O horny night

Every December, Christians around the globe recount the story of poor lonely shepherds who received the fantastic visitation of an angelic messenger heralding the arrival of their messiah. The angel was shortly joined by an entire choir of heavenly beings.

The story is amazing on the face of it, of course. But it raises some seldom asked questions as well. That shepherds should stay out at night suggests that the weather was not particularly cold. And if they weren't cold, and if they were only in the company of their fellow men in the dark of night, one wonders how important it would have been to be covered by all those robes that religious art always depicts? Men will be men, and it's likely that those doing little more than watching sheep might need a little diversion, even if it were at their own hands.

Then there is the visionary experience itself. Have you ever noticed how many paintings and sculptures of religious ecstasy show people with their o-face on? These artists may have tapped into a greater truth, a profound connection between religious euphoria and sexual release.

It was with those thoughts in mind that photographer Adam Andrew Caldwell and I decided to explore the truly ecstatic nature of this mythic tale. In this view, the shepherds were not only in touch with the divine creation of their own bodies, but were brought to an even higher state of physical exultation by the erotic manifestation of a sensuous angel.

To see the results of this photographic meditation, strip down, head on over to the Nakedism photo collection, and invoke the gallery we call Come Ye Shepherds. And while you do, feel free to engage in a devotional ritual of your own.

The spooner the better

At Nakedism, we accept the common nudist belief that almost any life activity is more enjoyable when naked. But some naked doings are more fun than others. Take cuddling for instance. Is there anything more delicious than the skin-on-skin frisson of personal body contact and intertwined limbs with a companion than cuddling? And how much more intense that simple pleasure becomes when done free of the normally required clothing. It's one of life's most amazing but free and simple pleasures.

Given this wonderful fact, we decided one afternoon to make a short video about the simple pleasures of naked cuddling. In a world where nudity in film is almost always about hardcore sex, this seemed to be a good change of pace.

Of course, you know what they say about the best laid plans. When two naked friends being touching and holding, other ideas can arise. And when those two friends are naked... Well, the cuddling can be quite intense.

If you think you might agree, check out Cuddle Buddies, the newest video in Nakedism's Sexy Time Theatre. And maybe you'll be inspired to join in, perhaps by wrapping your hands around a favorite part and cuddling yourself to complete satisfaction.

The first man

For many years, as Halloween approached, I wanted to show up at a party as Adam, the legendary first man, whom Genesis tells us lived naked with his wife until, tempted by a serpent, they partook of the fruit of knowledge, making them ashamed of their nakedness and causing them to cover their genitals with leaves. Considering the other repressive parts of the Bible, I find the story of people living in blissful, shame-free nudity to be a wonderful image. And of course it's the perfect Halloween role for any nudist or exhibitionist.

To be truly effective as a costume, I knew I had to be as naked as legally possible. Flesh-colored undies or any sort of wrap-around for a leaf loin cloth spoiled that image to my way of thinking. Instead, my idea was to wear a sock over my genitals, secured by a silicon cock ring, and then attach a leaf to that. Finding just the right snake at a costume store also inspired me to overcome my own body shame and fulfill this long-held dream.

Because Adam is depicted as clean shaven, I eliminated my beard and shaved anywhere that might seem too suggestive. Then, at the appointed hour, best friend and Nakedism photographer-in-residence Andrew Caldwell (shown here in his costume as a ghoulish "Eternal Footman") joined me as we headed out for an evening of Halloween fun

In light of the
many repressive parts
of the Bible, the story of
people living in blissful,
shame-free nudity is
a wonderful
image.

Before that night, I had been concerned that I might not measure up to expectations for such an audacious costume. Thankfully, I quickly realized that my fears been baseless. I had a great time mingling with friends and meeting new ones. I even got a proposition or two and some quick makeout sessions with a few cute guys.

Naturally some rude and/or drunk people had to grab at the costume rather than simply ask how it was attached. But it was designed to be secure, and held up very well. Although, nervously, I did adjust it several times to make sure it was in place.

