What is Glamour Photography?

 

In order to fully understand the visual idea we have. We first have to come to terms with what the concept of glamour photography represents in today’s modern society.

 

“Lingerie is to the fashion industry, as the naked female structure and form is to the glamour industry.”

 

Glamour Photography is a genre of photography which involves the capturing of images of a female model in a sensual, romantic, erotic alluring manner. Depicting the female body either clothed or semi-nude, fully nude and all its natural beauty and structure to entice and deliver a sexy glamorised appeal to the viewer. Glamour photography is generally composed of a model in a still position either out on location or in a studio. Glamour Photography can cover various themes, settings, cultures and industries. The images are usually used for commercial use, either as mass-produced calendars, pinups, and men's magazine, such a Playboy, Hustler, Rustler, White House, Penthouse, Knave etc. To produce high-quality images for publication. Glamour photographers usually specialise in working in this sector of the industry. This is done purely to be able to deliver a competitive edge to the images they capture. The photographer working in the glamour industry will require a high degree of experience and knowledge working with different model & publication requirements. They must be able to produce professional results and obtain, capture and deliver a sexual glamourised appeal through the lens of their camera. Technical lighting ability and strong colour management and editing skill will assist the photographer to capture a stunning image. But the main point of glamour photography is to obtain an image of a truly stunning model.

 

There is no point in have a beautiful and visually stunning model who has no sex appeal. It will leave the viewer looking at a mediocre image which lacks panache. An image with no style and sense of originality. An image produced on a conveyor belt of replication. To enhance the model's appearance the photographer may choose to shoot indoors in a staged studio environment or outdoors on location. Limited by cost imposed upon them by the publication, the photographer may choose to mix fashion with glamour to maximise the usage of the image. Whilst increasing their coverage and audience appeal. However, the general public still label the glamour photography industry a side gig of the adult industry and classify it as pornography. What was considered "Glamour" in the 1940's, with models in clothed swimwear and classified as pinups. In the early 1950's and 60's many European & American movie actresses were featured in pinup poses glamourising them in swimsuits. In the 1960's some publications went on to show partial nudity, and by the 1970's men's magazines started to show female pubic hair and genitalia.

 

What is pornography?

 

(Greek: πορνεία, porneia, fornication)

 

Pornography is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual gratification. It depicts graphic sexual activity and visible penetration. It has visual display and depiction in books, magazines, photographs, films, and other media of scenes of sexual behaviour that are erotic or lewd and are designed to arouse sexual interest. drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video, and video games. The term applies to the depiction of the act rather than the act itself and so does not include live exhibitions like sex shows and striptease.

 

Pornography is often distinguished from erotica, which consists of the portrayal of sexuality with high-art aspirations, focusing also on feelings and emotions, while pornography involves the depiction of acts in a sensational manner, with the entire focus on the physical act, so as to arouse quick intense reactions.

 

 

The glamour & adult photography industry is classified into five categories:

 

Soft Glamour:- The bikini model, lingerie, topless level, implied nude, artistic nude, fully nude (no pubic hair or genitals shown)

 

Hard Glamour:- Full nude (showing pubic hair), European open leg

level (genitals on shown), American open leg opening up of genitals,

full display of genitals with toys. 

​

Soft pornography:- contains nudity or partial nudity in sexually

suggestive situations, but not explicit sexual activity, sexual

penetration or "extreme fetishism". Simulated act of sexual

arousal, but no visual display.

 

Hardcore adult pornography:- Age 21 upwards, contains graphic

sexual activity and visible penetration & intercourse.

 

Teen pornography:- Age limit 18 - 21, is graphic sexual activity 

and visible penetration & intercourse.

​

Erotica:- Literature or art intended to arouse sexual desire. It is the portrayal of sexuality with a high - degree and depth on the artistic aspect of each scene, focusing also on feelings and emotions and the general attitude of the mood and atmosphere of the plot, while arousing a sexual desire, excitement, whilst being seductive, sexy, titillating and raunchy. Genitals may be shown but there is no visual penetration.

​

 

There is also the general term “Glamour” which is widely used in the fashion industry to emphasis an alluring sense of power and sophistication. These images are usually photographed in exotic locations with celebrities and famous fashion models. This type of glamour is used to captivate the audience, to catch the consumers attention and draw their attention and focus to a particular type of fashion, clothing style, cosmetic of accessory etc. It highlights a demand and creates a need for “supply & demand”. It is utilised by the fashion industry & magazines, advertising companies, newspapers, style websites and is even blogged about by fashionistas. It is glamour + sophistication with a hint of class, defined with a suggestion of the finer things/ aspects to life. To the point of false pretence and belief. That purchasing, wearing, consuming and surrounding one's self with this product or consumable item with also make one glamorous. These type of images do not contain nudity, however, they do contain a sexual allure and level of luxury and divine importance and indulgence. Elevating the viewer to a point of total envy and desire. As a Glamour photographer, you may want to experiment within this area. As it has the highest yield and demand for any new photographer and model. Talent & advertising, booking and casting agencies are constantly seeking new glamour images and models. And in case you are wondering. The fashion industry occasionally uses images with a combination of glamour and artistic nudity to catch the consumers attention.

 

There is a fine line between Glamour, erotica and pornography. And on closer inspection will reveal that this is mainly down to the type of publication you are submitting your images too. The desired result and direction you want to take your photography – Glamour photography. And what you want to achieve as a photographer by taking glamour & adult images. Experiment until you have found your niche and are completely proficient and confident to the level that you are consistently delivering excellent professional images. It is better to know the theory and practical side of your trade first, before deciding to go on and specialise and became a Glamour photographer. At the end of the day. It's just photography, and when all has been said and done. Glamour Photographers capture great images by dancing with the light.