Portraits & Glamour

What Is Glamour Photography?

Picture an old Hollywood portrait of an actress from the mid-century. Think of the well-defined curves, the cheekbones carved with shadows, the classic beauty. That’s glamour classical photography. however, glamour shots extend well beyond the traditional portraits of Hollywood stars. So where does the glamour genre sit in modern photography?

It is easily one of the most vilified genres in photography. Glamour photography focuses on the beauty of the person in the photograph. While it’s a standalone genre, that focus on beauty can inspire work in other genres as well. For example, portrait photo sessions or fashion shoots. Before photography artists were doing the same thing with paintbrushes, painting gorgeous or often striking women.

Glamour photography isn’t well understood. It is a photographic genre that celebrates sexual attraction. Because of this, its often misunderstood and sometimes shied away from, other times it reaches extremes that no longer qualifies as glamour.

Not all master photographers agree on what qualifies as glamour photography however, In it’s most accepted definition, glamour is photography that focuses on beauty and charm.

This is unlike fashion photography. This field can often feel similar in posing and lighting. A glamour shoot isn’t about the clothes.

Glamour sets also aren’t about the props or location. These can be important, yes, but less so than for a fashion shoot.

Glamour shots focus on physical beauty. Photographers piece together several different aspects. This is to highlight that ethereal fairy tale beauty. From the wardrobe and makeup to lighting and post-processing. All the different elements work together to celebrate the subject’s beauty.

For many, glamour photography is about giving women confidence. And about making all women feel beautiful.

For photographers, glamour photography is a portrait session. But one that maximizes the subject’s beauty. It’s a portrait session that can involve makeup, wardrobe choices, and fine-tuned poses.

Others define glamour photography as something a bit more sensual. These types of images still celebrate beauty but in a more flirtatious way. These glamour shots highlight attraction. But photographers can do that with posing and light. Not only a wardrobe.

That doesn’t mean the model is always wearing revealing clothing. But sometimes photographers will define glamour as boudoir-like shots. Even if they are outside the boudoir (or bedroom).

The genre also doesn’t stick to one specific style. Some glamour photographs are about bold confidence and others, shy flirtatiousness. Glamour photographers can use hard light, soft light, natural light or studio light to get the right light for the perfect artwork.

What matters most is that in glamour photography is how everything comes together to celebrate beauty.