Ask Solstyce Calé #1

Solstyce Calé is an accomplished model with 16 years of experience, as well as a talented photographer. Her work on both sides of the camera is characterized by beauty, sensuality, and professionalism.

Have a question for Solstyce? E-mail them to asksolstyce@altporn.net. Unless otherwise indicated, your identity will not be revealed.

Do you really think that there’s a career in alt-porn?
– MissAnne Thropy

Many would like to romanticize that everyone can make a decent living from modeling in general, let alone doing alt-porn.  Modeling is hard work.  It’s not just about getting dressed up and posing for photos; it’s also about business savvy, travel, holding positions for extended amounts of time, uncomfortable shoes, keeping your portfolio updated, actively keeping up with clientele, and long hours.  Within this industry you really have to make a conscious effort to put yourself out there, you are marketing yourself.  You can make a few hundred bucks here and there, it’s true, but nothing I would consider depending upon financially. I would call it more of a hobby or a side-job as opposed to an actual career.  There are those who do make a nice living from it but even the most well known models struggle sometimes.  The good news about posing for alt-porn content is that it’s fun and you meet LOTS of wonderful people.  It is a great tool for networking and for little ego-stroking (I said ego, you perv!).  Besides, any occupation where you can be naked has got to have lots of perks… I certainly can’t complain!

How has feminism informed your decision to become an “alt-model”?
– Meret

Feminism has always inspired me to pursue the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.  I feel that posing nude is an activity on behalf of not only myself but on behalf of all women’s rights and interests.  In the 60s ladies burned their bras as a statement of feminism; I choose this as my statement.  A bunch of old men in Washington shouldn’t have a right to tell women what they can or cannot do; what they can or cannot show.  After all, shame of female nudity and calling it pornography instead of art is just a way for these conservative men to keep women from achieving the self-respect they deserve.

In being an alt-model, I help to validate that there is nothing wrong with the female form and that there is no reason to be ashamed of having sexuality.   Modeling has taught me that I do have a say in what happens to my body, I have a right to an opinion, and it’s okay to feel good about myself.  Feminism has given me an opportunity to practice those things. 

Do I feel like I’m exploiting myself?  Certainly not!  If feeling comfortable in my skin and encouraging other women to do so is exploitive, then the definition of that word is totally out of context in this regard. 

Do I feel objectified?  Not really.  I think that just because someone is posing naked doesn’t mean they are objectifying themselves.  Women—and yes, men—are always sex objects. Any time there is an exchange of anything for anything. This includes buying drinks, buying the house, doing the laundry, making the dinner, whatever. Some of us view sex and sexuality as normal and beautiful. Some who have no esoteric value themselves may view sex and sexuality as dirty. Some things don’t change throughout history. It’s the viewpoint of the individual that is important. How one looks at herself is her own decision.  My mother’s two cents: “Pixie and I were called into the office because our bodies were turning on the priests who came in for psychological counseling. We were fully clothed, making no advances. It’s all in the mind of the beholder, no matter whether their ‘mind’ may be below their belts! ”