Sensual Portrait PhotographyIt is the very range of visual possibilities in female form photography that make sensual portrait photography such an attractive genre. 
It is difficult to define what it is exactly that makes a photograph sensual or erotic. It can just be a dreamy look in the eyes, the way a model pouts her lips or holds her shoulders. There are an infinite number of ways to portray the female body in photography. © Daniel Sroga | Dreamstime.com Simple figure studies which isolate the body and utilize a combination of subtle lighting, composition and form usually satisfy the aesthetic expectations. Yet, the best sensual photography usually adds a combination of emotion and imagination to the mix as well. The key to capturing an air of eroticism is to suggest rather than display.
Sensual Photography TipsThe following sensual photography tips will help you get the best results in female form photography.Sensual Portrait Photography Tips # 1: Decide what you want to achieve
Be clear in your own mind about what you would like to achieve when exploring the female body in photography. Your choice of model will depend largely on the mood you want to create: mysterious, dreamy, glamorous, natural-looking, or even humorous. Once you've worked that out, you can plan the shoot to the last detail - setting, props and poses.
The better prepared you are, the more comfortable the model will be and the greater your chances of a successful photo session. © Branislav Ostojic | Dreamstime.com Sensual Portrait Photography Tips # 2: Choose your settingFind a setting with an interesting atmosphere. If indoors, think bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, or balconies. It's sometimes good to work with a subject in a room which reflects their taste and personality.Opt for an area with good natural light. Take at least some of your photos by a window or in a doorway. There are few things as lovely in female form photography as ambient light bathing the contours of the body in a halo of gold. If the light is a little low or you need to fill in shadows, make sure to use off-camera flash. Consider taking sensual photos somewhere in nature. The challenge is to find a location where you are assured of privacy. The forest, open fields, an isolated beach, cliffs, sand dunes, orchards and lakes can all enhance a particular mood you want to create.
When shooting outdoors, the weather needs to be taken into account. Dull, overcast days are great to obtain soft, subtle colors. Alternatively, opt for the golden glow of the early morning or late afternoon sun. The worst light to work with is brilliant midday sun, especially on the beach, or dappled shade under trees. Always be on the look-out for unique settings for the female body in photography, for example a derelict house or a rusty old car in a field. Old barns, attics and stairways can all contribute to a wonderful atmosphere. Feel free to browse my portrait lighting page for more information. Sensual Portrait Photography Tips # 3: Build rapport with the model
It's important to ensure that your model is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. If you shoot indoors, make sure that the temperature is pleasant. Music may help to create a calm atmosphere, but it can be a hindrance if the model doesn't enjoy your choice of music. When taking glamour photos, music may help create an upbeat mood which sets a great tone for the session. It's always best to ask what the model prefers.
© Daniel Sroga | Dreamstime.com In general, find a balance between being professonal and friendly. Explain to the model exactly what the end-results are that you're looking for and answer all their questions. Make sure that you have signed agreement from your model. Once you start shooting, make yourself as inconspicuous as possible. It is important, however, that you give frequent encouragement and create an atmosphere that will allow the two of you to make the best possible portrait together. Sensual Portrait PhotographyTips # 4: Pose your subject
Ideas for poses in female form photography can be found by studying the work of portrait photographers that you admire. However, the model usually dictates to some extent the type of poses they are comfortable with.
It's best to start with a simple pose that helps the model to relax. Ask them to adopt a comfortable pose; often it's the positions that people find most comfortable which are the most beautiful. Be prepared to accept a pose which is not quite, but close to what you're looking for. © Newphotoservice | Dreamstime.com Direct the model to adopt various poses and give feedback, for example, 'yes, that looks beautiful,' or 'turn your head slightly to your left.' Accentuate the model's best features and downplay those which are less flattering with the clever use of props and lighting. Visit my page on portrait poses for more ideas. Whenever you're working on difficult poses, stop at regular intervals for a break. Aside from giving the model a much needed rest, it will give you a chance to consider new ideas. Sensual Portrait Photography Tips # 5: Study your subjectWhile the model adopts various poses, take visual stock of every detail. Perhaps more than in any other type of photography, you really need to see your subject in female form photography - how they move; the proportions of their body; form, line and shadows; as well as any attitudes that come naturally to them. Explore the effects of different colors and textures for backgrounds.
Search for qualities which suggest vulnerability, evoke memories or excite sensual perceptions such as touch, taste or smell. Often it's just a fleeting expression or a slant of the head that makes the difference between an ordinary photograph and an extraordinary one. 
(Go to Sensual Portrait Photography, Tips # 6 - 10) Visual interpretation of the human form, whether in art or photography, has always been fascinating. The infinite variety of body shapes combined with a variety of settings and props afford a myriad opportunities for creating imaginative pictures...
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