ok.
DeleteI had mine done - and was terribly sunburned from being outside at the athletics carnival the day before - so embarrassing - more so than being naked!!
ReplyDeleteOuch - for the burn and the embarrassment.
DeleteBeing of Asian heritage, I've never really thought of doing this. That being said, have had more sun spots appear in the last few years so should really look into this.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, if you have managed to not get your skin burnt for most of your childhood, you are probably in a safer place than me.
DeleteThanks for sharing this. It's an uncomfortable thought, but getting nude to get checked is a reality for us here in Australia, especially those of us with pale skin. I think a lot of people push it back on the to-do list and while it's daunting, it's not all together terrible and it doesn't take too long. I would much rather get naked and live.
ReplyDeleteYes, Becky. A few minutes embarrassment is much better than being dead. Or having half my face cut off with a massive skin cancer.
DeleteVery brave and inspiring Claire. I am very pale as well and really need to have something like this done. Great reminder for all of us.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, living in the hotter climates makes this another item on the list of things in looking after yourself.
DeleteI had no idea what this was about very clever! Thank you for reminding me I must have myself checked also. I too am of the fair freckled type.
ReplyDeleteSarah@SnippetsandSpirits.
Us fair beauties must be extra cautious Sarah - get yourself naked and start snapping.
DeleteGood on you! I need to have this done. I've had the GP have a quick glance at a few moles here and there but I really need to have a thorough examination done like this. Thanks for the reminder :-) Mel x
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder! I really need to get this done and have been meaning to make an appointment all year. But things have been a bit busy here and I just keep forgetting. #teamIBOT
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't. I imagine it is like hearing your voice on a tape recorder though....yikes!
ReplyDeleteGosh, for just a minute there I thought you were FINALLY launching your career as a topless model.
ReplyDeleteNever, not for a minute, photographed starkers. Although, it seems like a very sensible thing to do now that I'm reading your post... x
Thankfully no I have never done that, and hopefully won't have to!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit I was waiting to see if you would be in a calendar any time soon. :)
Thanks for the reminder Claire. Yep, I'll have the experience of being photographed naked over skin cancer any day. I've been too complacent about this and with a family history like mine it's not worth mucking around with.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this before, but it's great idea. Anything to catch something before it turns is worth the embarrassment. If it were me I'd be sucking in all over the place!
ReplyDelete