Of course, in the actual story, Adam didn't wear anything all until after eating the fruit. So before the party, Andrew and I met at his studio for a full-frontal consideration of Adam's natural state. Members can check out Andrew's photographic work from both occasions by visiting our latest photo set, Adam's bone, in Nakedism's photo gallery. Then drop us a line or add a comment below and tell us about the most naked Halloween costume you ever dared to try!

Alley of the balls

What urban location could be more fabled than the alley, that grimy slice of space between buildings, home to trash containers, drug deals, illicit sex, rape, rats, cats, and more?

For reasons like this, our mothers warned us to avoid alleys. In those dark slivers of urban decay, what might happen? A simple shortcut could suddenly turn into a mugging, with your attacker taking your watch, your money, your credit cards. But what if the bad guys don't stop there? Maybe they want to be sure you don't follow them. Maybe they order you to strip, and you suddenly find your assailants running away with every stitch of fabric you had on.

Or maybe your naked alley fantasy is a little less severe. You strip down for some quick playtime with a new friend only to discover some hobo has made off with the clothes you left in a neat little pile. What do you do now?

These are just a couple of the ideas I wanted to explore when Nakedism photographer in residence Andrew Adam Caldwell and I made our way to an inner city alley near a gay sex club for a midday photo shoot. Fortunately for me (the naked one), the alley was closed off to the public. But it was still a bit unnerving to stand by the exit door and hear the bustling footsteps of city dwellers walking by just inches from my nude body.

At one point I did peek out and invited a friendly face in. That gentleman wanted to do more than just look at me naked, however. But since he declined to be photographed, I declined to let him use my body. Fortunately, he left peacefully, choosing not to take advantage of my complete lack of protective apparel.

You, however, don't need to be so polite. You are free to ravish every inch of my bare cock, balls, and more with your eyes in this month's gallery, Alley Cock, now available in the Nakedism photo department. You'll see me helpless, naked, even barefoot.

Go ahead. Enjoy a little rape fantasy. I won't tell.

Riding bare

By now you've probably heard of the World Naked Bike ride, the annual event in which people in cities around the globe strip naked and ride in groups to raise awareness about oil dependence, body pride, and more. If you need a refresher course, check out the Nakedism blog post on the subject from a couple of years ago, Naked Riding 'Round the World.

"Bare as you dare" is the rule at these events, and more than once I have dropped trou in broad daylight to join the other cyclists for this, one of the most public naked events of the year. Although WNBR is not normally considered a naked dare, it certainly takes daring to be so naked in public, riding through and by crowds of clothed people. And no doubt some people have joined the ride just on a dare from friends.

You can see my participation in this event in the 2012 gallery of photos called Naked for a Cause. But this month we add video to that narrative. Although balls out naked, I remained behind the camera this time, recording many moments of Seattle's 2012 ride from my handlebar-mounted camera. If you're curious, feel free to check out Bicycles Built for Nudes, now playing in our Naked Dare Theater.

Coming out of the clothes closet

Meet Nakedism's newest discovery Patrick David. Patrick comes to us from Canada, where he's been exploring his nakedist tendencies. "As an exhibitionist and nudist, I find any chance to show it off exciting," he told us. "Although I've always known I was an exhibitionist (and nudist), it wasn't always easy to explore in a country with more winter than anything else."

"But when the opportunity presented itself, I did what was possible to show it all," Patrick continues. "At pools I would wear speedos and roll down the waist band and tuck up the legs virtually turning it into a thong. When my buddies and I would go camping, I'd be nude the minute we got there until it was time to go home. And now as a retired guy I can afford the time to visit the nude beach south of the city at my leisure.

"But my real passion is public nudity. After retirement I had time on my hands and decided to get into competitive bodybuilding. Although you are only 'nearly nude' on stage, it's still a great feeling to show it off. It feeds my need to be naked in as much as you can in public.

