Yes, there are several different definitions of the Nude posing level, depending on the context.
Topless is part of the Nude Posing Level from a model’s perspective
In the Posing Levels SDLP, we define the Nude Posing Level starts when the model is topless (ie, still wearing panties and jeans, but no t-shirt or bra). A model could not “only be topless” in a shoot, and complete a shoot and be paid for it – that’s not “nude enough”.
Images or video of the model being topless do not count towards the percentage of the shoot at the model’s highest Posing Level of Nude, but this material should be captured in most Solo shoots.
Topless does not meet the requirements for the Nude Posing Level for Shoot Producers
In the context of a scene needing to have 50% of the scene’s media at the Nude Posing Level (for example, in an edited 140-image shoot, 70 images are expected to show the model being Nude), as required for the Pose Variety and Exploration Depth assessment area, we define nude as “breasts and either buttocks or pubic region visible”.
A CU of a model’s pubic region or buttocks would certainly be counted towards the required Nude percentage. A CU of her breasts… that depends on if the model has already been established as being nude in this scene. For example;
It’s a Solo shoot, at the Nude Only Posing Level. The model removes her t-shirt and bra. She’s not nude yet (regardless of the lens length, CU or wide shot). Images of her breasts should certainly be captured, but they don’t count towards the 50% Nude requirement.
We see the model remove her jeans and panties, and then there’s a CU shot of her breasts – that shot would be included in the count towards the required Nude percentage.
She’s Nude, and we’re seeing different aspects of her.
No-Nude Extreme (Nude) does not necessarily meet the requirements for the Nude Posing Level
What if a model is wearing a see-through bra and see-through panties, and nothing else – is she Nude? Surely not, because she’s wearing clothes, right? Indeed, that’s correct. We’d consider that to be No-Nude Extreme (Nude) (and also excellent, btw).
However, this content would not count towards the required 50% Posing Level (but it would be a major credit to the Clothing Use assessment area).
So, the definition that matters in practical terms (for shoot assessment of the percentage of the shoot at the model’s highest Posing Level) is;
Breasts and either buttocks or pubic region visible.
CU’s of breasts, buttocks or pubic region are also counted as being Nude, if they are shot after the Posing Level is reached in the scene.