Tag: photographs

Posing Bare #4 and Dilemma!

A bare stare!

A selfie with a complete view of his being bare! The response to the Posing Bare series here on ReNude Pride has been both rewarding and surprising for both Aaron, my spouse, and me! Originally planned as simply a two-post segment for January, 2025, it grew and developed beyond our imaginations! The results energized us both to expand the series; Aaron now is addicted to finding new photographs/prints to add to his collections.

Today’s offering is focused on the “selfie” – self-photography that increases in popularity with personal phone usage – and some issues resulting from selfie posing. Selfies present their own challenges but they do involve “fun” while posing! The fun continues after posing when sharing the images with acquaintances and friends.

A facial selfie!

Today’s offering is focused on the “angle-pose” (our term to describe the pose which includes the face plus enough of the body to show nakedness). Aaron’s selection of the selfie is based on the ever-increasing number of selfie photographers, especially within the bare practitioner community, even though cameras remain “officially” discouraged if not outright banned from the majority of clothing optional facilities and properties.

The prevalence of the cell phone with its camera in our current society is causing many of those stalwart camera opponents within the naturist/nudist world to threaten the growing number of cell phone proponents. This situation isn’t resolving itself amicably. Soon, one of the two groups will demand the wearing of clothes as a just punishment! Seriously, I am being facetious here but who knows?

The differences of opinion between the two groups have not reached the conflict level at this time. However, hostilities can erupt without any warning!

A tongue becomes involved

The facial features obviously enhance and enrich the distinction this type of appearance contributes to both the audience that views the photo as well as the subject/photographer. It adds “personality” to the image that otherwise would possibly be routine. It adds quality of life and allows the viewer to question the thought processes of the selfie creator!

We chose the recommended pose for today because not everyone, even the most enthusiastic and seasoned bare practitioner is entirely comfortable with their male anatomy being publicly featured. The uncertainty of where the pictures will be shared enters into the concern and it is a valid consideration. This particular pose that is featured is popular but one of the most difficult to capture as a selfie.

It is a complexity to achieve the angle and depth to exemplify the nakedness of the subject and the completion of the pose itself. The discretion of the subject increases the appeal of this particular pose while simultaneously delivering the message of being bare without being blatant!

The selfie-style photo within arms reach provides the user with immediate image taking choices, while at the same time it does offer some restrictions. It limits the options available and it also reduces the depth and expansion of the pose. The inclusion of the face along with the image removes the possibility of bare body freedom.

The wearing of glasses in general, sunglasses in particular, presents the possibility of reflections being visible to viewers. Being aware of this may be reasons for abandoning any visual enhancement while creating selfie images.

Lounging!

The use of a tripod or a unipod with a camera device mounted resolves some of the limitation challenges encountered with selfies. The tripod offers options that expand both depth and nakedness being featured in the images. The only caution is the self-timing ability and returning to the intended pose. An often unmentioned advantage is the fact that all unwanted pictures can be deleted!

Tripod advantage: depth and body visibility!

The use of a unipod and/or tripod helps to expand the range of selfie photography and offers options for capture. It also enables the appearance of acquaintances, family and friends in the images. This expands the subjects and allows an increase in the posing possibilities. These improve the messages and the situations the photos convey to viewers.

A note of warning: any support that you provide for your camera also increases the “background” likely to show in any pictures. Keep in mind what may be visible to your viewers!

Posing options!

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The Dilemma!

Disappointment!

My spouse, Aaron, and I were both equally excited about the upgrades that we announced this past Friday here for ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! We were eagerly awaiting the reactions, both bad and good, to the home page! However, since last Friday, it has been disappointment and frustration all the way.

The deletions of some of the secondary pages here was denied. Some of the photo “widgets” were unable to be deleted and a new “header” image was denied.

I have tried for several hours during Saturday to amend and/or to substitute the intended alterations. Nothing seems to work towards our satisfaction.

Therefore, it appears that for at least now, the revised Home page here is what is already visible.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 18, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Great and Holy Easter, 2025!”

Stories!