“The ultimate chance to be nude in public was yet to come. Turns out a good friend became the model coordinator for a local life drawing group. So he thought a competitive bodybuilder would make a good model — assuming I would be comfortable nude in front of people. Little did he know how much I had been looking for the opportunity to take my nudism to a new level!

"I've perfected that craft and now get a lot of calls to work as a nude model. It doesn't get much better!"

Nakedism's photo set of Patrick, now on display in the Nakedism gallery, include many of the poses he uses in my posing sessions. He's also working on a set of poses with two male models, which will take things to a new level. "That's something I'm excited to explore," he grins.

"My ultimate nude fantasy would be to be featured in a documentary on the life of a nude model," Patrick muses. "Can gay porn be far behind? I'd definitely be up for that."

We think that's a great idea and wish Patrick all the best in a sexy life without clothes.

Screw the looking glass

Sing, o muse, of the tale of Narcissus, handsome son of Cephissus and the Liriope, who spurned the love of others and found satisfaction only in the sight of his own reflected image!

Or so goes the myth. Today, the name of this self-centered man is applied to an egotistical obsession with one's own beauty and an unhealthy pride and selfishness generally.

At the same time, however, experts tell us that is good to love ourselves, that self-esteem and a strong self-image are signs of a healthy psyche.

Where do you stand? When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? Are you willing to remove all your clothes for that reflection and study your own nakedness in admiration?

For a long time, I struggled to find myself attractive. Indeed, my forays into naked self-portraiture with my first digital camera were an attempt to pose myself in a way that would overcome some serious self-loathing and let me see myself in a positive light — literally. Years after beginning this hobby, I achieved what I consider a very positive milestone when I moved into an apartment with large floor-to-ceiling mirrors. There I discovered that I had improved my body and my attitude so much that I enjoyed jacking off to the sight of my own bare flesh and hard cock.

Of course, a healthy life is a balanced one. Narcissus took that same of self-admiration so far that he ignored others and eventually drowned chasing his own reflection.

As for me, I seldom masturbate before a mirror anymore, but I reserve the right to explore that possibility anytime the mood strikes. In fact, I did just that a few years back in the studio of photographer Andrew Adam Caldwell. We were preparing for photo shoot, but before I stepped under the studio lamps, I stopped to admire my form in a large mirror sitting in the back of the room. Andrew recorded that moment for you in a photo set called Narcissus, now featured in the Nakedism photo department.

I leave it up to you whether is is a healthy exercise or not. If you think it is, try finding a mirror of your own and embrace the Narcissus within.

Balance of power

Most of the time we assume that good, healthy sex acts represent an equal sharing between two people. Whether one is insertive or receptive, the assumed ideal is that each person is getting exactly what they want.

But in real life, as also in a lot of erotic fiction, there is often an imbalance of power, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt.

Take the issue of penetration, for example. In our heterosexist culture, the insertive partner is assumed to have more power over the one receiving. In BDSM stories, the cocksucker is assumed to be the submissive, the victim. This of course is an extension of male chauvinism and misogyny that assumes that anyone who takes the receptive or "female" role is weak. But does that really make sense? What could be more vulnerable for a man than to have his most sensitive organ within the teeth and jaws of another? One quick bite would quickly reveal who really had the power in that arrangement.

Then there is the issue of clothing. On the one hand, nudity is often portrayed as a symbol of power and control — as in the case of heroic statues or when exhibitionists terrorize shocked women. On the other, nudity is seen as the ultimate vulnerability — such as when prisoners stripped to reduce their resistance or when school boys are depantsed by bullies.

A powerful imbalance presents itself when when one person is naked and another clothed. And in our culture, the naked person, whether it be a patient with a clothed doctor or a naked pledge with clothed frat brothers, is often assumed to be the one with less power. Take that naked person outside, where they run the risk of being seen and arrested, and the vulnerability increases exponentially. Or so we assume.

