Something I have found over the years is a wide range of viewpoints regarding the various terms used in nude photography. For example, I have seem people get really upset over the word "boudoir" whereas other people have no fear of the word. Boudoir actually is French for a lady's bedroom, or private sitting room. Not very dirty now, is that?
Boudoir photography is normally a lingerie or implied glamour nude style shoot in an indoor, bedroom setting, with the appearance of being shot in the evening (of course, there are exceptions to the evening part!) Boudoir is fairly new in the photography timeline, but it has grown very quickly. It fills a void for women, in that this kind of photography is not often available in the more traditional studios... you won't get these at Sears!
Today's woman wants to appear as elegant, glamourous and sensual as possible, and boudoir offers all that and more. It is also very empowering to women in that it enhances the perception of their self-image.
Now the word "fetish" conjures up all sorts of concepts, from women in leather to people tied in rope, to being led around on a leash - and it is all that... and more! The term "fetish" originally meant "charm", and comes from the Portugese word feitico which meant "false power, or an object believed to have magical power or charm." This sort of work can range from tawdry, dirty magazine photos to some very fine art. A perfect example of the latter is my favorite classic photographer, Helmut Newton. Some of the best images I have ever shot came from my friends in the fetish community.
Boudoir photography is normally a lingerie or implied glamour nude style shoot in an indoor, bedroom setting, with the appearance of being shot in the evening (of course, there are exceptions to the evening part!) Boudoir is fairly new in the photography timeline, but it has grown very quickly. It fills a void for women, in that this kind of photography is not often available in the more traditional studios... you won't get these at Sears!
Today's woman wants to appear as elegant, glamourous and sensual as possible, and boudoir offers all that and more. It is also very empowering to women in that it enhances the perception of their self-image.
Now the word "fetish" conjures up all sorts of concepts, from women in leather to people tied in rope, to being led around on a leash - and it is all that... and more! The term "fetish" originally meant "charm", and comes from the Portugese word feitico which meant "false power, or an object believed to have magical power or charm." This sort of work can range from tawdry, dirty magazine photos to some very fine art. A perfect example of the latter is my favorite classic photographer, Helmut Newton. Some of the best images I have ever shot came from my friends in the fetish community.
So, what is the point of this little vocabulary lesson? How you chat with your models and potentials is very important. You certainly don't want them to have the impression that you are a dirty guy with a camera. Understand the terms, talk politely with your potential models, and have some fun. As your friendships develop, you will find your conversations can get more personal, but never ever EVER let them have the GWC impression, it can haunt you forever!
Our purpose as a nude/glamour/boudoir photographer is to provide our client with images of beauty, of grace and elegance, and that tell the story of their beauty, within and without. Always remember that!
The image above is one of my favorite Helmut Newton photographs, entitled "Two Pairs of Legs in Black Stockings, Paris." This is one of many of his images that throughly captures my imagination, and one that I hope to re-create sometime this year.
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