Photography Lesson- 6 Things That Make a Woman Sexy
I am a photographer. I see with the lens of my camera. I shoot portraits and I specialize in boudoir. Working with women- and being one myself 
– I’ve spent some time reflecting on what makes a woman captivating in a photo. Whether we like it or not our world is marked by images and we are included in those images. Never before has life been so photographically captured as it is now.
So, how do you feel about photos of yourself? You don’t even have to tell me because I already know. You don’t like them. But what if you could?
This is a photography lesson, but it can give you something to think about beyond the camera as well…
Learning to feel confident and beautiful in our own skin is aspect we cannot ignore when looking for ways to fall more in love with the whole pie of our life. Understanding ourselves visually is one way we can do this.
Here are 6 Things that Make a Woman Sexy Photographically
1. Lighting
Woman for centuries have known the importance of good lighting. All of us woman know that there is lighting that flatters and lighting that exposes. Lighting is the most critical aspect of a photograph. Lighting is what makes the photograph possible. Lighting isn’t what makes the subject beautiful, but what allows what is most beautiful about that subject to come through.
When shooting woman, I prefer to shoot in natural light– either outdoors or by a window– because I like to work with the shadows it casts. Soft shadows in a photograph suits a woman well. Shadows allow for a certain mystery to exist. As a woman myself, I believe the mystery of the female is one of the reasons she is infinitely beautiful. Photographs where that quality is honored and preserved are, in my opinion, better portraits.
2. The S-Curve
The S-Curve is a visual trick that has been used in art for over two millennia. You see the S-Curve in Ancient Greek sculpture, where the posture of the body is positioned like serpentine “S”. You see it in Michelangelo’s statue of David. You see it in the way that Paris Hilton poses on the red carpet.
The visual appeal of the S-Curve is that it is dynamic. Our eyes follow lines and when those lines are curving, our minds are more engaged and interested in that scene. When I photograph woman I help them align themselves with the S-Curve. It is more natural for the body to stand or to lay with this curve, but when we are being photographed we tend to forget what is natural. Because we are nervous or feel awkward, we tend to stand completely erect. I coach the women I photograph back to a more natural stance, and I look for angels with my camera that specially highlight this curve.
3. Textures that bring out the feminine
This one is simple. Silk, lace, delicate fabrics of all kinds. They photograph beautifully and variant textures offer interest photographically. Textures that bring out the feminine are subtle aspects in the frame that highlight what is already beautiful, and yes, make you want to touch it.
4. Playfulness
In my opinion, woman never grow out of wanting to play dress up. Putting on wigs, fake eye-lashes, dressing in pin-up style fashion– these are just some of the ways women can be playful and show their playfulness. Playfulness is sexy. Having fun is sexy. Not taking your self too seriously is sexy. These are things we don’t practice enough as grown-ups, but things I remind my clients to embrace when we are shooting.
5. Nature
There is a reason I love shooting outside in un-manicured, un-landscaped places. The effortless beauty of nature compliments a women. The wild and rugged holds what is graceful and soft. Portraits in nature highlights a timeless and grounded spirit. She belongs in the world. She fits here, naturally gorgeous.
6. Mind
What makes a shot of woman particularly beautiful, it not just the physical beauty of the woman. Yes, there is that, but there is more than that. What is sexy is not just a body but the mind that goes with it.
In order for the image to have depth, it has to show more than skin. A truly beautiful photograph of a woman will capture her intelligence, her thinking. You may not know what she is thinking, but that she is thinking is important. Her confidence as well as her curves is what brings on the sex appeal. Confidence may be quiet or bold.
What do you think about these 6 things? What would you add? If want to, share some links with us of some of your favorite images that capture the beauty of a woman.
