Glamour photography

Glamour photography is a genre of portrait photography designed to showcase the beauty, physique, and attractive appearance of the subject, rather than functioning as a documentary or conventional portrait. Images of this type typically involve carefully planned lighting, clothing and styling, and deliberate poses.

This genre is used in fashion magazines, visual publications, fashion books, and commissioned work by clients for professional photographers. The boundary between glamour photography, fashion photography, and nude photography is not always clear and varies depending on intent and the degree of bodily exposure.

Technique

Lighting is the most critical element. Soft light is typically used to minimize harsh shadows on the face, achieved through softboxes, diffusers, and reflectors that redirect light. Medium focal length lenses are commonly chosen to avoid facial distortion, while a wide aperture in the lens creates a shallow depth of field.

Working process

Work typically begins with concept and preparation: selecting the location, clothing, and styling of hair and makeup. The photographer directs the subject through poses, after which image selection and digital retouching occur to adjust color and lighting. Excessive retouching of bodily appearance has become a subject of public debate concerning glamour photography.

History and debate

This genre emerged in the twentieth century, notably through magazines and fashion publications, as well as celebrity photographs demanded during wartime (pin-up). Debate has centered largely on how women are depicted, the consent of the subject being photographed, and the impact of digitally altered images on perceptions of appearance.