5 Things to Know About Nude & Lingerie Modeling Online (Interview with Dekilah)
Modeling has changed drastically in the time of COVID-19.
Due to social distancing measures, my former day job (posing nude for art classes) isn't much of an option anymore. Nor are collaborative photoshoots.
Because of these changes, there's an influx of people trying boudoir modeling or adult work online.
There's no circumventing, however, that it's a form of work with pros and cons. It's like how anyone can start a sex blog, but most bloggers stop posting within a year. Doing it for fun is okay, but gaining enough traffic to make money takes time.
I interviewed Dekilah, a super experienced model/creator of sensual photos and video content, about what you need to know to start lingerie or nude modeling online.
Her style is more fine art nudes, but you can adapt this information to any online sex-positive work, including sex toy reviewing.
1. You can get started with things you likely already have.
"The main thing would be a smartphone for photos and videos," says Dekilah. "I would recommend a tripod for your phone as well, which you can get for about $20."
Personally, I use a tripod with either natural light or an adjustable LED ring light. For self-portraiture specifically, I like using a Bluetooth phone camera shutter. The results feel more natural because I'm not waiting for a self-timer to go off.
Your setup may be more elaborate, especially if you choose to model for an adult live chat site.
"You can really get into investing in wardrobe/outfits, lights, props, etc. but those things aren't required."
2. The investment in time will almost always be more significant.
I think people have this misconception that selling nudes online is as easy as being naked in front of a camera or snapping mirror photos. That's only part of the truth; making money on OnlyFans, Patreon, and similar sites demands skill with both cameras and business.
"You'll need to experiment with camera angles and settings," says Dekilah. "At minimum, you'll at least need to spend time learning to figure out a setup that works for you."
If you're not super experienced with doing a variety of poses, here's a suggestion:
Try a phone app that you can program to take a picture every few seconds. DailyRoads Voyager is a dashcam app for long drives, but I've used it for portraits and yoga photos galore.
Let it run for a few minutes while trying out the possible positions. Then review the photos, note what you like and what could be better, and make adjustments as needed. As well, my post about modeling nude for art classes has suggestions for finding new poses to try.
You'll also need to spend time cultivating a fanbase.
"That's the #1 thing you need to do to be successful," says Dekilah. "Usually, that will mean building a solid social media presence on at least one platform."
For me, that's been FetLife in the past and now Instagram (main: @supersmashcache + backup: @smash.click). For Dekilah, that's Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
3. Find your niche; you appeal to a specific group of people.
"You can't try to make everyone like you or your look/style," says Dekilah. "Instead, you should focus on finding the people who already like what you do. That's where learning to target your promotions comes in."
And because everyone has a slightly different audience, she adds that she doesn't find it exceptionally competitive.
"It is, but there is so much cross-promotion and support between creators/models that it doesn't feel like it. I learn a lot by following others, and many of us openly share tips & advice."
4. Progress isn't linear, though. You don't always know when a platform's algorithm or censorship policies will change.
"The biggest frustration I've had was last year when I woke up one morning to find my 45k followers Instagram just gone," says Dekilah. "I had worked so carefully to build my following organically and to try to follow the rules, and I'd had absolutely no warnings at least months before that."
She's not alone — my fellow sex bloggers have dealt with something similar, too.
Kate Sloan has had thousands of dollars frozen in her PayPal account. Quinn Rhodes has been censored on Patreon. Dangerous Lilly saw no point in posting on Facebook if its algorithm wasn't going to show her content to readers, anyway.
"While many models with similar experiences were eventually able to get their account back, I never was able to get mine back," adds Dekilah. "That was a serious hit to my income."
She's also had issues with YouTube.
"Creating videos as 'teasers' for content on other sites is not allowed on YouTube. Even though they build in the functionality to link to Patreon, for example, if you use that to encourage people to view more revealing videos on another site, they may flag your account. If they flag you, you can lose your account."
As such, it's a good idea to diversify on social media and make your own website
That's why I moved my blog from WordPress.com to an adult-friendly host. Even if you're working on a website specifically for live webcam girls, policies on "vanilla" sites may still affect your marketing strategy.
5. Nude modeling online is real work, but some work is more enjoyable than others.
It has its ups and downs, for sure. Sometimes, maintaining modeling inspiration as a creative for capitalist consumption is difficult. And, "as with any other small business, it's on me to present myself appropriately," says Dekilah. "That means customer service and dealing with negative and inappropriate messages & comments."
When I asked what she loved about her work, though, she responded, "I love that I have a way to create both by myself (self-portraits) and with others (by posing for other photographers). I love that I get to celebrate my form & figure, fund my lingerie addiction, and helps me support myself."
"But I think the thing I love the most is that I get to connect with people. I'm told my content is a bright spot for many people, and that is something that is so incredibly satisfying."
Where to find more of Dekilah's modeling online
- Spicy posts: Patreon and OnlyFans
- Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Personal website with lingerie photos and modeling advice. Read it at Dekilah.com.
Heads up! This post was sponsored. As always, my thoughts are freely expressed and compiled.
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