Today I am going to post on a new topic, but I will be
updating with the second half of the last visual lesson in the next
two days, as well as this weeks visual aids.
Today is a post on a particular pet peeve of mine. This is also the
very first time I will be placing an 18+ warning on anything I make
public. What I am talking about here is the blurred line between
“Boudoir Photography” and “Pornography”. A tricky difference
for a person who began and continues her career primarily with
children as her subjects; but one that must be very clearly struck.
It comes
from doing some web research of my own for upcoming shoots and
finding a disgusting number of mislabeled and very workplace
inappropriate images. While there is always the internet snag
commonly known as “Rule 34”; I believe that a Google image search
is one of the simplest ways for a budding (or experienced)
photographer to collect a few new ideas on poses or props.
Boudoir
photography could be loosely defined as using playful suggestion
through composition elements to create a seductive feel without overt
sexual images. For legal
purposes, Pornography is defined as the explicit or implied depiction
of sexual behavior that is intended to arouse sexual excitement in
its audience. Under this broad term, common Boudoir photography can
be determined as a form of pornography, simply because the subtle
suggestion in a pose is entirely intended to interest the viewer. In general, if it could not be displayed in a corporate
workplace without quickly flicking to a new page when the boss walks
by... it is not in the realm of playfully seductive.
I typically
draw the line between the two where an image crosses from being
appropriate for all viewers, to requiring one of the age based
filters used to shield younger persons from explicit material. A
wonderful example of how boudoir work can quickly become pornography
would be to consider the images viewable on websites that require a
subscription to view full sets. In these cases, the preview images
available to all viewers are clothed and posed to peek down cleavage
without actually crossing the line to show any portions of anatomy
which would be questionable in public. But as soon as a valid
subscription or birth date check is passed, the following images pass
clearly into a level of Hustler-esque inappropriateness.
Here we
enter the argument of clothed vs. nude images. Under the legal rules
above, an image of a shapely woman in a bikini posed in a suggestive
nature could be considered pornographic. However, swimsuits are
still a part of most modeling portfolios, and a staple of marketed
photography for any number of products and businesses. Sports
Illustrated would never have made as much money on their annual
swimsuit edition, were it not for the undeniable fact that there is
an obvious appeal to a shapely young woman in a bikini on the cover
of anything men -and women – while still managing to be acceptable
outside the bedroom. These images suggest something adult in nature,
but do not cross a line of offense for the most part.
I believe
that not all nude images are pornographic, and not all pornography
requires nudity. When my son was born in June of 2011, I took his
newborn photos and placed the order for announcement cards with one
of those shots. This image, taken while he napped, shows my nude
three-week old with a fedora placed over his hindquarters as a salute
to one of the two people for whom he was named. In this case, it is
what is called an “artistic nude” - implying no sexual behavior
while still containing a subject without clothing. In fact, the
majority of newborn photography falls under this title; newborns are
delicate and we treat them differently because their beauty comes
from inherent innocence.
Artistic
nude rules are used to determine many works that involve children
because of the ever-present issue of child pornography. The best way
to avoid these issues is to place newborns in a pose or around props
to all sensitive portions of anatomy. Girls over toddler age, about
three years, really should be photographed full clothed, and boys can
go shirtless so long as pants or shorts are in place. One popular
type of images is a nude or implied nude child in a claw foot tub.
So long as the rules on covering sensitive areas are followed, this
can indeed be an adorable addition to any portfolio.
Teens and
adults should be photographed with the strict rule that only those
over the age of majority (18 years or older in the United States for
Federal purposes) can appear nude. I personally feel it is
inappropriate to use an implied nude technique on subjects under that
age, even though it may not be illegal based on the views of
individual courts. At all times, the suggestion of the staging must
be considered. While a bare shoulder in a close up can be innocent
and alluring if captured under one set of circumstances; the very
same bare shoulder can be viewed in a seductive way with a simple
shift in angles or lighting.
Here is the
real crux of the issue. Boudoir photography is intended to be
seductive and innocent at the same time. Similar to the beautiful
and alluring calendar girls of the 1950's, the idea should be to
entice without being lewd or blatant. A model posed with a coy wink
and smile and a shifted hip to help accentuate the curve of her legs
and rear can be done in jeans as easily as garters and thigh-high
stockings. The meaning is the same; there is an implication of
playful seduction without the grotesquely pornographic nature of an
open mouth and spread legs.
I have
previously shot, and have bookings in the near future, for boudoir
images. All my sessions are done on a closed set, with an invitation
for the model to bring a friend of the same gender to help with hair,
make-up, and wardrobe changes as well as moral support for those
nervous about what can be an intimidating experience. I have had
models ask to pose topless, and will accommodate the request as long
as the shots are kept tasteful, again following the rules of implied
nudity. I also never publish images without permission or that have
nudity because that is not part of my business image.
I believe
that educating clients on the difference between boudoir photography
and pornography is an important part of working with models. These
images make wonderful gifts for a husband or partner, a great
addition to an established portfolio, and can help boost confidence
after achieving weight loss goals. I have even taken boudoir
sessions as part of an engagement package or before the wedding, in
sessions when the bride has a shoot to get specialty shots of her
gown. I can be a fun flirty form of self-expression for the right
person, letting the bride pose in her wedding-night outfit as part of
their private wedding album.
This is a
situation where pose really is everything, and so Tuesday's update
will include images fresh from a Google search and open call for
images from other photographers looking to promote their work.
