Inside Glamour Photography
Tips, Techniques, & Ideas for Glamour and Nude Photography with Michael Charles
Secrets Of Foot Fetish Photography
If you’re a photographer who is looking to make money from your work, you’ll be most likely to have success if you focus on the most popular niches. And one of the most popular niches in the world of erotic nude photography revolves around women’s feet and legs (commonly known as “Foot fetish” and “Leg fetish”). In fact, there are a number of magazines devoted entirely to images of this type (Leg Sex and Leg World, to name just two). However, if you’re going to have success getting your pictures purchased by magazines (or websites) that specialize in this type of image, you’ll have to know the specifics that are desired by these magazines and their buyers. Like all fetish fans, foot and leg photography enthusiasts have very specific preferences about what they want to see. As a commercial photographer, it’s your job to deliver photographs that highlight … [Read More...]
What Can You Learn From A Naked And Annoyed 19-Year-Old?
The story behind this picture can teach you a valuable lesson. Trust me, I was there. I took this shot many years ago. In fact, it’s from one of the first three or four nude shoots I’d ever done. I wish I could tell you that I was in complete control of the shoot and impressed this model with my expertise. Unfortunately, that’s not how it happened. Like all new photographers, I was … [Read More...]
How to Choose The Perfect Model For The Job
This image is from one of my favorite nude shoots ever. Though the paint makes things appear a bit messy, it was actually a very simple shoot to execute. The model, Jubilee, is one of the most free-spirited and experimental nude young models I've ever worked with. The scene was very simply lit. I simply used four flash heads bounced into four umbrellas to light the set very evenly. This was … [Read More...]
44 Photo Tips From The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Part 5 of 5)
Congratulations! You made it all the way to Part 5. And now that I think about it, so did I. So congratulations all around! Page 128 This picture provides a great example of the “S pose” that is popular in most styles of photography that feature women. Because this pose is typically very flattering to a model’s body, it is commonly used in fashion, … [Read More...]
44 Photo Tips From The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Part 4 of 5)
Hey, what's up? It's time for Part 4 in our continuing quest to improve our photographic abilities by studying the techniques of excellent practitioners of the the art form (also known as "good photographers"). Page 92-93 We live on a big planet. A planet so big that an inch here or there rarely makes much of a difference. However, there are some … [Read More...]
44 Photo Tips From The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Part 3 of 5)
Here we are for the third time. That's why it's called Part 3. Simple enough, right? So grab your copy of SI and let's take a look at some very good photography. Page 55 Adding a lion to a photograph is guaranteed to add quite a bit of drama to almost any image (one exception would be an image that already includes a bunch of lions; but … [Read More...]
44 Photo Tips From The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Part 2 of 5)
Hey! I assume you've already read my semi-rant that kicked off this series. Now it's time to take a look at some images from the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and figure out what makes these pictures special. Do you have a fresh copy of the 2012 issue in front of you? If so, cool. If not, less cool. But not the end of the world. Let's get … [Read More...]
44 Photo Tips From The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Part 1 of 5)
As you probably already know, the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue recently hit the shelves. And I have a confession to make: I don't get the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. I understand it. I just don't get it. I don't get it's continued popularity. I don't get the anticipation that builds around it each year. I don't get how it's manages to sustain it's … [Read More...]
Warning: Glamour Shoot Troubles Ahead!
There are two things you can count on when it comes to photo shoots: 1) No two are alike; and 2) At some point, something's going to go wrong. Nearly every shoot will present you with an unexpected situation that you’ll have to deal with in order to make the shoot work. That's just way it is. No matter how much time you devote to coming up with a pre-shoot plan, there are simply too many … [Read More...]
Stunning Nude Photographs: Using “The Magic Hours”
This is an exquisite picture of a young model. Even if there was nothing else in the shot to make it special, the simple gesture of her grasping her wet hair makes for an interesting image. However, what really makes this particular image stand out is the lighting. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to figure out how the lighting was achieved. In addition, it’s relatively simple for anyone to … [Read More...]
Helmut Newton: The Master Of Erotic Fashion Photography
Helmut Newton was one the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His photographic style challenged and altered the conventions of both fashion and portrait photography. Born in Berlin, Germany in 1920, Newton’s fascination with photography came early in his life. At the age of 16 he left school to become an apprentice to renowned German photographer Elsie Simon. Fleeing the … [Read More...]
The Model Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth
This is the first post in a series that will highlight some of the world’s top photographers. As a 10-year-old, I spent most of my free time trying to emulate Walt Frazier of the New York Knicks (though I had the Puma Clydes, I couldn't quite keep up with the Rolls Royce, fur coats, and basketball talent). Fifteen years later, I found myself spending hours upon hours studying the … [Read More...]
Glamour Photography Secrets: The Art of Shallow Focus
This is a classic glamour shot. In fact, it doesn’t get any more “Classic Glamour” than this: A blonde woman with red lipstick and black lingerie lying on a bed while seductively eyeing the camera. To many, this shot would be close to the very definition of “Glamour photography". However, what I want to do is take a look at a specific aspect of this particular shot that will greatly … [Read More...]
How To Take Candid and Playful Nude Photos
What’s your first thought when you see this picture? For me, it’s the “realness” of it. I’m struck by the authenticity of the shot. I think you’ll agree that a piece of the model’s true personality seems to come through in this image. Shooting candid shots is certainly not difficult. Walk down any busy street and you can take 50 candid shots within a single block. However, … [Read More...]
Glamour Photography: The Art Of Naked Deception
This is a deceptive photograph (even more deceptive than most glamour photographs - and that’s saying a lot). At first glance, it has a very casual feel to it. It succeeds in giving the impression that the shot was made in a very spontaneous manner. A nude woman simply lying amongst the sheets of a bed. However, getting shots like this is not as simple as this picture makes it … [Read More...]
The Importance Of Unique Shooting Angles
I’m a big fan of searching for unique and interesting shooting angles when I shoot glamour and nude images. Though I believe it’s a simple thing to do if you’re aware of it, I think this valuable compositional aspect of photography is one that most photographers overlook. In fact, I believe that an interesting shooting angle may be the simplest way for you to turn an average picture into … [Read More...]
