Pin-up photography and the military?

Question

I'm joining the USAF. As a hobby, I like to take pin-up photographs of friends, clients, and occasionally myself. Nothing graphic- they're a bit risque but tasteful (think 1940's style Betty Grable). Any ways, I don't post them online or in any publications (I'm not that dumb lol). As I already mentioned, I do sometimes take on clients, mostly friends of friends, who want pics for themselves or usually for a boyfriend/husband. It's not a second business - just freelance and fun. Any ways, I of course don't want to stop taking photographs after joining the USAF, and I was wondering that even if I'm not publishing them anywhere, will the military see this as "inappropriate" somehow and could I possibly get in any trouble?

Answer 1

Haha, that last answer made me laugh.

I've been in the Air Force for over 9 years now and I see no reason why this would be seen as a problem. First of all, what you are doing is not illegal, it's not a job, and in my opinion, would be none of the Air Force's business. What you do in your off-time is up to you (so long as you are not violating any regulations obviously).

I don't think they can be considered inappropriate; there is no nudity involved and every pin-up I have ever seen was very tasteful. With the "scandal" involving the service member who posed for Playboy, I can understand you being mildly concerned. However, military officials have stated that her posing would have not been an issue if she had not affiliated herself with the military (ie, just posed as a normal, everyday civilian).

If you are still concerned, you can contact the Legal office at your base once you reach your first duty station. They will tell you what, if anything, could be seen by the Air Force as inappropriate.

And let me know where you get stationed; I'd love to do something like that for my husband!!

Answer 2

As long as it's not graphic nudity, I see little problem.

One thing that COULD cause a problem would be taking them ON BASE !! Back in 1989, I had a shipmate who took his wife out to the flightline and had her pose for a few shots (bikini-clad) around of one of the squadron's helicopters. Playfully, she showed her nekkid TUSH... the photo got out, and he got in trouble (Conduct Unbecoming).

I DO remember copying a design for a touch of pin-up art on OUR Helicopter during the Gulf War. A Betty-Grable type shot painted onto the fuselage. I got it onto the bird... our Helo-detachement LOVED it... but the SHIP's CO went ballistic (he was a Bible-thumper) and made us remove it. A few days later, there was a NAVAIR bulletin BANNING all such art.

GOOD LUCK, and Thanks for Serving... even if it IS with the Air Farce (wink).

Answer 3

it could be deemed as conduct unbecoming under the UCMJ (uniformed code of military justice)

It's hard to say becuase under the UCMJ there are what is called conviening authorities in these cases. It basically means the person in charge who finds out about it is the one who decides if an infration of military code has happened and they decide if there will be something brought up.

So it would be up to the person with the conviening authority to decide if it is wrong then they would bring up charges and from there you will either be brought up for NJP (non judicial punishment) or a court martial in each you get to state your case.

The commanding officer might hear about it and think no big deal or they might think big deal. Even if they bring charges you get your day in court. Even though you might not be breaking any state or federal law with what you are doing the military has its own laws and own standards of morals. I would just be upfront with your chain of command and tell then exactly what you are doing and ask if there would be a problem with it.

Answer 4

I'm left somewhat speechless . On one hand , I want to thank you for joining , and on the other hand , I strongly disagree with your thought process . There is no need for anyone wasting time doing 'pin-up' photos . All it is , is baseless phoney manifestations of falsehoods and driven to appeal to folks who don't have their full moral structures developed yet .
I know an answer like this will never garner 'best answer' but it's more important to tell the truth . Listen young lady , if you're attractive then why debase yourself ? Why not try to appeal to moral values and use your photos in a good strong moral campaign ?
And btw , yes , you will get in trouble . Heck , after momentary popularity , you'll be kicked out , likely for 'Conduct unbecoming of a soldier' .

Answer 5

Ask the Area Defense Council at your local base, NOT the Legal Office about it and see what they say. It is a hobby and as long as you don't declare it as a second job you should be fine in that regard. If no nudity is involved there shouldn't be a issue. But then again, that's why we have the our legal Representatives to ask those questions.

Answer 6

nobody is going to care if you take pin-up photographs on your own time.
do you have any idea of how much pornography is in any given enlisted barracks throughout the military. A **** load, nobody is going to give a damn if you are taking pictures of people.