Self-Portrait Series #3

As a model and photographer specializing in nudity among nature, I've definitely found that certain seasons are better for working outdoors.  Can you guess which?

If you answered "spring and fall," you'd be correct!  Well, at least in my opinion, anyway...

As you can imagine, shooting outdoors in any kind of temperature extreme isn't appealing at all.  I recently detailed my experiences working with a photographer during December in freezing conditions, but I've also found temperatures at the other end of the spectrum to be just as bad.

Summer months bring heat and humidity to my part of the world, in addition to the sweat that comes along with it.  There's also an increase in insect and plant life during these warmer days, which adds to the risks of exploring the woods while naked.  Getting bug bites or poison ivy is not fun - both of which I've had the unfortunate experience of learning firsthand!

For these reasons, I've found the best time of year to shoot outdoors is during spring and fall.  Specifically, the first month or so of each, while temperatures are still comfortable and mild.

The previous two entries in my "Self-Portrait Series" were both shot in fall 2022 during early November while the weather was still warm enough to make outdoor nudity possible, but cool enough so as to not sweat during the process.  I've tried a few times to head out during the summer to shoot, but between overheating and the bugs, it never turns out well.

The series of photos I'm sharing today comes from my first trip to the woods this past spring, during the first week of April 2023.  The cold of winter had lifted and I was itching to get back out and take some new photos.  As soon as I had the opportunity to head out again, I took it.

It's always a little bit of a learning process when I resume taking self-portraits, especially when it's been a few months since the last session, but luckily it all comes back to me pretty quick.  You'll probably notice my skin tone is a bit lighter than when I have a tan and I'm not quite as lean as I was previously - both the result of being stuck indoors all winter and enjoying myself during the holidays.  As mentioned previously, I'm by no means a professional model and don't find it realistic to be "camera ready" at all times.  Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the photos and the fact that there is a real, live human behind them, flaws and all!

See below for a ZIP file of all 12 photos if you'd like to download them.

Please note, I'll be sharing these photos elsewhere in the future, but for the time being, this series is a Patreon-exclusive download available as early access for subscribers only.

I hope you have a great start to your week!

- Michael