Webster’s Fourth Edition Dictionary Defines:

Sensuality: The state or quality of being sensual; fondness for or indulgence in sensual pleasures.

Sensuous: of derived from, based on, affecting, appealing to, or perceived by the senses. Suggest the strong appeal of that which is pleasing to the eye, ear, touch, senses.

Creating sensuality as a photographer is not easy. Some people think if you understand light and have what they perceive as a beautiful subject in front of the camera and it's not enough to create a sensual photo. When you look over the images illustrated this article, you will notice every subject has that little extra quality or gleam in her eye that gives the subject that elusive quality of sensuality (except for my photo, just needed photo of a guy in here). 

Sensual photos DOES NOT MEAN the model must expose themselves which you will notice in all of these images. The object is to create an image that appeals to the viewer and the model.

There are different levels on sensuality as well. Just look at your favorite magazines. Photos can range from a small advertisement for clothing, cologne, or what have you. Most of your major clothing lines use sensuality in the photos but they usually do it with the lack of the clothing.

When deciding to try to add sensuality to a photo you should suggest clothing which you think looks good on the model that will go with the location you wish to take the pictures. As the photographer you should be able to decide what will look best on the subject. But also as the model, you should know what looks good on you and be able to help the photographer make you look glamorous. If you are doing the picture for an ad or client then all must come to an agreement and these suggestions should all be brought to location. You can always take several shots. 

Going All Out? How to help client and Model

Clothing - The model or portrait client bring clothing to the shooting that will give us variety in our images.

Make-up - If the model cannot or does not feel comfortable applying her own make-up then an artist should be hired.

Pre-Shoot - Show the model, client, and refresh yourself on what kind of sensuality and photos you are wanting to take. This will help everyone know what you are shooting for.

Lighting

Lighting is what I feel becomes the main key in sensual photography. Putting more light on the face or key parts of the body creates glamorous shots. A neat back light trick is the place a small light, if you're poor then you can use a wide spot flash light as a backlight on the subjects hair and body to make them look vibrant and alive. This works exceptionally well for light colored hair. Darker hairs will look like they were drawn on with a marker if you don't add some light to a low light picture. The key to creating a dramatic hair light, is to light the hair with more light than the subjects face. A person with black hair will usually require about 2 to 3 times more hair light than face light, blond hair may only require the same amount of light or possibly 2 times more hair light than face light.

Without an incident meter you will be guessing, which is usually what I do. If you know your camera and the light setup it is easy to create great pictures. If you're not looking for professional quality just at home beauty you can accomplish it easily.
 

• Photographer & Model Tips & Tricks
  • Lighting and Depth
  • Create A Style
  • Adding Sensuality
  • 2/3's Rule
  • The §
  • Model Objections
  • Attention to Details
  • Quick Corrections
  • Width Vs. Height