Boudoir Photography: The Defining Difference

Boudoir Photography is creating quite a cyberspace buzz these days. Many models consider sensuous images a critical element in their portfolio. Playboy photos have illustrated the beauty of the female body since Marilyn Monroe appeared on the cover of Playboy in 1953. Men and women alike have enjoyed them. Modern-day culture has moved beyond the strictures Queen Victoria laid on her subjects for over a century, and most adults today have room for a healthy dose of sexuality in their lives, including sensuous pictures. So what makes the difference between quality sexy pictures and trash?

We suggest photographic skill & a creative imagination.

If photographers are honest, they know what kinds of pictures they plan to create. Obviously, photographic intent sets the tone for end results. Photographers who intend to create trashy pictures bordering on pornography in fact create trash. And for most of us, those pictures are not difficult to identify. We can differentiate between sensuous photography and trashy pictures without too much problem. They’re all skin and no art. Porn turns us off. It’s not pleasant to view.

On the other hand, a picture of a scantily clad model, implying nudity, with good pose and lighting can be a work of art. Tasteful and artistic images of a beautiful woman in various stages of boudoir attire reflect her poise and dignity. Although the style is revealing, many boudoir photos don’t actually show it all. They visually suggest, but don’t cross the line between implying and revealing. When the photographer does choose a nude pose, he/she adjusts lighting and gives attention to composition detail to create a quality artistic photo. The result shows the sensitive nature of the work.

Boudoir photography suggests the setting of a bedroom or a woman’s sitting room. However, photos in this category need not be limited to a bedroom. Other rooms in a home or studio, or outdoor shots, lend themselves as compelling settings for quality sensuous pictures. No matter where sexy photos are taken, the foundation for quality is artistic tastefulness. Neither the photographer nor the model can lose sight of that requirement.

The relationship between photographer and model is always important, but even more so in boudoir photos. The photographer needs to be trustworthy, both in her/his work ethic as well as skill. Professional photographers never betray that trust. They develop their reputation within ‘trust’ boundaries and consider that a competency required by the profession. A good model will search out that quality before she agrees to the job. She will research the reputation of photographers she considers working with and makes sure others have had good experiences with those on her list. It almost goes without saying that she is also self-confident. She is comfortable exposing her body to the camera’s eye.

A final word for all those who are not and will never be models… Most women love to see themselves in a soft and sensual portrait. Whether it’s at the hands of a professional photographer or one’s spouse or significant other, the emphasis is on capturing the beauty of her persona. It no longer matters that she is ‘beautiful’ as socially defined. Photographing a woman in her natural state, with the emphasis on soft and sensual, good posing, carefully defined lighting and effective communication between picture-taker and model all results in incredible and tasteful artistic photos she will treasure forever.