Alessa Grande’s Nude Photography Teaches us to Love Ourselves
All images by Alessa Grande. Used with permission.
Nude photography always garners attention. Some like seeing what they’re not supposed to see, others like to compare. And there are people who find it thrilling. The creator can not control the response, nor should they try to. They can, however, reshape the conversation around nudity, and the relationship we have with our bodies - which is exactly what the photographer Alessa Grande is doing through her breathtaking work.
I’m writing this piece in a public co-working space. That’s noteworthy because there’s a large part of me that feels a sense of shame, and slight embarrassment. Although I’m tucked away in the corner, I feel like I shouldn’t be viewing these images or talking about them in an environment like this.
Then I think to myself: why?
Grande’s images are tasteful, beautiful and they send a positive message to society about the connection we can have with ourselves and our fellow humans. The way she positions her subjects amongst nature highlights - human or not - we’re all existing, together, connected and intertwined.
There should be no shame in this…
Perhaps it’s because many of us are taught to fear nudity. For some reason, unless it’s in an uber-private setting, it’s seen as a negative - an improper behavior. But, where does that get us? A world of insecurity, hyper-comparison and self loathing of our bodies…
Grande’s work removes all of that. It sparks a conversation and serves as a catalyst to help humans feel human, removed of shame and insecurity.
Her body of work is on-going and each new project is a progression of the last. Grande kindly took the time to share her journey, her message and what she hopes her work can do to improve the personal relationship with self.
About Alessa Grande
Alessa Grande is an Austrian artist currently living in Salzburg. Her works have been featured in the Leica Gallery (Austria), The Soho Photo Gallery (NYC) and Galerie Joseph (Paris), plus several other venues around Europe.
Aside from photographing others, Grande is also happy to position herself in front of her lens, allowing her to create some striking self-portraits.
Them Frames: You talk about using your art to help humans reconnect with themselves. Please can you go deeper into that…
Alessa Grande: I believe self-connection is one of the most important aspects of life. When you feel truly connected to yourself, everything becomes easier—you know what you want, who you are, and what you need to create the life you dream of. Self-connection serves as a guiding force, helping you navigate life with clarity.
There has never been a time in history when life was entirely "easy," so regardless of the era we live in, self-connection remains essential. It allows you to feel better, make the right decisions, and distinguish between what is right and wrong for you. With a clear mind and an open heart, you can move through life with confidence and purpose.
Them Frames: What role does nudity play in your work? How do you feel it helps with the process of reconnection?
Alessa Grande: Nudity plays a significant role in my work because I have experienced—and continue to experience—how it removes distractions and strips away external identities. When you are not defined by what you wear, you become like a blank canvas, open to endless possibilities.
For me, nudity is a powerful tool that quickly shifts both the state of mind and the perception of the body. I have found that it helps people reconnect with themselves, allowing them to let go of the need to perform or conform.
My intention is not to shock but to embrace nudity as something entirely natural. It is our original state—one that we have simply forgotten. Through my work, I want to remind people of this original state—of the freedom and authenticity that come with it.
It is an invitation to reconnect with oneself on a deeper level, to embrace vulnerability, and to experience the body without judgment or limitation.
Them Frames: A lot of your work is created in public settings. What are some of the challenges of doing nude photography this way?
Alessa Grande: To be honest, shooting nude photography in public comes with many challenges. It’s much easier to shoot in nature since there are usually far fewer people than in a city, which is why I prefer natural settings. I always schedule my shoots early in the morning when there’s the best chance of having the area to ourselves.
Shooting in the city, however, is much more complicated. I always have a strict plan—I know exactly what I’m shooting, with whom, and where. The session only lasts a few minutes to avoid drawing attention.
Most of the time, I bring my mum along to maintain good energy and keep an eye on the surroundings. She helps us react quickly if the police are nearby or if anyone seems uncomfortable.
It’s a challenge to fully surrender to the flow state of shooting, but I do my best to create a space where creativity and spontaneity can still thrive, even in unpredictable environments. It’s a balancing act.
Them Frames: If you look at your work when you began to where it is now, can you share how you feel it has evolved and where you mind is currently at creatively?
Alessa Grande: It all started with a passion for photography and a deep curiosity about human beings—and that purpose remains the same, which I find truly beautiful.
Looking back, it's mind-blowing to call myself an artist and exhibit my work around the world. When I first started, I never even dreamed of this—it all unfolded naturally as I followed my greatest passion. And to put it into words, that passion is connecting with people on a deep, intimate level.
Photography is simply the tool I use to experience that connection. At the same time, my work also creates a space for others to reconnect with themselves.
I feel incredibly blessed to be on this journey. I still have the excitement of a child and doing what I love most. That feeling never fades.
To answer your question—when it comes to my photography projects, I would say they are about 80% unplanned. Ideas come to me intuitively, and when inspiration is on fire, I feel an intense motivation to bring them to life—usually within two weeks.
My shoots are always deeply connected to the present moment, and that’s also how I try to live my life. While I have a rough plan for the year, I leave space for new ideas to emerge whenever they need to. This approach works best for me because, to truly create, I have to feel it all.
Them Frames: In your mind, when does a photoshoot benefit from being in black and white and when it is more appropriate to shoot in color?
Alessa Grande: When I shoot in nature, I love to keep the colors because they add so much beauty and feeling to the photos. The greens of the trees, the golden sunlight, or the deep blue of the ocean all play an important role in the image. If I turned these photos black and white, I would lose that natural magic, so I prefer to keep them in color.
