Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

Do you ever wonder what kind of photographer you want to be? I do all the time...

For a while I think I’ve been confusing myself with thoughts about what kind of photographer I want to be and what ‘genre’ I want to pursue. And here’s where I think I’ve gone a bit off the rails with perhaps overthinking things - glamour, portraits, headshots, fashion, erotic, nude, art nude, boudoir.....

I've just posted my thoughts in my latest Blog article, 'Boudoir Photography, Glamour, or what?' http://www.pauljones.org/?p=1609

Here's Laura. A local lady who had never posed in front of a camera before and who contacted me through my website. Is it boudoir or glamour or something else? Let me know what you think.

I'm going for Boudoir with this one, but it is glamour as well in many ways. I'd hardly think that it's the third option, although if we changed all the boudoir/glamour shots of women into the same of men, then it suddenly doesn't look very appealing.

We can see this in the viewing figures of our male studio shoot, which gain a fraction of the number of views compared to a good shot of a pretty girl. Female photographers also tend to photograph females, so it may just be that it's what we all want to see.

Morbid though, no, not morbid, but something to be celebrated.

I agree with John there is nothing wrong with it so I am going with boudoir
alasdair

John wrote:I'm going for Boudoir with this one, but it is glamour as well in many ways. I'd hardly think that it's the third option... Morbid though, no, not morbid, but something to be celebrated.

Thanks for your comments both of you.

The third option was a bit tongue in cheek.

Tongue-in-cheek? You, Paul?

John wrote:Tongue-in-cheek? You, Paul?

Yup. Something a guy who liked messing about on boats once said before he sailed away to sea.

I think this image fits the boudoir style more and can be appreciated by both men and women. When I think of glamour, I think it's more about what men want to see ie bums and boobs being the most prominent features.

Tracey

Tracey McGovern wrote:I think this image fits the boudoir style more and can be appreciated by both men and women. When I think of glamour, I think it's more about what men want to see ie bums and boobs being the most prominent features.

Tracey

Thanks Tracey. I think you're probably right.

This is glamour.

The subject is aimed squarely at the viewer. Although, she could be in her boudoir, boudoir photography suggests an art style pose in a fitting surrounding with an air of love and lust, rather than a wow, this is fun.

For boudoir, the photo airs on the side of the 'oh, I erm, am I allowed to come in, or, maybe, erm... should I knock first', whereas glamour is a 'look at me'. Boudoir is moody lighting, whether that is moody dark, or soft misty light.

My 2p.

PhilipHowe wrote: Boudoir is moody lighting, whether that is moody dark, or soft misty light.

I agree with some of your points Philip, thanks.

I don't agree though that all boudoir is about the lighting, be that moody or whatever. There are so many styles of boudoir and each photographer puts their own spin on it. Take a look at Jen Rozenbaum for example and compare to Christa Meola.

Thanks
Paul

It's all interpretation mate, isn't it?
The thing is, I don't class either of their photosets as boudior.


For instance, for me, the one on the left isn't boudiour, but the one on the right is.


This one isn't boudiour (for me).


This one certainly isn't (for me).

http://www.lovegrovephotography.com/boudoir-gallery/
This set, however, is almost entirely boudior (for me).

PhilipHowe wrote: It's all interpretation mate, isn't it?

Yes, agreed.

Hi Paul.
This is a tricky one to call. I reckon if it were any other model than Laura ( i.e. one of your professional models ) it might well have edged towards Glamour. As it is, I seem to recall you telling me the tale of Laura.Isn't she the young housewife who wondered if she had what it takes to be a model? Correct me if I've got her mixed up with someone else.Anyway, having already bought the Critsey Rowe book that you recommended in your latest blog and re-read the introduction I have to vote for Boudoir. I think you've done a great job in making an " ordinary " girl look ( and hopefully feel ) a million dollars! This to me would appear to be the definition of Boudoir photography.

Regards,

Phil.

Thanks Phil

Having read all the replies, books and websites, etc, I've come to the conclusion that the answer lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Indeed, we see this in other genres of photography, where people have different interpretations of what is 'landscape', etc.

Yes, the lady above was a housewife who had never posed in front of a camera before.

Thanks everyone