Does a model have to be an exhibitionist to produce good glamour/fetish/art work?  Or perhaps a better question is whether being an exhibitionist makes a model better at glamour/fetish/art work.

[edit}  Title was supposed to be "Do YOU have to be..."

No the Photographer has to be an Artist & creative!

I am an exhibitionist and I think it helps me...but I don't know if it's necessary for others.  Maybe being a good actress is more important.  Not that I would discourage anyone from exhibitionism...it's fun:-P

Exhibitionist is defined as "The act or practice of deliberately behaving so as to attract attention."

So I would say yes, it helps a LOT. Models won't do very well if they don't want attention.

I definitely think it helps. The model has to be outgoing and very expressive. Of course, it takes TEAM WORK to create a really impressive photo so without both halfs working together it just doesn't happen.

personally, i think some of the best shots come from mellow, personal photoshoots where the photographer is also a friend. in that case, it is not necessary that the model be an exhibitionist.
i think the most important thing in a model is an ability to emote.
not to say that exhibitionism is a bad thing, or something that is not helpful....it tends to be linked to self confidence which is a must.

But I think you'll find a lot of exhibitionist only seek attention because they're insecure about themselves, so in a way it might not help at all.
You just have to feel comfortable with yourself, have fun. I don't think a naked body is anything to feel ashamed of so I don't understand why some people have to be such prudes when it comes to nudity!

I guess i'm saying, no - you don't have to be an exhibitionist!

Feline x

Hey, these are some interesting and thoughtful responses.  Sounds like a pretty convincing case can be made for and against.

Exibitionism is a wonderful trait, but I'd prefer to shoot with a great actress.

No, but it can help. The vast majority of the ladies with whom I shoot nude art are not models, most have never been photogrphed before, nude or otherwise. With that said, some of my best shoots have been with natural exhibitionists, that can make it easier, but other excellent shoots have been with ladies who are  naturally shy. A couple have said that no one other than her mother, her husband and her MD had ever seen her naked, but they posed like a pro.  Maybe it's easier for natural exhibitionists, but given a bit of trust and and willingness and even the most shy can be an excellent nude model. I'll leave the fetish discussion to others, but I expect the same is true.

I haven't worked with a thousand models or any where close to hundreds, but I think from when I was acting and now working with models you have to be some what extraverted and a slight bit of an exhibitionist to be able to do anything along this line.

If your subject isn't able to feel comfortable with themselves, no matter how good you are as a photographer you're not going to be able to get them to follow your instructions of directions fully.

My personal experience is that it isn't necessary, although I know some fantastic models who are.  For me, each shoot is an intensely personal experience.  Something honest and intimate and real happens between me and the photographer and the camera.  Perhaps that is just because it is so unusual for someone who looks like I do to disrobe in this public way.  I don't know.  But it's a special thing, and I don't do it lightly.  I'm definitely not an exhibitionist.  I get naked for a purpose.

My most honest answer to this question would have to be a resounding NO. The one thing that contributes most to a shoot is the model's comfort level. The most important thing for me is for my models to be comfortable in their own skin, to be comfortable with their body. Does this make one an exhibitionist? Certainly not. Does being an exhibitionist help nude/fetish models? Sure it does. It certainly can't hurt.
There's also the consideration of what kind of emotion you are trying to portray with your images. I have found that some of the models I shoot that have a strong exhibitionist streak aren't as useful for shoots where my intent is to portray a more intimate, private mood/feel. This isn't always the case, but it has been my experience thus far.

nope..not at all..some of my best nude and glamour models are very modest (but very comfortable with me)...at the end of the day..the images are a reflection of my work..not who is posing for me..

You don't have to be, but it certainly does help. It brings out the best in my work and makes me more confortable!!