Dancing bare and proud!

When viewing images from the past, especially the ones of family and friends, the sharing of the event or the occasion for the picture is often as entertaining as the photo itself. Laughter and memories are compatible and fun – particularly when recalled among those we love and respect! The good times are always happy and pleasant when shared!

From the early 1950s!

There are a countless number of pictures – forgotten then found, lost then rediscovered and/or misplaced then reclaimed that are available with secrets waiting to be revealed. The images ignite our curiosity and fuel our imagination; unfortunately, the story – the truth – is not a reality that we know. The chances of us ever knowing the identities, the situations and the stories decline every year that passes by. However, that doesn’t reduce the impact the pictures create!

Sharing a kiss, late 1940s!

Yet as unknown as these photographs may be, they all have a story to share. A myth to erase, a fact to prove. In there very own way, every surviving image from the past is a seed for the tree of “what-is-real!” Maybe not as blatant and obvious as the two men above, but still important and valid in their own way!

Together post-World War II!

Subtle comfort with smiles and cautious contact. Learning to have confidence and trust in one another in a world that doesn’t always welcome familiarity and friendliness. For the subjects captured in these photographs contained with this posting their identities and, sadly, their personal stories are no longer available to us. However, these images remain, and these glimpses present to us a tale of courage, of life, of perseverance and of hope.

Smiles, 1950s!

Despite the bias, hatred, ridicule and scorn these persons encountered, they managed to survive for another day. For a majority of them, that was an accomplishment worthy of note. They were judged based solely on their race – not ability, industry, knowledge, skills or talents. The colour of their skin determined their place in society.

A summer afternoon, early 1960s!

At a time when their attraction to others of the same gender was viewed as depraved, evil and unnatural, they managed to continue with life. Their discarding of clothing and other forms of artificial covering was seen as heathen and provocative, they overcame the marginalization and thrived.

The pretense of isolation did not deter them as they discovered that they were not alone in their attractions and desires. There were companions, friends and lovers who accepted them for exactly what and who they really were!

These photographs of actual people and what they represent become an important aspect of Black history in the USA. They are proof that lives and situations existed that too often were deemed inappropriate or irrelevant to the African-American experience. Yet the evidence still survives and somehow, the story gets told.

An historic mid-1960s kiss!

For years, the African-American community denied the very existence of a Black homosexual culture and a Black nudist culture. They were both seen as depraved and disgusting behaviours that had no place within the African-American experience. White people may act that way, and perhaps they had corrupted a few Blacks to behave that way, but that was it.

These pictures may not share with us the message originally intended. More than likely, we’ll never know that historical reality. But these pictures do convey to us the story that both nakedness and same gender love was both alive, real and a part of life for many African-Americans throughout history.

Our appreciation and recognition of the stories that these photographs relay to us remind us all that the roles that we have in telling our own stories. The quick look that we afford the future of our lives provides for them all a memory of what life was like “in our day!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! February, 2025!”

Purpose?

Heartfelt!

There have been times in our lives when we have looked upon a picture and wondered: What is the meaning of this? Either the subject or the actual photographer (or perhaps both) are communicating but…what is the message?

Is he bidding farewell?

Is he expressing sorrow?

Gratitude?

Remorse?

Humility?

Sometimes, communicating using body language (expressions, body positioning) is very similar to using sign language (the communication language for us Deaf persons). Body language may not have the grammar and syntax that sign language does but both are visual instead of hearing.

Task:

With the popularity of today’s “selfie” photography, think of a message that you would like to convey to others. Consider your options for posing and then capture your pose in a photo. Share your images with friends – fellow bare practitioners if you posed naked – and ask if they understand your meaning or purpose.

Have fun engaging in your body language assignment!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Felipe: Tattoo Costume!”

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 3!

Interracial posing and touching!

GLBTQ+ Bare History Month: Breaking Bare-iers! Part 3!

Reference:

To view the previous two postings referred to with this being number three, please click onto the titles listed below:

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 1!

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 2!

