dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
I've recently been commissioned (sounds like a big word huh.... ) by someone who's seen my work in the past with respect to my wedding images etc. to shoot a boudoir session with them.
Part of me wants to do this strictly in high iso b&w film - like Tmax 3200 or Tri-X pushed to 3200 or 6400. I may actually try this a bit for a few shots but likely I'll shoot most of it with the D700.
Anyway, gear aside (pushes gear over to the other side of the table), ever since I was requested to shoot this session I started thinking and researching about boudoir. I don't know anything about the genre per se however I started off where I usually start off nowadays; Google.
Boy... I got all sorts of "stuff" by punching in "boudoir photography" - from really gaudy (to me) photos to stuff that could be hard core porn. I did come across a few that made me say "yes.. that's the style I'm thinking of"
Much like the quote by Constatine Manos that I have in my sig; I have an idea of what I'm looking for but only once I see it will I know that it is truly what I want to shoot
And as such, here's my take on what boudoir should be.. just my opinion mind you...
The boudoir photograph, to the viewer, should (in my opinion) make you feel like you're a 12 year old boy in 1977 and you've just seen the cover of this month's issue of Playboy up on the top shelf of the variety store where you buy your candy. You're intrigued, interested, but you know that it is an "adult" magazine. You want to look; you're really curious to look; but you can't look at it right now because you're just not old enough. So you are left wanting a bit - making you feel like there's something exciting waiting for you behind that cover.
That, to me, is how a boudoir photo should make you feel as a viewer.
The reason I say this is, well, when you think of what boudoir is about; really, it's about glamour and sex; but not the hard core sex, it's more about tease ya know? Boudoir should be like sex is, intimate, passionate, and, when the couple (whoever they may be) are engaged in it they don't see the "big picture" - I mean, they don't see the graphic details or the whole scene; they catch glimpses of each other. They catch details. They witness glances. They feel.
THAT is what it's about I think. Not about splaying someone on a bed and shooting them wholly (although that can be achieved decently as well) per se but catching a portion of the person or the detail that's there - leaving you wanting a bit more; you know.. to find out a bit more.
I think that I'm looking at "classic" boudoir style photography here but I could be wrong - what's your take on this style of photography? Is it just "soft porn" / "porn" or is it something more?
Cheers,
Dave
Part of me wants to do this strictly in high iso b&w film - like Tmax 3200 or Tri-X pushed to 3200 or 6400. I may actually try this a bit for a few shots but likely I'll shoot most of it with the D700.
Anyway, gear aside (pushes gear over to the other side of the table), ever since I was requested to shoot this session I started thinking and researching about boudoir. I don't know anything about the genre per se however I started off where I usually start off nowadays; Google.
Boy... I got all sorts of "stuff" by punching in "boudoir photography" - from really gaudy (to me) photos to stuff that could be hard core porn. I did come across a few that made me say "yes.. that's the style I'm thinking of"
Much like the quote by Constatine Manos that I have in my sig; I have an idea of what I'm looking for but only once I see it will I know that it is truly what I want to shoot
And as such, here's my take on what boudoir should be.. just my opinion mind you... The boudoir photograph, to the viewer, should (in my opinion) make you feel like you're a 12 year old boy in 1977 and you've just seen the cover of this month's issue of Playboy up on the top shelf of the variety store where you buy your candy. You're intrigued, interested, but you know that it is an "adult" magazine. You want to look; you're really curious to look; but you can't look at it right now because you're just not old enough. So you are left wanting a bit - making you feel like there's something exciting waiting for you behind that cover.
That, to me, is how a boudoir photo should make you feel as a viewer.
The reason I say this is, well, when you think of what boudoir is about; really, it's about glamour and sex; but not the hard core sex, it's more about tease ya know? Boudoir should be like sex is, intimate, passionate, and, when the couple (whoever they may be) are engaged in it they don't see the "big picture" - I mean, they don't see the graphic details or the whole scene; they catch glimpses of each other. They catch details. They witness glances. They feel.
THAT is what it's about I think. Not about splaying someone on a bed and shooting them wholly (although that can be achieved decently as well) per se but catching a portion of the person or the detail that's there - leaving you wanting a bit more; you know.. to find out a bit more.
I think that I'm looking at "classic" boudoir style photography here but I could be wrong - what's your take on this style of photography? Is it just "soft porn" / "porn" or is it something more?
Cheers,
Dave
Benjamin Marks
Veteran
Dave: I think you are going to do just fine . . .
Roger Hicks
Veteran
You probably have to fancy them a bit, but not enough to make a pass. That gives the edge of "My God, you're beautiful" without "Let's go to bed."
I've recently had an example of this but (a) I'm married (b) I want to stay married (c) she's very young and (d) even if I were free I'd not want to cross the line because she's a sweet girl and doesn't need an overt admirer who is decades older. I'm still looking forward to photographing her again (quite chastely!) probably with an M9 and Thambar in colour. But mono is good too.
Cheers,
R.
I've recently had an example of this but (a) I'm married (b) I want to stay married (c) she's very young and (d) even if I were free I'd not want to cross the line because she's a sweet girl and doesn't need an overt admirer who is decades older. I'm still looking forward to photographing her again (quite chastely!) probably with an M9 and Thambar in colour. But mono is good too.
