So today I'm talking about shots that are really meant for a significant other more so than generally sexy pictures. Not all the samples were for someone's SO, some are just portfolio work, but they are all shot in that style. These have to still be sexy, but you are incorporating a lot more of the subject's personality into the shot. 

Firstly not all subjects will have the same body type, I know this should go without saying, but just in case someone is starting out I want to put that out there. That being said their body type shouldn't really affect your overall shoot. You will have to think about using posing and framing to accentuate the best parts of the client while minimizing the parts they aren't completely comfortable with. And regardless of what you think about the client's look, they will always have parts they don't  want to be prominent in the pictures, whether it's their self images, or just them not being comfortable showing that much skin. Your job as a photograhper is to tkae a great picture while still keeping them happy. 

The subject above has an amazing smile and wasn't comfortable with exposing her breasts, so using a little shallow depth of field and the right angle we still pulled off a great teasing shot that's sexy, but preserves the modesty the subject wanted. 

This subject also has an amazing smile and wanted a bit more modesty in her shot, while still giving it a fun and flirty look. So I wrapped her in sheets that matched her eye color so it would pop in the photos and posed her to show off her figure without a lot of skin being in the picture. 

The last two images show off two things I just wanted to touch on. The first is that props are fun !! The $5 masquerade mask in the first shot added an air of intrigue to the photo to give it a whole new dimension. The last thing is that you don't have to show any skin at all to create a sexy picture. You literally just see the subject's face in this shot, but it's still a strong sexy image that draws you in.

As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my article. I know this is by no means an exhaustive take on the genre, but I'm hoping I was able to give someone a general feel for it and maybe an idea they want to try in their photography. 

So let me start off with the obvious, there's no such thing as a perfect anything, whether it's a portrait, cabinet, car, or anything you can think of. What is possible, and what you should expect from any professional you hire, is what's perfect for you. This not only means following solid photographic technique, but also working with you to accentuate the parts you want to show off, and hide the little imperfections we all have. 

So let's start with Style, Every Photographer has their own style, and most can shoot more than one style, but make sure that the photographer you're considering has at least some experience in the style you want. If they've never shot pin-up before, you probably shouldn't go with them, on the same token, if they've shot plenty in the style you like, but it isn't what you are looking for ask them if they can make the changes you are looking for, and if not, they probably aren't the best fit for you.  

Now that you've found a photographer that shoots the style you want, go through their portfolio again and look for two kinds of images, first, the ones that make you go WOW !! It's important that they have something in their portfolio that grabs you, because at the end of the day, you want your portrait to make you go wow. Secondly, look for people in their book that look like you, while most good photographers are pretty versatile, seeing someone who looks like you shot by them eliminates a lot of the need for you to imagine what your final portrait will look like. 


Thirdly, talk to your photographer! I can't say this enough, while we have ideas and styles, we are all in the business of pleasing people, and we can't create the image you want if you don't articulate to us what you want. Professional head shots are very different from boudoir shots for your significant other. Also, there are different versions of photos in a given genre, so please, please, please let the photographer know what you want. Bringing examples in your initial meeting with them is a huge plus. The more we know, the more we can create the images you want.


Finally, the part no one likes to talk about, the money. If you reach out to a photographer and they give you a quote based on what you asked for, chances are they are pretty firm on that. We are all willing to negotiate, but you have to be realistic.   Not only do we have the day to day expenses you do(we have to eat to), but there's also equipment, insurance, business overhead, and of course we deserve to be properly compensated for our education and experience. I'm not saying you have to go with the most expensive photographer in the world, just be realistic in what you expect. 


I hope this article has been a little bit informative and helpful to you. Take a moment and look at the examples below and see if they give you ideas of how you'd like to be photographed. If you have any questions, just click on the contact us tab above and send a message.