Nudity in public and how video producers get away with it
Being naked in public is a fetish that is appreciated by many but practiced by few. It can be a freeing, fun and sexy experience for sure – but it does run some risks due to the illicit nature of the act. The good news is that you can get away with it if you know how to prepare. Here’s how some video producers do it.
#1 Know Your Location
The easiest way to an issue-free public nudity shoot is to know where you are and take note of your surroundings. Scout your location before the shoot and take note of the surroundings, possible quick getaway routes, coverup spots, etc. It’s best to go during the time of day you want to be there (see #3).
We’ve shot public nudity in parking structures, parks, rooftops, alleys, hotel hallways, and sidewalks. Each location has its own risk profile. A parking structure at 6am on a Sunday is very different from one at noon on a Tuesday. Know the foot traffic patterns and plan around them.
#2 Be Discreet
Most people aren’t expecting to see butt-naked asses in the middle of the street while they’re on their way to work so keeping it low-key is the way to go. Hang out in the car until the time is right. Don’t draw attention to yourself with big camera rigs, lights and crew. Travel light and only get out the things you absolutely need to make your art.
We shoot public nudity scenes with one camera, handheld or on a small gimbal. No tripods, no lighting rigs, no reflectors. The goal is to look like two people taking photos, not a production crew filming a scene. The less gear visible, the less attention you attract.
#3 Early Morning Is the Best Time
There are much fewer people out during the early morning hours and everybody has their work-blinders on. You would be amazed at what you can get away with in broad daylight sometimes in the early morning hours.
The sweet spot is usually between 5:30am and 7am. Early enough that foot traffic is minimal, late enough that you have good natural light. Golden hour (the first hour after sunrise) also gives you gorgeous warm light that makes the footage look incredible without any additional equipment.
#4 Bring a Lookout
It’s a really good idea to have at least one person dedicated to watching for trouble. Trouble comes in many forms – cops, grandmas, pervs, mailmen, etc. Keeping a pair of eyes watching everything else but the scene is a great way to keep it under wraps.
Our lookout has a simple job: watch the perimeter and give a signal the moment someone approaches. The signal needs to be subtle enough that it doesn’t look weird on camera if the performer hears it. A cough, a specific word, whatever works. The moment the signal goes, the model covers up and we look casual until the coast is clear.
#5 Bring a Coverup for the Model
It will save you more time than you think. There are a lot of reasons that the model will need to cover up quickly. A robe that slips on fast is ideal. A towel works in a pinch. The key is that it needs to be within arm’s reach at all times, not folded in a bag in the car. Seconds matter when someone rounds a corner.
#6 Know What Happens If You Get Caught
This is the part most people don’t think about. In most places, public nudity for artistic or expressive purposes is handled differently than indecent exposure with intent to offend. That said, we’re not lawyers and local laws vary wildly. Some cities are surprisingly lenient. Others will hit you with a citation fast.
In our experience, the vast majority of encounters with bystanders are either amused or indifferent. People see someone naked, look confused, and keep walking. The times we’ve had to deal with someone upset, being polite and packing up quickly has always resolved it.
With police, cooperation is everything. We’ve been approached by officers exactly twice in over a decade of shooting. Both times we explained what we were doing, showed that we had a willing adult performer, and were asked to move along. No citations, no drama. Being professional and respectful goes a long way.
#7 The Performer Has to Be Comfortable
Not every model is up for public nudity, and that’s completely fine. The performer needs to actually want to do it. If she’s anxious, rushed, or uncomfortable, it shows on camera and defeats the purpose. The best public nudity scenes come from performers who find it thrilling. That excitement reads as confidence on screen and that’s what makes the footage work.
We always discuss public nudity scenes thoroughly during pre-production. The performer knows exactly what’s planned, where, and what the contingency is if something goes wrong. No surprises on set.
If public nudity is part of your fantasy and you want it produced professionally, describe your concept on our request page. We have been shooting these scenes for over a decade and we know how to make them look amazing while keeping everyone safe. New to custom videos? Read your very first custom video for the full rundown, or see what happens on shoot day to understand our production process.
