In this century, all ambitious glamour photographers have to promote themselves well on the Internet. The Beauty Photography niche is exactly alike –lots and lots of websites, blogs and online portfolios are created online every single day.

What urges both professional and dummies to set up their online havens? There are several reasons for that:

* It is extremly popular to go onlin right now – the demand for cyberspace is growing daily, as it is a perfect field to build up one’s credibility, market oneself and gain recognition. Offline self-PR is often costly and inefficient, unlike its Internet version. These technologies make it so much easier to become a recognized author, be it on a blog or a website;
* Like any other professional community, glamour photographers need to establish communication, exchange experiences, show off their latest works, find prospective customers, learn and teach. The online world makes all of it doable with little expense from photographer’s side;
* With Glamour Images actively exploiting digital format, it has become much easier to host them in electronic format, skipping the stage of actual printing. There’s no need to involve film any longer – ergo, digital photos can be conveniently stored on one’s hard drive, showcased in online galleries and easily displayed in one’s Internet glamour portfolio.

Taking this into account, you may desire to set up your own Internet home to showcase your skills, promote your work and solidify your reputation. Never-the-less, it would be a great idea to test yourself in blogging before you make your own “mature” Internet site. I can name at least six most important reasons to start up a glamour images blog.

As a primary reason, blogging format is very user-friendly – one doesn’t need to be technical savvy in order to become a successful blogger. Instead you only need to register a domain name, sign up for web hosting and install the blogging platform of your choice (like Wordpress). Blogs are highly customizable, so you would be able to create both unique design and layout for your online home. Adding new content is a quick and effortless process, so you will not be overwhelmed with complicated tasks and will be able to update regularly and efficiently.

Has it come to your mind for what reason glamour photographers and ordinary marketers are so crazy about blogs, not websites? It’s just because they are more responsive. Blog enables communication, and therefore your audience is more likely to respond; if people have an opportunity to participate in the process, most of them will use it. If you let people know you care about their opinion and their thoughts, your venture is bound to succeed.

In addition, blogs are only gaining popularity. More and more people realize the advantages and join this growing trend. It’s a good idea to contribute to this community through unique content, ideas, experiences and self-marketing. As a result, you will become distinguishable, your prospects will trust you and your web presence will become stronger.

Besides, blogging is a very flexible instrument; when it comes to functionality, it is unrivalled in terms of both quality and quantity. Your blog may become an article storage, a service of tips and great advice. Your blog can become a “hall of fame” with your glamour pictures in it, a showcase of your infoproducts, a platform for marketing your profession of glamour photographer etc. Shortly put, a blog can become whatever you want it to be.

Moreover, there are dozens of ways to turn glamour blogging into a stable stream of passive income. A fine glamour artist possessing certain experience and skills in this genre could generate some good income from running a blog – earning percentage from advertising, marketing their products, giving their talents for hire, being a personal photography teacher and much more. Blogging is a very flexible and prospective tool.

Lastly, blog is a must for expressing your personality in the online world. You can’t possibly promote yourself more effectively than through your very own glamour blog. The market of glamour images boasts rather tough rivalry; however, you have all necessary to fight your way through it and gain the niche you deserve.

It is a well-known truth that we now are living in a whole new world called “informational society”. Information is at the same time a resource, a product and a tool. Any glamour photographer can make great use of online world for themselves. Reaching the world through blogs is just one of the strategies to secure income and acquire credibility. Fine arts are going digital; the Web opens up a whole universe of prospects – don’t be a slow-poke and jump on the wagon.

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The art of Artistic Glamour Photography has come a long way from its very appearance to what we can see today. After countless changes and transformations, numerous revolutions and much controversy, glamour photography became what we can see today.

I will gladly take you on a short mind trip from the very dawn of Glamour Photos to their modern state – afterwards we will dabble in foreseeing their probable future.

Adolescence. Nobody really knows from where to begin the history of beauty photography genre. Some seek the roots in Paris of 1930’s, where so-called “french postcards” were sold in abundance – others deem Victorian photography and its gurus to be responsible. A few people consider that glamour photography can be traced as far back as Baroque and Renaissance art. To put it simply, the question of origin of glamour pictures is far from being answered. I prefer to consider that classic and contemporary fine arts contributed in equal measures to create this unique genre – and it is the melting pot of 1920’s culture that we owe its birth. We can clearly trace the classic glamour images beginning from the first half of the former century.