The issues of control, power, and vulnerability are never far from the mind of a true nakedist. So we decided to play with some of these symbols and situations in our latest video, Naked for my cocksucker. Check it out in our Nakedism Video Theatre and decide for yourself: Is this a balanced arrangement? Or at any moment could one person find himself a kind of sexual victim? And if so, who would it be?

Down under

Observers of art and erotica often point out that a little clothing can be even more arousing than full-on nudity. When parts of the body are left to the imagination, the imagination runs wild.

That may be one reason that so many models are photographed in underwear or why a certain sports magazine is so successful with its swimsuit issue.

And it may also account for the popularity in many cities of underwear parties at gay bars.

Of course we also have the law to thank for underwear parties, as public nudity, even in a private club or bar, is still illegal in many cities of the world. Those of us who can't take advantage of "boots only" night in certain London clubs or "bare naked billiards" in certain Portland bars might still find some almost-naked pleasure in stripping down, at least partly, for a local undies night.

And once you have a group of men congregated in nothing but a few inches of sheer fabric, it's not uncommon for a little more than flirting to go on. In a dark corner of a bar, who knows what shorts may fall or parts flop out for some furtive mutual pleasure?

That, at least, is the theme behind this month's photo set. Sexy pal Gary returned for this hot collection, trying on as little as possible and ending up with even less. It's all waiting for you now in Underwear Party, the latest addition to Nakedism's growing collection of photo galleries.

Get a new look for a new year

Admit it. You've had the same picture, or set of pictures, as the background on your computer screen for too long. Well, it's a new year now. Wouldn't something different make that old screen look better?

Fortunately, Nakedism has what you need. Inspired by our recent galleries, we bring you screen-sized images that fulfill fantasies from public nudity to strip wrestling to, well, more public nudity. Each available in three different sizes.

To change your desktop, click your way to the Desktop Wallpaper page. Underneath one of the thumbnail images, click the pixel dimensions that most closely match your screen resolution. When the image opens in a new tab or window, use your browser's commands to either save it to your system or apply it to your background. For example, in Internet Explorer, you can simply right-click the image and choose Set as Background.

But hey don't settle for one. Download them all and try them at different times. And if you tire of that, don't worry. We'll have more wallpapers to dress up — or strip down — your desktop again before too long.

Nude for the road

For his famous 1934 movie, It Happened One Night, Frank Capra has his heroin Claudette Colbert succeed at hitchhiking where Clark Gable had failed by pulling up her skirt and showing some skin of her beautiful legs. There is no doubt some male hitchhikers could succeed with certain drivers by doing something similar, say, taking off a shirt. And if that worked, why not take off more? Maybe you yourself have driven down the highway, seen an attractive hitchhiker, and imagined him standing there, stark naked and begging for a ride. Now that's the stuff of fantasy.

But let's take the fantasy a little further: Why is he hitchhiking naked? Just to attract attention? Or maybe he has no luggage, no knapsack, nothing but the skin he was born in. Maybe his mates stripped him naked as a prank. Maybe he got drunk and separated from his clothes at a party the night before. Or maybe he lost a bet or a dare. Whatever the reason, he's naked and helpless, with nothing to bargain for a ride — except perhaps to do you some kind of favor. Surely you would have mercy on such a hitchhiker, wouldn't you? And surely you could think of some way he could repay your kindness?

These were some of the thoughts going through my head as I stood naked and vulnerable on an uncompleted stretch of freeway at sunrise with photograph Andrew Adam Caldwell. I'm not sure how many driver speeding by below caught my naked form illuminated by the rising sun. But I was completely exposed in any case. I'm only glad I wasn't really in the position of our fantasy hitchhiker, although it would certainly be a memorable predicament.

But to get a real sense of what's that like you need more than my words. You need pictures, and we have plenty of them for you. Go directly to Nakedism's photography department and check out the set called Road Show. Then add a comment below telling us how you'd handle that situation.