Trust & Consent
Nothing should happen as a surprise
Trust is not created by words alone.
It is created by the way a session is prepared, by the way we speak beforehand, and by the way boundaries are respected during the work.
Before any session, we talk clearly about what is possible, what is not possible, and what should remain private. Nothing changes during the session that has not been discussed before.
There is no hidden expectation.
There is no pressure to continue.
There is no need to prove anything.
A good image does not require pressure. It requires trust.
No Surprise Policy
This is one of the most important principles in my work:
Nothing happens at the session that has not been discussed before.
If we begin with portraits, we begin with portraits.
If we speak about fabric, atmosphere or form, we define what that means before the session.
If something feels uncertain, we slow down.
If something does not feel right, we do not continue in that direction.
The artistic process should feel alive, but never unpredictable in a way that makes you unsafe.
You stay in control
You can say no.
You can pause.
You can ask questions.
You can change direction.
You can decide that something is not for you.
You do not need to explain every boundary in detail. Sometimes it is enough to say: “I would rather not.” That is respected.
A session is not a test of courage. It is a shared creative process, and your comfort matters throughout.
The consent ladder
To make the process easier to understand, I often think of the work in levels.
Level 1 - Portrait
Face, hands, clothing, light, expression and presence.
This is often where we begin. It can remain fully clothed and simple.
Level 2 - Fabric & Atmosphere
Softer, more intimate images with clothing, fabric, swimwear, lingerie, natural light, interior atmosphere or natural surroundings.
This level is only explored if it feels right and has been discussed clearly.
Level 3 - Form & Light
A tasteful, non-explicit study of line, shadow, body shape and sculptural form.
The face can be turned away, hidden or not recognisable. This can be a very respectful way to work with the body as form, without making the person feel exposed.
This level is never expected.
About #FAP, #FAB and #FAN
For easier and more discreet conversations, I sometimes use three simple codes.
They are not meant to hide anything. They are a respectful way to speak about different artistic directions without pressure or embarrassment.
#FAP - Fine Art Portrait
Portrait, face, hands, clothing, presence and expression.
#FAB - Fine Art Boudoir / Fabric & Atmosphere
Softer, more intimate work with fabric, clothing, swimwear, lingerie, atmosphere and trust.
#FAN - Fine Art Nude / Form & Light
A non-explicit artistic study of body line, shadow, silhouette and sculptural form.
The meaning of these codes is always explained clearly. You never need to agree to anything simply because a code is used.
Image rights and publication
Image use is discussed separately from the session itself.
Creating an image does not automatically mean that it can be published, printed, submitted, exhibited or shared.
The possible usage categories may include:
Private gallery
Images remain private between model and photographer.
Portfolio use
Selected images may be used on website or portfolio.
Anonymous use
Images may be used without showing the face or identifying features.
Print use
Selected images may become Fine Art Prints, but only if this has been agreed.
Exhibition or publication
Any use for exhibitions, awards, books, magazines or public projects requires clear permission.
These categories are discussed before use. They are not assumed.
Before publication
No image is published before the agreed selection and usage rights are clear.
If an image feels too private, too revealing or simply not right for you, we speak about it.
A technically beautiful image is not enough. It also has to feel right within the agreement and the trust of the collaboration.
Privacy and discretion
Not every image needs to be public.
Some works remain private. Some are used only anonymously. Some may become part of a public portfolio or print project, but only with the right agreement.
Discretion is especially important for intimate or form-based work.
A quiet image does not need to reveal everything.
If something changes
Consent is not only a signature.
It is a conversation before, during and after the session.
If your feeling changes, we speak about it. If a boundary becomes clearer during the process, it is respected. If something needs more time, we take that time.
The aim is not to push past hesitation. The aim is to create a space where honesty is possible.
The simplest version
You do not need to do anything you do not want to do.
You do not need to decide everything at once.
You do not need to be more confident than you are.
We begin slowly.
We speak clearly.
We only continue where there is trust.
Start a Conversation under „contact“