Brilliant 50’s and Beyond. The period that started with 50’s was perhaps the most successful – and hard – time for glamour photography. Famous Betty Grable was the queen of hearts before and after the war; in 1953 Marilyn Monroe emerged on Playboy’s cover and led glamour photography from darkness of controversy and public outrage into the light of recognition. There were also Pamela Green and others helping to bring this young art to its feet and conquer the world-wide audience.

Dawn of Digital Era. Glamour images not only acquired color as years went by – they also became more frivolous, imaginative and sometimes provocative. Hope Talmons and Dita Von Teese gave way to Heidie Van Horne, Bernie Dexter, Lucy Pinder and others. Additionally, digital format started dominating in photographic arts. It improved technical side of the process and altogether simplified it beyond measure. Everyone with a DSLR camera could become another glamour artist. Due to rapid development of Internet technologies, a swarm of “people with cameras” emerged, awaiting recognition.

3D – Death, Downfall, Decay? Finally, nowadays we face a new era, when 3D rendering easily re-creates that very glamour that we are so striving to deliver. 3D modeling is an art as well, and a complex one, but it seems to be taking over the field of glamour images. I strongly believe that no artificial computer rendering can ever excel the natural beauty and genuine work of a talented artist. If it is really a competition between old and new, I would like to remain on the side which has a beating heart, long hours of studio work and live relationship to it.

Never-the-less, I gaze in the future with a smile – after all, no art has ever been forgotten; oils and film have an army of admirers, as do many other genres. Artistic 3D may join these ranks, and so may whatever comes next. We don’t owe all the masterpieces to technology – we owe them to artists, their inspiration and their unique vision. No real photographer ever forgets this – and I’m sure that neither will you.

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Notwithstanding the fact that nowadays Glamour Photography has drastically changed, having adopted more superior technologies of images production like color photography and digital processing, classic black and white still remains a powerful technique for making extraordinary and artistic glamour images. Rather frequently glamour images need some extra contrast which gives them elaborate and artistic touch; in order to achieve it, we glamour artists should apply the trusted technique of black and white photography, as it proves the most suitable for this task.

To put it simply, contrast is the difference between two colors, and there are no other colors than black and white to have the highest contrast possible because of the extremely opposite characteristics the two colors have. Therefore, while shooting glamour images that require silhouettes or some kind of drama within the negative and positive spaces in the image, aspiring glamour photographers should try different shots in black and white or use features in some of the awesome softwares like Photoshop in manipulating in high contrast black and white.

When high contrast monochrome is mentioned, it simply means that the picture boils down to the magnificent duet of colors – black and white with little or no shades of grey. Use of high contrast in . In addition, such pictures never look the same and really add up to the dramatic mood within the frame. As soaring photographers, you can either utilize the potential of your camera to adjust it for black and white mode, or make the most from graphic applications like Photoshop for post-editing and converting your creation to monochrome. With the help of some Photoshop tools like Threshold Adjustment layer, you will easily be able to convert darker and lighter areas of the image into, accordingly, black and white. However, note that this approach is the most effective when combined with a light background – so spare some time to make it such in order to achieve the finest result.

Being a beauty photographer, you will often face the dilemma of choosing between full color and black and white modes; yet when it comes to creating dramatic impression, playing with silhouettes and contrasting areas of light and shadow within the frame, classic and time-tested approach of black and white photography turns out to be the most fruitful and flexible.

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Every artist, from a total beginner to a seasoned guru, realizes that a model is always the main character and the most important element of Artistic Glamour Photography. When comfortable and at ease, the model can make your shot… or might as well ruin it – if stressed and tense.

There are nevertheless crucial issues just as important for any glamour photographer out there. Everyone, from dummies to gurus, has at least once got those wrong. By the above mentioned I mean arranging composition and lighting, ordering your model around and defining the mood of the shot.

