Ready to bare all in name of art

Binh Trinh says people become more confident in their own skins when they take part in his shoots. Photo / Binh Trinh

Up to 100 people are expected to bare all at a West Auckland beach today in the name of art.

Photographer Binh Trinh has invited several hundred models, naturists and others to strip at O'Neills Beach today for a mass naked photo shoot.

Trinh, a Palmerston North-based artist, said nudity was one of the last taboos in New Zealand society.

"I want people to appreciate the beauty of the naked body."

Models from previous nude shoots became more comfortable in their own skins when naked with a lot of other people, he added.

"It's quite an honour to give them that self-confidence." Nearly 80 people had signed up on Facebook to take part by last night. Participants had to be over 18 and sign a model release form.

Trinh had to get permission from Auckland Council, who granted it on two conditions: that beachgoers were alerted to the photo shoot and that it only took place on the beach.

Trinh has also had mass nude shoots at beaches in Wellington and Manawatu.