Female Form Photography: The Guide to Sensuality in Your Photos
When it comes to the female form, for photographers, this area of your work can become a very profitable one. There is something to be said about that well taken photo of the female body, some even consider this type of photography art.
Female form photography can be subtle, glamorous, or even sensual, but one thing is certain; if you get good at it, you can make a lot of money as a photographer. The female form is used in all types of advertising, in artwork, in sexy and sensual photos, and more. Mastering this craft will take your photography business further.
To help you get started with female form photography, I have put together this brief guide.
Considering Your Model
Before you get any equipment, set the scene, or take any pictures you’re going to need a model. Until you’ve worked with a few models this can actually be one of the more difficult parts of your job.
If you are taking sensual photos where the model is partially or fully nude, model selection is everything. You want to find a model who is experienced in this type of modeling, and who has the figure to match.
If your budget allows, a modeling agency is really the best place to start. For the low budget project you may have success with a classified ad in your local paper.
One other important thing to note: when you work with a model in this type of photo session, ensure your studio is private and comfortable. Keeping it as professional as possible will help you build your reputation as a photographer.
Clothing & Background
Once you have a model, and assuming you know what type of photo you plan to take, it is time to plan your setting. The background for female form photography is more important.
There are two considerations in this area.
1. If you are taking photos with clothes on, your clothing colors’ should be the complete opposite of those you choose for portraits. In a portrait photo you are trying to draw attention to the subjects face. With female form photography you want to accentuate the body’s lines. Choosing garments that stand out slightly will help to ensure you accomplish this.
2. The next thing to be considered is the background itself. You want to choose a background that is soft and subtle just like the lines of the female form. This will give your photo a better blend. Earth tones are a good choice.
Lighting & Pose
The last things you need to consider are lighting and pose. If you hired a professional model, then pose shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Just guide her in what you want her to do. Lighting, though, is paramount to your photo.
Just as the background was subtle so should your lighting be. Soft lighting from behind to make a shadowed look, or from the side to highlight those delicate lines will work. If you use direct light ensure that you use softbox lighting, or another form of subdued light. You will find that dimmer light works better to accentuate the female form.
Pay attention to the details with your female form photography, and you’ll likely find that your work is featured in magazines, and sought after by collectors before long.