Just like any art, glamour photography doesn’t point at right or wrong way – you are only bound by your own imagination and your sense of taste. Concerning the former, you are free to exercise as much as necessary. Speaking of artistic taste, however, it would be fair to mention that Glamour Images have some unquestionable “no way’s” you should be mindful about.

First
Always give some thorough thought to light matters. By “always” I mean literally always. Lighting should be your primary concern when planning the visual aspect of your glamour photographs – it is critical for both atmosphere and visual impact. Once again, there are no concrete rules, only guidelines. If you want, head for the dispersed kind of lighting, soft and subtle, which gives a glamorous, glowing touch to both the model and the image. The choices are infinite – some artists enjoy balancing light and shadow in quite and edgy, contrasting manner; some go for hi-key photos just because they like it… Your artistic vision is your best guide and your finest critic – that’s why, if even you fail to see anything artistic in your latest creation, it is probably not very successful.

Second
As I wrote in the very beginning, your beauty pictures should be concentrated on the model rather than what surrounds her. So basically you could some fascinating job with little more than your model and a proper background. This wasn’t a lame minimalism manifesto but a simple recognition of the fact that your model should not blend into background. Therefore it is hardly a good idea to pile up trinkets and tokens in the back and on the girl. This kind of strategy will pay off in well-balanced shots.

Third
Watch the colors. A model with some unnatural skin tones doesn’t look particularly glamorous and enchanting, does she? This is the ultimate reason to mind your white balance – it is easily adjusted with your DSLR, some quality paper and a camera manual most people somehow forget to read. If you got the lighting right and neat, your camera will be able to handle it without interference. A possible exception from the “natural colors” requirement is if you intend to colorize your shot in order to appease your “artistic license”. If this is the case, you are free to experiment, but let us make it at least aesthetically appealing, shall we?

Fourth
Another critical issue to face and harness would be composition. It comprises lots of stuff, just a few of them being the wide-known “rule of thirds”, your shooting position and possible problems that arise when you crop your model where you shouldn’t – the girls need space, you see. I’ll say it again – if you can smell that stepping away from those guidelines can give a stunning result, give it a try. Just how many beauty photography masterpieces were made using the “I have a check-box with all the rules at hand” method?

Fifth
This is probably the most important one. It is a downright no-brainer we all somehow miss out – always be imaginative and creative. What you consider a mistake or a delirious idea might send your artistic glamour image soaring to heaven of magnificence and beauty… or may well strike it down to hell of banality and vulgarism. You never know unless you give it a try. There is nothing solid and compulsory in the art of glamour images – perhaps, it’s the best thing a photographer might realize!

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Let us talk about a subject many glamour photographers under-estimate – this is the importance of make-up. With make-up it’s much simpler to accentuate or conceal some details of your model’s face, make her look enigmatic and even more beautiful. The applications are indeed limitless, and so should be your creativity. Make-up plays sometimes a vital part on the beauty shots, so we will pay attention to some really important issues on this matter.

The majority of beauty photographers practise two approaches to deal with the issue of make-up:

- they allow the model to develop her own artistic image and apply make-up;
- they use the services of a professional stylist.

however, none of those ways is perfect – your model may not even know that her casual make-up could well be “washed away” by studio lights and become almost invisible on the photograph; cosmetics specialists often have quite high fees and little time. Whatever the case, chances are that will not be satisfied with the possible outcome.

That’s why all beauty photographers have to know the basic rules for applying studio make-up, so their Glamour Photos wouldn’t suffer.

1. Face powder. Applying powder for a glamour session can be described in one word – MORE. It is invaluable when it comes to making your model’s face appear smooth and mat. Even if the model refrains from it on her daily routine, she should make an exception for a studio session.

2. Facial make-up. For studio shoots you should normally use darker cosmetics than one would in life. Bright and extensive studio lights can make it bleak and barely noticeable – make it heavier and darker. Never-the-less, facial make-up shouldn’t be too distinct – it has to be applied in a smooth and subtle manner. In order to achieve a smooth “oval face” effect, this make-up should be used below the cheekbone and under the chin.