Explanation:

In everyday vernacular “barrier” is often interpreted as a blockage, an impediment and/or a challenge that must be overcome. In today’s title, bare-ier, is intended to imply that we are breaking (destroying, eliminating, eradicating, removing) the perceived challenge to being bare (clothes free, naked, nude). ReNude Pride is truly one “safe space” for body and clothes freedom!

In the early days of photography, especially here in the USA, the segregation (legal separation) of the population by racial identity was not only widely practiced but in many states (especially in the south) was mandated (required) by law. This was based on the philosophy that prevailed throughout the southern states of “separate but equal.” In reality, the separation was strictly enforced and the equality was nonexistent.

All men, vintage and together!

Photographs from the early days to the latter third of the 20th Century rarely depicted interracial individuals in contact and congeniality with one another. The laws and traditions of the American society were observed and strictly followed. Few photographers and/or models had the courage to ignore the constraints and restrictions imposed by the mainstream population. The capture of these few people all together was extremely rare, and especially if they were completely clothes free and visibly engaged as legitimate equals!

However, after the end of World War II, the executive order of then-President Harry Truman, decreed the end of enforced segregation of the entire U.S.A. military, naval and air forces. Times were changing and a few photographers and their subjects came forward to celebrate this bold progressive measure. A significant number of those brave souls were from our “closeted” (secretive) community of same gender loving men.

Bare and unashamed!

The post-war world delivered everyone into a changing life situation. Allies during the war became enemies. Enemies during the war became comrades and the regimented structure of society began to lose some of the class-consciousness that held different people apart. Gradually, familiarity replaced judgment in personal interactions. The military abandoning the racial segregation – long considered a stalwart among the majority – opened the eyes of some with foresight into a glimmer of new possibilities.

The ideal of “it is our tradition” began to weaken as the notion of “let’s see what else we can do” grew in importance. Custom and habit no longer kept individuals tied to a repressive and restricted environment.

Bare boxing!

As the walls that divided different classes (socio-economic groups) of people began to slowly disperse, the eradication of separation between persons of differing ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds began to decline also. This change didn’t occur suddenly – it was an eventual shifting of bias, distrust and prejudices as the general society embarked on the slow, incremental process of enlightenment and evolution in a changing world order.

The late 1940’s soon became the 1950’s and economic, political and social change lost the incredibility and novelty it once generated. Colonial states moved towards independence and traditional authority concepts began to recede into obscurity. The long accepted practice of unquestioned following to the “status quo” declined.

Interracial embrace!

While these opinion and outlook shifts happened in the broader society, subtle opportunities appeared in the same gender loving world as well. Still largely illegal and isolated, small groups of “homosexual” (bisexual, gay and lesbian) persons carefully and cautiously emerged into the larger urban areas – still discreet and secretive but no longer totally isolated.

The 1960’s introduced public protests and general boycotts into the social change movement. African-Americans, women, immigrant farm workers and other minorities usually overlooked by the powered-few (white males) started their own campaigns for social acceptance and equality. The momentum for change gained strength and attention. In 1961, the state of Illinois repealed the illegality of the “homosexuals” – the first political jurisdiction in the country to outlaw the banishment and shame normally and universally thrown against the “social deviants.”

The seeds of change and progress were planted. By the end of the decade, on June 28, 1969, the lion started to roar and the march for equality and freedom for all same gender loving peoples launched itself!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 17, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Autumn Arrival!”

Bare Icon!

Naked painting nude!

Openly gay artist, Ainor Bagner, of Denmark – himself plainly nude – paints a fellow naked subject reading a book. The sexuality of the reader is unknown. Bagner was an admitted same gender loving man in an age that was hostile to those types of attractions and relationships. The clothing status and sexuality of the photographer is also unknown.

In the lower right-hand corner of the picture image is etched “1910.” More than a century ago. The photograph was made on the North Sea coast of Denmark.

A photographer from our past!

The artistic painter, Ainor Bagner, featured in the iconic photograph, was openly a gay man, then it is within reason to anticipate the same from both the subject model and the photographer. In the very early days of the 20th century, the tolerance for gay people was very restricted, even in a fairly progressive society such as Denmark (Scandinavia). The fact that this image survived all this time contributes to it’s historical significance.

