Boudoir photography (or glamour photography) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Either as a wedding present, an anniversary gift, or for no real reason at all, women have found that beautiful, elegant, and often seductive pictures of themselves are a real treat for the significant others in their lives. Many studios now specialize in glamour photography, but it's also possible to take these pictures in one's very own bedroom. If you're interested in doing some amateur boudoir photography at home, here are some helpful hints.
First of all, you have to consider that in photography, lighting is everything. A lot of light is ideal, and for the best results you're going to want to use professional work lights on tripods. Of course, not everyone has professional lighting equipment, so the overhead light of a room, indirect window light, and the camera's flash are also options, although less than optimal ones. You want a lot of light because you want to eliminate shadows that could obscure the picture. You also want absolutely to avoid light coming from behind. Backlit photographs will cause the model to appear dark and undefined in the photographs. Lighting creates the mood, so you need to get this right.
Also, a background is important in glamour photography. You don't want to set up in a bedroom with clothes on the floor and a lot of clutter lying around. The space should be organized in a way that the subject of the pictures chooses. Namely, it should convey the kind of image and attitude that the model desires. Items of intimacy, such as pillows and other props, are a good idea. The old rule, "if it doesn't add to the scene, then it detracts from it" is useful here. Nothing is neutral in your scenes. It either helps or hurts the quality of the photos.
Before shooting, make sure the model and the room are exactly right so that the session can continue smoothly and without interruption. Also keep in mind that, even without interruption, boudoir sessions can take hours. The pictures are meant to show the most perfect and beautiful side of the model, so a lot of photographs are necessary to ensure that the ones to make up the final collection are the absolute best. Don't be surprised if this process takes quite a bit of time.
Throughout shooting, it's important to make sure that the model feels comfortable and is happy with her session. If you're taking these pictures of yourself, then most likely this will be no obstacle. However, if you're taking pictures of someone else, especially of a customer that you're not acquainted with, this can be a delicate situation. These pictures are extremely personal and private, and for your customer to be at her most elegant and seductive in front of a total stranger will take grace and patience on your part. Allow her to get comfortable both with you and her surroundings. Keep her robed until shooting and allow her to put her robe back on immediately afterwards to avoid any awkwardness. Comfort is absolutely essential to a good session of glamour photography.
A professional atmosphere is a must for a boudoir session. Make sure that you follow such basic guidelines as lighting and setting to reassure your client that she is going to receive the best possible service. Also, make sure to cater to her as she sees fit. After all, these pictures are all about her.
While there is no substitute for practice, there is also much to be learned about shooting quality boudoir photographs. Don't pass up the opportunity to review some books or short courses on lighting and on posing models. Doing this can make the difference between obviously amateur photographs and those that are truly stunning.
Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer.
You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog: [http://www.learnboudoirphotography.com]
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