3. Lip color. In order not to lose the models lips on the picture, she should apply something one shade darker than in life. Black lipstick is not very appropriate for a glamour photo, so mind it. Too light hues often fade out almost completely, so try to stick to the golden middle.

4. Accentuating the eyes with shadow. This one should be lighter, unless you want your model to look as if she’d had a sleepless night with a bottle of bourbon – I wouldn’t. Light shades work better, for they brighten up the model’s eyes; it’s likely to work better than dark and obscure eye shadow.

5. Heavy but neat. Using much cosmetics doesn’t mean you are allowed to make a mess of things – that’s why don’t rush your model to the camera and give her some time to perfect her looks (this is especially important concerning eyes and lips). When time is of essence, she should work on the make-up before the actual studio session. To ensure the make-up remains perfect, having your model’s cosmetics case at hand is a must.

If you mind these pieces of advice, both the artist and the model will benefit. Both of you will have great portraits and will look forward to future sessions of Artistic Glamour Photography. Try to take pleasure in trifles – even if it results in devoting more time to cosmetics!

Technorati Tags: glamour images, make up

A glamour photographer has a plenty of opportunities to monetize their hobby to bring in some decent income that can add some pleasant bonuses to monthly cash-ins or even replace a good full-time salary.

Feeling agitated? I haven’t told you the best part – there are multiple ways of making money with your Glamour Images and your artist’s skill! Here we shall have a look at these lucrative techniques.

One

Your photographer’s skill can be hired and paid for. All you need is a DSLR, a studio (rented, owned, home-based, your friend’s – there are many options), a little self-marketing and a HUGE desire to make money. A lot of people would part with a good sum in order to acquire a fabulous glamour picture; if you can do it, what holds you back from making some cash with your great passion?

Two

You could take private coaching for beginner glamour photographers. You may not be a pro, but having enough credibility and some fresh, out-of-the-box ideas for Glamour Photography could compensate the lack of renown. This strategy appears to be challenging; never-the-less, with all those diploma-mills and crappy courses out there, people desperately need someone knowledgeable. If you prove worthy, you will easily find a suitable niche. People always pay for knowledge and valuable advice, and therefore expertise and experience can be traded. So why can’t it be glamour photography?

Three

So-called stock photography can prove a profitable venture for receiving residual income from your glamour pictures. Resources like iStockphoto, Fotolia and many others would handle all the commercial issues for you, while you enjoy the revenue, getting anywhere from to 00 per one picture purchased. Stuffing a photo bank with good glamour pictures can take long, but is potentially lucrative.

Four

Knowledge and information can be traded in form of infoproducts, e.g. ebooks – you can create one and sell it again and again… It works the same way for beauty photography – you can compile an infoproduct and trade it. This is a fast-growing market, while quality informational products are not very common. If you succeed in creating quality informational product and promote it wisely, you will definitely be able to sell it – again and again!

Five

There are always magazines out there actively hiring prospective artists. This has much to do with trading your skill and time, but you don’t need a studio – just your camera and inspiration. The rest is up to your employer. Unless you feel disgusted by the idea of working for a boss, this is a prospective way to earn both money and renown.

As you can see, there are literally hundreds of opportunities and resources to make your hobby turn into a little golden stream, which will eventually become a river. Just like any other business venture, it is potentially profitable – if you are thoughtful, persistent and devoted!

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A soaring photographer should know the meaning of glamour images well, as its definitions are so infinite they can drive one crazy. Images depicting naked body and feminine curves do not automatically become glamour. There can be enough erotics in Glamour Images, making them sexually appealing and sultry, yet there surely can be no pornography about them. Glamour images comprise a touch of vulgarity and carnal desire wrapped in artistry and aesthetics, adorned with something high, pure and aspiring in order to produce a perfect visual creation. As an aspiring glamour photographer, one should have the knowledge and understanding of several things like equipment, shot types, background, lighting, etc, and a photographer should be inspiring to make the model feel at home to give a perfect shot.

