Icon Studios - //Glamour
For most types of photography, the model is "just part of the scene" ... a prop that is used by the photographer to help him create the image he or an art director has already conceived in their mind or on paper. He usually has chosen the model to fit into the preconceived design. The final images generally look exactly like what the photographer or art director imagined.
Glamour works just the opposite... here the model is more important than in any other area of photography. The model is not a prop, she is the subject. The image highlights both the beauty of the model and the skill of the photographer.
I once saw an interview with a wood sculptor, who carved beautiful figures out of fallen trees. Before he even decided what to sculpt out of a particular piece of wood, he studied it to see where the grain flowed, and what the properties of the wood were. Was the grain smooth and tight, or was it variable and random? Was it straight or curved? Dark or light? Only after studying the wood, could he decide what image the carve, and that image was designed to meld with the properties of the wood. He didn't decide what to carve and then look for the wood to match it ... he found a piece of wood with character first, and then decided what could be carved out of it.
Glamour photography is much like that. The image is controlled not just by the photographer's skill, but mostly by the attributes of the model. Or to put it another way, with glamour, the model comes first, and the photographer uses her character to compose the image.
Talented glamour photographers must be flexible and know a lot more about lighting and technique than most other types of photographers. He has to work with her whole body and frame, not just her face. The same lighting and clothing that looks good on a tanned, blond model will not work on a fair skinned redhead. A doe-eyed, innocent looking face will look out of place shot as a seductress.
Glamour photography is different in other ways too. For portraiture or fashion, the lighting and set is already designed and set up... the model often spends more time in makeup than in front of the camera, because the model is just a prop to be added to the scene already designed by the photographer. The photographer tightly directs the posing of the model, sometimes having her hold the same position for many shots, varying only subtle things such as the spread of her fingers or letting a fan move nothing but her hair.
Glamour on the other hand, generally requires longer photo sessions. Often the set and lighting are only partially set up, because the model is such a crucial element to the design. There is generally much more variation, and a much higher shoot ratio. And often the final images look nothing like what the photographer or model originally imagined. That's why I like shooting glamour - its suprises !
Glamour Modelling - Do You Have What it Takes?
The field of modeling can result in very high earnings for people, depending on the aspect of the industry they want to go into. While some areas of modelling attract marginal salaries, other areas like glamour modelling can allow the subjects to earn substantial incomes. However, before you sign up for this type of modeling, it is important that you understand how it is used and what is expected of you before you get into something that you are really not interested in doing.
With glamour modelling, models are photographed and portrayed in very sexual and romantic ways. Glamour photography is actually a genre of the broad field of photography and photographers are charged with the responsibility of making the subject look appealing and alluring so the pictures will grab the attention of the viewing or reading audience.
In some cases, depending on the country where the glamour photography is shot and displayed, the subject is either fully clothed or semi-nude. The glamour modeling industry in these countries believes that by creating alluring shots that are comprised of partially clothed models, much more interest is sparked in the product being advertised. In other countries however, glamour photography and glamour modelling involve full topless shots which leave very little to the imagination. However in those cultures like the United Kingdom, this is a very acceptable standard for advertising.
Although there is usually some amount of exposure with glamour modelling, it is still a very professional field in which the photographers and crew on a photo shoot treat the subject with respect. Remember that although there is some element of nudity with glamour modeling, the subjects are usually professional models who may have worked in other aspects of the industry before. Therefore, they should be keen on what their rights are in the industry so they are not exploited.
Glamour modelling allows subjects to gain some amount of celebrity status based on where the photography is used. Normally, photographs are intended for commercial use and are mass produced for magazines, calendars and pinups. One of the most popular distributions for glamour photography is the popular Playboy magazine. Many of the covers show partially clothed or totally topless females who over the years have helped that magazine to sell millions of copies.
Photographers who work with subjects in glamour modeling often times use a wide range of techniques like cosmetics, air brushing and lighting to make the image of the subject look even more appealing. Although these factors can contribute to the success of the shot, the subject needs to have a certain level of confidence that is exuded and is evident to whoever is looking at the pictures.
If you have the nerves, confidence and desire to do glamour modeling, they you can expect to make a solid income from doing it. However, just be prepared for the fact that you will be photographed in front of many people who are on the set to help make it a success. Once you feel you are ready for that, then you should be on your way to having a successful glamour modelling career.
Peter writes about what is to be expected for those who would like a career in Glamour Modelling. Are you interested in Modeling? Visit his website for additional information on a Modelling Career!
This short video from Current TV is around about a year old now but still pretty current taking a look at a common issue faced by some of the UK’s biggest names in glamour modelling, what do you do when the phone doesn’t ring as much anymore… This little clip stars Page 3 model Emily Clark who shows an admirable approach continuing to work within the industry finding the faces of tomorrow. One good point made here is that recently the internet (and massive amounts of cheap lads full of “girl next door” type bedroom pics) can’t be all good for the industry. Is glamour loosing its allure? Is it becoming anyone’s game? Have a watch and find out….
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