Cheers,
R.
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PaulW128
Well-known
Dave;
Best thing to do would be to ask the client. What type of outfits would she want to be photographed in. If there's nudity, it's usually implied (sexy nightgown, man's dress shirt) Maybe some soft fucus stuff. You say "them"...is it a couple?
Could be fun for you and the client, just as long as everyone knows what to expect
Good luck!
Paul
Best thing to do would be to ask the client. What type of outfits would she want to be photographed in. If there's nudity, it's usually implied (sexy nightgown, man's dress shirt) Maybe some soft fucus stuff. You say "them"...is it a couple?
Could be fun for you and the client, just as long as everyone knows what to expect
Good luck!
Paul
monochromejrnl
Well-known
the most important things is for you to find out 'boudoir' means to your clients and they type of images they expect... they may be expecting what you consider 'hardcore' unless you clarify... best of luck
raid
Dad Photographer
Can I assist you with the lights ... etc?
raid
Dad Photographer
.
.... and Raid, if you were around and I was in need of assistance, I'd call on you
Cheers,
Dave
Sure! I've heard such promises before, but I have yet to be asked to help when it would be a great experience. :bang:
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Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Dave, I'm closer than Raid.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
heh.. true that Earl
If I need help lighting, I'll send you a PM - otherwise, if this goes off like I hope it does, I'll post a few images afterwards - wouldn't happen until late October though due to my schedule.
Cheers,
Dave
Ducky
Well-known
I was going to suggest contacting Frank P as well. Some of his stuff is off the wall (no offense Frank) but he can get some intimate looks on the faces of his subjects.
Tom Diaz
Well-known
I like it when you talk like that.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I think that you have the right idea. Keep in mind always that it's a job, nothing more. Best of luck.
Sparrow
Veteran
My first thought was Frank P stuff too, then I thought of David Bailey's book trouble and strife, those photos of his, then, wife Marie Helvin, so I had flick through that. And came to two conclusions first an awful lot of it depends on how good the client looks, and second how well Frank’s work stands up even in comparison to Bailey's
The only practical thing I cane up with was that both use a lot of props in their photos, and Frank looks to continue shooting as his models are changing, so I would copy that style to start with and, take as many props as I could. Then have a long talk to the client to see how prim or raunchy she wants to look.
The only practical thing I cane up with was that both use a lot of props in their photos, and Frank looks to continue shooting as his models are changing, so I would copy that style to start with and, take as many props as I could. Then have a long talk to the client to see how prim or raunchy she wants to look.
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Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
I suggest you post samples here - for scholarly critique, of course.
:angel:
:angel:
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
True.... true... Memphis
I know her fairly well enough - I don't think she'll be shy in front of the camera.
Ken, I'll post some stuff here once I finish the shoot - I already know what I don't want.. so at least I have that out of the way.
I'm beginning to think I may need more lighting than some SB-900s.. but we'll see. I'll be visiting the location and the subject on the weekend to scout things out.
Cheers and thanks,
Dave
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
hehe.. I can be quite obtuse at times ya know?
oh.. heh.. umm.. ya.. I may but that's how I got into my last relationship - It's probably better that I keep the shoot and pleausre, well, ya know, separate
Cheers,
Dave
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
"The more you get, the more you get" - my buddy John
I know what you're saying - just that the actions kind of go contrary to my own personal way of doing things... if something falls into my lap however.. I usually don't say "no" off the bat either..
Cheers,
Dave
Tom Diaz
Well-known
Are you still thinking of high ISO black and white? I would think digital, for really high quality high-ISO. Process it later to look like high speed film if you want to try that, but get all the bits first. You're probably more experienced than I am, so I'm interested to know what you're planning.
Tom
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Giggidy Giggidy...
Actually, to answer Tom's question, I may take only a couple photos using film. If I can snag a decent medium format camera before the shoot and get a good feel for it, I would like to use that for a frame or two (or six).
The D700 will do just fine for this application. If I still had my Canon gear, I would be all over this with the 5D and 50mm f1.2 L and 24 f1.4 L.
I won't know for sure, however, until I scout the location this weekend - luckily it's somewhere that the subject feels comfortable in - her own home.
Cheers,
Dave
easyrider
Photo addict
Some more inspiration
Some more inspiration
Here is Smugmug's glamour group. Quality varies but some very nice stuff.
http://www.profsglamourpix.com/community/Glamour
Here is a shooter in Toronto:
http://www.profsglamourpix.com/People/Ontario-Glamour-Girls/5751908_GZ9Yu#355521038_oip7o
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/5770878_2jAKv#389230712_eXfii-M-LB
The definition of "boudoir" varies a great deal so it is best to show the client some samples and see what her desire is.
Best of luck. Hopefully you can post some.
Some more inspiration
Here is Smugmug's glamour group. Quality varies but some very nice stuff.
http://www.profsglamourpix.com/community/Glamour
Here is a shooter in Toronto:
http://www.profsglamourpix.com/People/Ontario-Glamour-Girls/5751908_GZ9Yu#355521038_oip7o
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/5770878_2jAKv#389230712_eXfii-M-LB
The definition of "boudoir" varies a great deal so it is best to show the client some samples and see what her desire is.
Best of luck. Hopefully you can post some.
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