Glamour image equipments include a studio, cameras, lighting, props, etc. However, amateurs and aspiring photographers do not have the comfort of having all those expensive equipment, so one can borrow or start as assistant in learning the skills of handling the equipment. You must have spotted that many glamour images are shot vertically, as if in opposition to the common horizontal format, in a fruitful attempt to develop some delivering concept. In addition, if you look closer to the models, you will see that their facial features and posture also bear a touch of this vertical beauty.

Props and background are other thing one needs to keep in mind in creating effective glamour shots. Glamour images are focused on the model and not the background so some photographers tend to ignore the background, however, a good photographer should always give extra attention by choosing a background that is in sharp contrast to the model or the attire. Speaking of the former, a smooth monolith-like background is always better than the one littered with unnecessary objects. Entourage and small details are not a must-have, though in some situations they might be of use. For example, if one has to shoot a model on bikini at a beach, a surfboard would be a great prop and would add extra meaning to the overall image.

If we detach from all the technical background that an artist should possess for the sake of being successful in Glamorous Photography, it leaves us with the most important skill of all, which is light manipulation. One cannot imaging photographing at all without light, and when it comes to glamour images, light plays a more important role. Light is crucial for bringing aesthetics onto the picture; it originates from a number of sources, and a glamour photographer who is proficient in manipulating light can create truly inspiring works.

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Should I be afraid? I am a glamour photographer. I am portraying real life people. I follow a completely digital workflow. Will I be completely outdated soon?

The first famous glamour image: Betty Grable

I would really love to know for sure where the future of glamour images lies. And I would be happy to share this with you, dear photographer, in my glamour blog. Then on the other hand, it might be that we photographers soon don’t play a big role in this game anymore. A large portion of our work, probably the second half of the whole process, is nowadays already done digitally in Photoshop. The first half of the creation process, the actual taking of a photograph, is still with us. However chances are that we hand over this part to specialized rendering applications soon.

But in order to get a feel for the future of something it is absolutely worth taking a close look at the present and also visiting the past.

Contempory glamour image #191 by Michael Zelbel

In the distant past glamour images were painted with oil onto canvas. The full range from simple, innocent face portraits up to full body nude portraits was popular and was painted for example by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. In the middle of the 19^th century the first cameras became available. These were big bulky dry-plate cameras for studio use, which required quite long shutter times. Portraits became popular fast, but the subjects had to sit or stand completely still for quite a long time.

Is 3D-rendering the future of glamour images? (cc) by Franck Genot, www.myvirtuallady.com

Often head-clamps where used to help the subject holding their head still during the exposure. Obviously, with a clamped head a model usually will not add a lot of glamour to a glamour photo.

With the advent of photography and the advances of camera technology the game changed. Shooting photos on film made it affordable and practical to shoot glamour photos. Magazines started publishing such photos. I can recall the Playboy photographer David Mecey talking about the very recent past, in which they had to shoot every Playboy centerfold with large format cameras for quality reasons. This meant that they had to use a ton of light and a lot of times they blew the fuses of the location on which they were shooting when they started to use their strobes.

Currently glamour photos are pretty much always taken with digital cameras. Small and medium format. The quality of the digital cameras increased in a way that it is no problem whatsoever to shoot a magazine cover with a little consumer camera.

Easy and affordable tools for 3D rendering – the democratisation of glamour

Now future of glamour images will be quite interesting. Will we see an advent of 3D rendering software? If so, then this future already started. My favorite German magazine on Photoshop now features more and more articles about 3D rendering programs. I spot more and more glamour type generated images online. I have online buddies who are complete virtual identities from Second Life and similar and who post Flickr photo streams which consists entirely of rendered images. Their own virtual glamour gallery! Surfing online, it seems like the most common use of 3D rendering software like poser these days is the generation of elves, the beautiful exotic female characters in mystical stories. The generated elf images a lot of times hold all the attributes of glamour images.

So chances are good, that I personally, the guy with the digital camera, am soon be the dinosaur in the field of glamour images. Glamour photographers, be alarmed – just don’t panic! However, I believe in what I am doing. And I see that the art of oil painting has survived, the art of photographing on film is still practiced with magnificent results and I am sure that as long as I live there will always be a need for glamour images made with digital photo cameras, good light and a lot of love.

Good light!
— Michael

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