The Art of the Female Body

The female body is one of the most alluring and sensual subjects to shoot. The curvy female form is just beautiful.

Whether the shot is wide and pulled back so most or all of the body is revealed, or the shot is tight so that all that is visible are the gentle curves and seductive shadows, there is an inexplicable draw.

The female body in photography has long been an area of fascination for photographers. In glamour photography, the female form is portrayed in a more commercial light. It may be covered in fabric or clothed in haute couture; it may be nude.

Regardless of the presentation, the tone is glamorous but the emphasis is on the model. The female body in glamor photography is used more as a prop or frame. The model's face is the focal point.

By contrast, artistic or sensual photography of the female form lends itself to more of a focus on the form itself.

In fact, the model's face may not even be visible. In these types of shots, the female body can be used as more of a canvas, or as the primary subject of the shot itself.

Body paints may be used, fabric draping or the body may be nude, also known as "artistic nude."

While the gentle slope of the hip or breast are popular choices, other areas that can create sensual curves and shadows, sultry lines, are the thigh, arch of the foot, nape of the neck and even the shoulder or bicep.

The female body in photography has so many curvatures and shadows that the possibilities are almost limitless.

Tight shots of particular regions of the body are very popular and can lend a very sensual air to the shot.

The main thing to remember when photographing the female body is to have fun. Experiment, play around with the lighting, camera angles and posing. Don't be afraid to get erotic or show your sensual side. Life is all about sex and rock n' roll.