Somewhat ironic is the fact that in the iconic photograph, a bare model is painted by a bare artist and that they are both posing on a barren (rocky) landscape. Bare – as opposed to barren – comfort and freedom for everyone!

The secondary image, above, is a vintage picture of a photographer posing with his camera on a ladder. This has no relationship to the Bagner photo except to represent the possible source of the image. This is not the actual photographer!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 7, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Waving Above Us!”

TIPS*!

Nature men at the nature trail entrance!

* = Totally Inspirational Photo Suggestions!

When Roger, my spouse, invited me to write another post for here, I knew immediately the topic that I wanted to address: a title page for a bare practitioners photo album. One that will prepare whoever is preparing to turn the page for whatever amount of bare bodies they are about to encounter! These are my ideas on some ideal eye-opening and tasteful images to employ!

The photograph (above) shows a group of nature (naked, natural) men congregating under a sign labeled: The Trails. Obviously, the entrance to a park nature trail. And all the men are identical (completely bare) and ready to explore nature naturally! The sign and the crew set the mood for what the album features: bare practitioners having fun, together!

The use of signage is always a good tool to convey meaning and content. Placing it on the title page of a photo album lets the viewers know what is following.

Same entrance, different view!

Sometimes, it isn’t always necessary to offer the humanity of us bare practitioners along with the signage. The offering below shows exactly what I mean!

Sign of caution at a clothing optional beach!

The simple wordage on the above sign makes sure all viewing the title page know what is pictured in this particular album – continue to peruse if you dare! What lies ahead is fully explained to everyone!

The simpler the message, the clearer the understanding!

With some signs, no detail is subject to confusion or misunderstanding. The above sample for the title page let’s everyone know for a fact that the album’s creator/owner is both without clothing and shame!

Justification!

The facts are displayed in full view and no more explanation is expected or needed. All of us like to feel comfortable – either individually or as a group effort!

Bare is fun for everyone!

A “fun and games” activity can be a fun game for everyone: observers as well as participants. Many of those watching secretly wish they had the courage to take off their clothes and join in the festivities. This subtle suggestion can offer a topic for all of those looking through the photograph album to explore!

Sunbathing!

Enjoying the sunshine on a summer day is a pleasant way to explore the benefit of nudity, especially when shared with a friend who gives support and has no qualms about being publicly naked. Sharing pictures such as this on the title page of a book of images is a reminder to others to try the same!

A bare cookout can be very appealing!

Food is another suggestion that can not only remind others of what lies ahead in the album but also capture the fun of clothes freedom and the experiences it provides. Some folks fail to recognize that clothing isn’t necessary to live life successfully!

Social issues!

A social concern expressed on the title page of a picture album – one that is freely shared with others – is a good method of making acquaintances and friends aware of some of the concerns facing our community and culture. It’s often a good way to educate others of our social issues that we have to face daily!

Nude photographer and nude subject: a perfect pair!

Another great title page example is one featuring a bare practitioner cameraman capturing a bare practitioner model. Our comfort with our nakedness is one of the many reasons most of us maintain a naked photograph album. The old saying: “a picture speaks a thousand words” is proven again to be true and valid!

The underlying purpose for this entry and the images here is to offer ideas and suggestions for everyone’s creative designs. Use the ones here or make your own. The important message is to inform all viewing your album’s title page is that full nakedness lies ahead!

Naked hugs!

Me recovering after posting this article!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: First, I want to thank Aaron for his composition of the above post entry here. Love you, man! The next article for here is planned for Friday, September 16, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Footnote Friday: News!”

Making Memories #2!

Posing bare, happy and together!

Posing bare, happy and together! A tribute to nude photography and all naked posers!

This posting here on ReNude Pride is dedicated as a tribute to all of us bare practitioners who take the energy and the time to share all of ourselves – without any guilt, regrets or shame – with others who look at our photo albums or our walls where we hang pictures! We know for a fact that there is absolutely nothing wrong or vulgar about being “as we are” – naturally! Our lives are honest and open so why bother with concealment and deceit?

