‘UK Adult Models’ can mean one of two things. In general society, when someone refers to someone as an adult, they mean a person who’s legally over the age of 18, who’s reached full maturity, and is typically independent and not relying on their parents. However, when used in the context of the modelling industry as a whole, the term ‘UK adult models’ usually refers to adults who have chosen to go into modelling involving nudity. Sometimes this can be explicit, and other times it’s more artistic. Perhaps the most common examples of UK adult models are in fact glamour models.

So, what should UK adult models be aware of, that other models might not need to consider? There are a few different things, so keep an eye out.

• It’s in the nature of the work that you’ll be doing that you will need to expose yourself. However, do not do anything that you do not feel comfortable with. You still have rights as a human being, and saying yes to one kind of adult modelling work doesn’t mean you have to do all of the types that might be suggested to you.

• Aspiring models can often be exposed to exploitation, as you might imagine. However, UK adult models may have to be more wary than most, particularly when starting out. When building a portfolio, consider whether you trust the photographer. Don’t go anywhere without telling someone where you’ll be, and don’t do anything you don’t want to do. Most photographers are very professional and have seen it all before, but sadly some are perverted opportunists and you’ll never see the photos, and if you do, you might see them somewhere you never wanted them to end up at all!

• All models have to be legal adults before they can make a career choice without a parent, but with UK adult models, this is especially more poignant – the clue is in the name. There are no negotiations with this one, and no waivers that can be signed. Any kind of suggestive imagery can be constituted as child porn, so you absolutely cannot get around it. Anyone breaching these laws can be prosecuted. Be aware of those who are actively seeking to recruit children, and tell an adult you trust if you’re underage and asked to do ANYTHING without your parents’ consent.

UK adult models can have a lot of fun and earning potential. Just make sure you’re confident in what you’re doing and not feeling pressured into anything you don’t want to do.