February 5th, 2010 by admin

Beauty Photography is a relatively young artistic genre, yet it already boasts impressive and rich historic legacy, possesses its own legendary characters and turning points. Like any other genre of photography, it witnessed some dramatic changes, withstood many cultural revolutions to finally emerge in its present state.

Let us have a short walk through the past years of Glamour Photographs and then venture forth to predict some of their future.

Adolescence. Nobody really knows from where to begin the history of beauty photography genre. Some derive it from so-called “French postcards” which were quite popular in the streets of Paris in the early 1900’s, some address to Victorian pioneers of this art. Some think that cultural foundation and inspiration for glamour photo lies in XVI and XVIII centuries. Franskly speaking, the birth of glamour pictures cannot be discovered with any degree of certainty. 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. It is from the first half of 20th century that we can finally gasp distinguishable and credible information about glamour photography.

Zenith of Glory and Later. 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. As time passed, beauty photography became colorful, frivolous, scandalous and much more ingenious. Dita von Teese and Hope Talmons gained young and ambitious competitors like Heidie Van Horne, Lucy Pinder, Bernie Dexter and others. Additionally, digital format started dominating in photographic arts. Technical progress improved the visual quality of glamour pictures and made the process of shooting dead simple. Everyone with a DSLR camera could become another beauty photographer. Due to rapid development of Internet technologies, a swarm of “people with cameras” emerged, awaiting recognition.

Are you Afraid of 3D? Now we are at the beginning of something completely different – 3D-rendered glamour images have become another fancy, competing with traditional photography. 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. In this fight of old and new I remain with the side of inspiration, live relationship and hard studio work.

I feel optimistic about the future – oils, film and digital have found their admirers and seem immortal. 3D art undoubtedly deserves for its own niche and admirers. It is not technology that is behind each glamour picture – it’s the soul, the inspiration and the dedication: that of photographer and the model. A true artist at heart can never forget this simple truth – so you remember it as well.

How to do Beauty Photography