This array of definitions, terms and limits are often applied to the work of a particular photographer or model. To make things clear I have provided a list of definitions for the various forms of "nude" posing. There is always some blurring between categories. The term "Figure Study", many beginning models do not realize that this usually means the same thing as "Figure Nude". You should assume unless told otherwise that a photographer who wants to do figure studies is going to expect you to be nude or wearing any clothes.
When models are hired for pay, as you go up this list, the rate generally increases accordingly, although not for each category - for instance, the first four are typically at a comparable rate, then the next three, then the next two, although the model may or may not do any particular item in each category. "Naughty bits" is a generic term which is itself subject to some interpretation, but generally includes the breasts, specifically the nipples and everything from the top of the hips to the top of the thighs, on both sides. The definitions are written from the model's point of view.
- Implied Nude: The Model keeps his/her clothes on, but pictures will be taken which don't show any clothing, implying that the Model is not wearing any.
- Hidden or Covered Nude: The Model is not wearing clothing, however pictures will be taken with some sort of opaque drape or prop (possibly including my limbs) covering a given area including naughty bits.
- Sheer: The Model is not wearing clothing and will allow pictures to be taken in which naughty bits are somewhat visible through a translucent material, the exact opacity of the material to be negotiated.
- Semi-nude: The Model is not wearing clothing and will allow pictures to be taken in which breasts and possibly buttocks are visible at the same time as her face. Note that this does not go by volume of skin exposed, as a model wearing a bikini is a lot closer to nude than a model wearing a catsuit with the naughty bits cut out, but the first isn't even semi-nude and the second probably equates to at least "nude" on the rating scale.
- Artistic Nude: The Model will pose for pictures while not wearing any clothes if they are interestingly framed, strangely posed, or oddly lighted so as to not look like just pictures of a naked person. The use of light can sometimes be use to give less focus to body parts.
- Figure Nude or Figure Study: The Model will allow pictures to be taken in direct lighting while not wearing any clothes, but the expression will be neutral while wearing little or no makeup so as to make clear that this is a figure study and not meant to be provocative, erotic, or otherwise non-serious.
- Nude or Casual Nude: The Model will allow pictures to be taken casually posed, full-body pictures in direct lighting not wearing any clothes.
- Erotic nude: The Model will assume provocative expressions and allow pictures to be taken which draw particular attention to naughty bits and allow pictures to be taken while engaging, or suggesting that he/she is about to engage in a sexual action.