How they compare
Life modelling varies a lot between classes and groups, so treat that column as typical rather than fixed. The photography column describes a shoot with us.
| Aspect | Life modelling | Photography with Cesare House |
|---|---|---|
| What you do | Hold still poses while a group of artists draw, paint or sculpt you. | Be photographed as you are, at the level of nudity you've agreed. |
| Who is there | Usually a room of artists, plus a tutor or organiser. | Usually just you and the photographer. You can bring a chaperone. |
| How long | Varies by class. Sessions are often a couple of hours, with breaks. | Two to three hours, at your pace. |
| Where the work ends up | Usually with the artists. Drawings and paintings are sometimes exhibited or sold. | In a limited-edition printed book. Not online unless you agree to a specific image. |
| Pay | Set by the class or organiser, and varies. | £120 per shoot, paid on the day. |
| Experience | Some classes prefer experienced models, and many take beginners. | None needed. |
Life modelling
A life model poses for artists, usually nude, at an art school, college or life drawing group. A session often runs from short warm-up poses of a minute or two to longer poses held for twenty minutes or more. The artists usually keep their drawings, and models are rarely named.
To become a life model, the usual route is to contact local art schools, colleges and life drawing groups and ask whether they need models. Many advertise locally, and many are happy to take people with no experience.
Nude photography modelling with us
We photograph real people, not professional models, for limited-edition fine art books. Before the shoot there's a short video call and you sign a model release, which you can add your own conditions to. You choose one of five levels, from no nudity to erotic imagery, and you can go lower at any point on the day.
A shoot takes two to three hours and is paid on the day. You get at least three edited images and free prints of the eight photos of you that appear in the book. The full detail is in your first nude modelling shoot and how we work.
People who do both
A few of our models also do life modelling. They tend to be people with a reason for it, often that they've become confident in their bodies.
Common questions
Is Cesare House a life modelling agency?
No. Cesare House is a photography studio. We don't run or book life drawing classes. We photograph real people for limited-edition fine art books.
I'm a life model. Can I apply?
Yes. A few of our models also do life modelling. Being comfortable nude in front of other people can make a first shoot feel easier, but you don't need any experience to apply.
How much does Cesare House pay?
Riding Solo shoots pay £120 per person and Sunday Morning shoots pay £120 per couple (or the local-currency equivalent), paid on the day. The Inside Out add-on pays an extra £30. We never charge participants anything.
Will my photos appear online?
No. Photographs taken for a book appear only in the printed book. We only share an outtake online if you give us permission for that specific image.
What is life modelling called in the US?
In the US it is usually called figure modeling or art modeling. It means the same thing: posing for artists who draw, paint or sculpt you.
We shoot in the UK, the US, Europe and Australia. See where we shoot, or read is Cesare House legit?