Bare practitioner strolling together oceanfront!

Our comfort with our nakedness is not an aspect of perversion as much as it is a basic characteristic of our lives and our comfort level. For us, clothing and covering is a bother and an inconvenience. It may be required by law in public but in honesty and privacy, it is simply who we truly are! There is no reason for any discomfort, guilt or shame in enjoying ourselves clothes free!

“I like me better naked. I don’t mean that in a vain way…When you put clothes on, you immediately put a character on. Clothes are adjectives, they are indicators. When you don’t have any clothes on, it’s just you, raw: you can’t hide.” ~ Padma Lakshmi, Indian author ~

Unashamed tattoo!

Our man above wants to remind us all of his bold and proud assurance of his nakedness. He has the word “unashamed” in a tattoo in his groin area, just above his pubic hair. Good job. Nice work! Confess your confidence, man!

Some simple advice and thoughts on posing as a bare practitioner in today’s often chaotic and hectic world. Have fun and remember to smile for the camera!

We are all bare practitioners here (GLBTQ+ naturists/nudists) so everyone act, look and pose as natural as you feel. Be naked. Be proud. Be proudly nude!

First advisory:

There is absolutely no need to be ashamed or embarrassed over any part of your physical anatomy.

Sunbathing!

Second advisory:

Nudity is a significant aspect of our bare practitioner lives. Casual and close contact happens in life as well as spontaneous photography. Accept it and move along in happiness!

Togetherness!

Third advisory:

Sometimes, a “planned” pose enhances our life – and makes us all laugh. Remember: laughter is, after all, the best medicine!

Angelic pose!

Fourth advisory:

Natural reactions are basically just what they are labeled – natural. It is just a part of life, so just be normal.

Semi-erect photographer!

Just a few observations to pass along to everyone. With slightly less than a full month left in the Northern Hemisphere’s 2022 Summer remaining, grab your camera and your friends and Make Memories today!

FYI: My “dearly beloved” (Roger) has asked that I do another post in September. I’ve picked a subject and am already working on a draft!

Naked hugs!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: My spouse, Aaron, composed this post entry here today. Thank you, Aaron, for your effort! The next entry here is planned for Wednesday, August 31, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! August, 2022”

Making Memories #1!

Memory maker!

A salute to all bare practitioner photographers everywhere!

As we enter into the final half of the month of August, 2022, it is appropriate to acknowledge all of those of us who help the rest of us recall and ponder the wonderful events and friends that have made our lives so much fun! Thank you for enabling the cold and frigid days of the winter to become somewhat enjoyable and filled with fun and laughter and photographs of our bare times together!

Forward Notation:

I apologize for the confusion here. Last Friday I published today’s post entry as “Is Pride Necessary.” I had completely forgotten about today’s post entry as being already scheduled. “Is Pride Necessary” will publish this upcoming Friday, August 26, 2022, and once again, I regret the confusion on my part!

Natural photographer in nature!

I especially want to commend my spouse, Aaron, for all of his work with his camera in capturing the images of myself and our families and friends. They may not all be bare practitioners with the both of us, but they do liven up our photo albums at home! Aaron will author a post one week from today dealing with posing clothes free and creating a bare practitioner photo album.

Indoor photographer!

For the bare practitioner community, there is no mandate or rule that our photographers must be just as bare as we are. However, it is a common courtesy that in order to make everyone comfortable and relaxed, a naked camera operator is a welcome addition to any gathering. Her/his presence with a camera and without clothing encourages everyone to concentrate on the company and the purpose – taking pictures, posing and having a good time!

Ready to shoot: bare with camera!

Creating photographs and images while totally naked eliminates the distinction between the photographer (camera operator) and those being photographed (posers, subjects). All of a sudden, removing all clothing, everyone becomes equal and relaxed. A separation (clothing versus nakedness) is eradicated and is easily replaced by trust.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 26, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Is Pride Necessary?”