On the other hand, when I shoot in a controlled space—like indoors with a light setup and fewer distractions—I often choose black and white. This helps keep the focus on the model, their emotions, and how the light and shadows fall on them.
Without colors, the viewer’s attention goes straight to the subject, making the image feel simple, strong, and timeless.
In the end, I decide between black and white or color based on what works best for the photo. Color brings out warmth, energy, and vibrancy, while black and white makes the image feel more intimate and focused. It’s all about choosing what best tells the story I want to share.
Them Frames: You like to place your subjects within the earth’s natural elements…talk to us about why this is important to you…
Alessa Grande: A major part of my work is about combining humans with nature. I want to show that we are not separate from nature—we are nature. When we connect with the natural world, we are reminded of this deep-rooted truth. Through my photography, I hope to inspire people to reconnect with the earth and, in doing so, reconnect with themselves.
There are many reasons why this is so important to me. First, I simply love being in nature—it brings me peace, fuels my creativity, and allows me to explore my surroundings with fresh eyes. Every landscape offers something new, whether it’s the textures of rocks, the movement of water, or the way light filters through the trees. Nature provides the perfect setting for raw, honest, and timeless imagery.
Shooting in natural environments also brings an element of unpredictability that I love. The weather, the wind, and the ever-changing light all play a role in shaping the final image. This unpredictability forces me to be present, to adapt, and to embrace the moment, which adds an authentic energy to the photos.
Beyond aesthetics, I want my work to be a reminder of how deeply we are connected to the natural world. In a time when many people are disconnected from nature due to fast-paced lifestyles and technology, I hope my images encourage a sense of belonging and appreciation for the earth.
My goal is not just to capture beautiful photographs, but to create a feeling—one that reminds us of where we truly come from and the importance of staying connected to it.
Them Frames: How do group shoots compare to solo shoots? What different creative challenges do each of them bring and how do you overcome them?
Alessa Grande: In solo shoots, I feel like I have all the time in the world with just one person. There’s space for a deep connection to form because it’s only the model, me, and my camera. These are my favorite kinds of shoots because we can give each other our full energy, without any distractions. It becomes an intimate and immersive experience, where I can truly tune into the model’s emotions, movements, and essence.
Group shoots, on the other hand, are a completely different experience. They require more planning—I usually have a vision in mind beforehand, with certain poses or compositions I want to explore. Instead of focusing on just one person, I see the group as a collective energy, and my attention is on how they interact as a whole. This brings a unique dynamic, but it also comes with more distractions, more elements to manage, and a faster pace.
As a highly sensitive person, I sometimes find group shoots overwhelming because there’s so much happening at once—I feel everything. But over time, I’ve learned how to ground myself by staying present in my body. When I do this, I’m able to embrace the chaos and find a natural flow. And that’s where the magic happens—unexpected moments, raw interactions, and emotions I couldn’t have planned for.
Unlike solo shoots, group shoots are less controllable, which pushes me out of my comfort zone. But I love that challenge. It’s fascinating to observe how people connect with each other, how energies shift, and how something truly unique unfolds in the moment. While solo shoots allow for deep one-on-one intimacy, group shoots bring a sense of movement, unpredictability, and collective emotion—and both are beautiful in their own way.
Them Frames: You thrive in calm and quiet environments - how do such settings inspire your creativity and help you formulate your ideas?
Alessa Grande: Calm and quiet environments, especially in nature, provide me with the perfect space to fully express myself. There’s no judgment in nature—it simply is. This absence of judgment makes me feel incredibly safe, allowing me to create freely. In these natural settings, I can truly expand—both my body and my ideas. Nature gives me the room to breathe, to be present, and to allow my creativity to flow without restrictions.
It has the most important influence on my work, and I find that I create my most powerful and meaningful images in these spaces. Living in the countryside, surrounded by the peacefulness of nature, only enhances this creative energy. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such an inspiring environment that nurtures my ideas and allows me to fully give myself to the process of creation.
Them Frames: How do you envision your work will evolve in the coming years - where does the story go?
Alessa Grande: I’m excited about the future and open to whatever comes my way. I believe that the beauty of this creative journey lies in its unpredictability, and I’ve learned to embrace that. While I can’t predict exactly where my work will go, I do know that I will continue exploring and evolving within the world of art.
My passion for creativity is something that always pushes me forward, and I see my art as a lifelong journey, one that will keep evolving in ways I can’t yet imagine. I want to continue deepening my connection with nature, people, and the world around me, constantly discovering new perspectives.
In the coming years, I hope to experiment with new ways of telling stories. I’m excited to explore different areas of art, collaborating with other artists from diverse fields. As my experiences grow, so will my ability to express ideas in more complex and layered ways.
I envision my work becoming even more immersive—whether through larger-scale projects, more interactive experiences, or through collaborations that expand the scope of my creative expression.
What matters most is that this journey remains meaningful and true to who I am.
Them Frames: What song or album do you think would perfectly accompany your body of work?
Alessa Grande: That’s a tough question because there is so much great music out there. Right now, I would choose the song 'Her' by The American Dawn.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Alessa Grande: it fills my heart, soul, mind, and body with so much joy, love, and energy.
You can see more work by Alessa Grande by visiting her website and Instagram.
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