As a photographer I run into models who don’t know the different categories that they are modeling in. Take glamour for example.
These are many possible categories of glamour. As a model you should know the different categories that you want to pose in and how much of your body you want to expose to the camera. Keep in mind you own your body and only you can decide how much of it to show.
Casual Glamour: This is from everyday clothing to a glamorous fashion.
Beauty: Usually these are head shots but may go into a half shot. Any more than a half shot would fall into the “casual glamour” category-depending what you’re wearing.
Lingerie: This can go from your great-grandmothers full length cotton gown to a Victoria Secret’s ultra sheer nightie the size of a napkin.
Pin-up: http://www.thepinupfiles.com/ The above link has pin-up artists from the early 1900’s to the present. Watch out though, some of the pin-up art includes nudity.
Film Noir: This refers to a dark style of photography that was popular in the 1940’s.
Fitness: The model must be physically fit with a toned body. Muscles and body definition are very important here and most of these models are also bikini models.
Swimsuit: The name pretty much says it all.
Areas where nudity may or may not be required
Artists Model: Many colleges hire an artist’s models for the various art classes they offer. The pay is usually low, nudity may be required and you will be posing in one position for an extended period of time. All body shapes and sizes are welcomed here.
Body Painting/Liquid latex: The model usually stands for long periods of time while her body is painted or applied with several coats of latex. In some cases, nudity may be required. The model then poses for photographers or other artists.
Sheer: Yes you are wearing something, but your sensitive areas show through the material.
Implied Nude: The definition of this style of photography is: “the viewer is given the implication the model is nude.” There are two ways for the model to pose for this particular category. 1. The model is nude with all the sensitive areas covered with either clothing or with the models hands and arms. 2. The model is wearing panties and bra but is positioned in such a way that the under clothing doesn’t show in the picture.
Topless: I’m sure you can figure this one out for yourself.
Glamour Nude: The model can be wearing an article of clothing but the garment doesn’t cover her sensitive areas or she’s wearing nothing at all. All the sensitive areas are exposed to the camera. Playboy Magazine has the ultimate in glamour nude photography and is the most popular style of nude photography but is difficult for the average photographer to achieve. Yes, the most sensitive portion of your body is exposed to the camera but done in a respectful and tasteful manner.
Erotic: The model may or may not be nude but the pose is sexually suggestive.
Fetish: While BDSM (bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism) is the most popular on the web today, anything can be a fetish; high heel shoes, panties, bras, slips, tattoos, piercing, long fingernails, toes, feet, scars, smoking or any thing else you can think of that someone may have a craving/fetish for.
Hustler Magazine takes Playboy to a different level when it comes to what and how much the model exposes.
Soft Core Porn: This is an extension of the glamour nude genre. The models expression is suggestive but is usually using her hand to part her labia or inserting adult marital aids into her various body parts.
Hard Core Porn: The model is being photographed having sex with another model
Set your boundaries and stick with them. If you decide to expand your boundaries then select a photographer you feel comfortable with for your experiments. It’s your body and up to you and you alone.