For centuries, artists have celebrated the human form. Sculptors have lovingly chiseled marble to reveal rippling muscles and undulating curves; painters have captured the coupling of lovers, naked save for a few strategically placed fig leaves or branches.

It’s art. And there’s nothing wrong with that—ask the Louvre, or the collectors who spend millions of dollars on a century-old tapestry depicting Greek orgies. The only difference is that we can’t commission Michelangelo. He’s already dead, for one, and we probably couldn’t afford him. But there are other options.

What is erotic and adult photography?

Erotic and adult photography is a field that specializes in artistically capturing you, your partner, or your partners in a sensual pose, or a sexual act.

Notice the word “artistically”. This is not hardcore porn. There is some effort to make you look not just hot, but beautiful—feminine, and not just a horny whore.

Most erotic and adult photographers have their own studio, though they can also bring equipment to your homes or whatever location you desire.  They have package rates, and the cost depends on the number of set-ups (or types of shots) and prints. Some of them can also do post-production, i.e., fixing up any flaws with Photoshop. (That’s always a good service to have—even professional models rely on expert airbrushing.)

Exploring the possibilities of erotic and adult photography

So why would you need to have photos of you in all your naked glory, assuming you’re not applying for a position as a porn star?

Well, for the heck of it. Admit it, it’s fun—and if you have a great body, might as well show it off. Many women will look at themselves in the mirror and miss the breasts they had when they were 20. You will not always be this gorgeous, and the Thanksgiving photos you have with your family aren’t going to show off the curves the same way.

For many, adult and erotic photography can be sexually liberating. Grow more comfortable with your body and your femininity. Show it off. Strut your stuff. Embrace the woman within. It’s what Oprah would tell you do, and we’d never know what kind of photos she has that’s never made it to the cover of O magazine.

Step One: Choosing a Photographer

It’s best if you choose a reputable photographer. Never mind if he charges a little more, but at least you know he won’t pull a nasty stunt like posting your photos on his Friendster account.

It also helps if he’s skilled, and has the right equipment. Erotic and adult photography requires good lighting and a sensitive eye lest it deteriorate into a cheap porn shot. Ask to see his portfolio.

The portfolio can also help you decide what kind of photos you want, since you can always point to one photo and say, “Hey, this looks like something I could do.” At least you know he can pull off the look, and gives really clear directions as to the mood or the type of pose.

Finding the Right Pose

A good photographer can also suggest what angles would be more flattering, and you can approve the shots from the samples he shows. As a general rule though, if you have a lot of curves, you should avoid close ups. This will only “fill” the frame and make you look bigger than you really are.

Many experts say that the most flattering is the three quarters pose, slightly twisting the body to emphasize the hourglass shape.  You should also leave a space between your arm and your bodice—holding it flat against your sides will make you look fat. This pose will also make your arms look thinner, and create the illusion of a longer, more graceful torso.

Avoid “top shots” (when the photography positions the camera directly above you) if you have a short neck or a double chin. Actually, this is a tricky pose and can very rarely be pulled off by anyone with less than a perfect body. Instead, lie on one side and have him take the photo at eye-level. You achieve the same exposure but you can tilt your chin a little upwards to create the illusion of a longer neck.

And most importantly, watch your posture. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed—this immediately minimizes any tummy bulges and makes your breasts look bigger. Slouching may look glamorous on models but off the runway, you just look lazy. (And fat.)

Body Makeup

You can also apply body makeup to draw attention to your best features. A little shimmer on your cleavage, for example, can be very beautiful. Some makeup artists can also expertly apply shadow makeup to make cleavage look a little deeper than it really is. They can also put concealer on scars or stretch marks, or dust a little glitter powder on your body for a “fairy like” effect.  (This is particularly enchanting on black and white photos.)

For fun, you can also get makeup artists to apply body paint to create interesting patterns. This can hide flaws or just be a creative alternative to donning a costume. Just test the body paint on your wrist and wait for 5 minutes to see if you will have an allergic reaction.

Deciding on the Look  

Depending on your body type, you may need a particular pose or angle to bring out your best features. But the type of photo--what you do, who you’re with, what you wear (or don’t wear)—it’s really up to you. Some people like simple, black and white photos of themselves. It’s very elegant, and with the right lighting, can very efficiently hide minor flaws. (Nobody’s going to know where the cellulite is—promise.)

Others want a naughtier pose, in a playboy bunny costume (we use “costume” very liberally here, since that can mean nothing more than bunny ears).  These fantasy photos are very popular, since they can really set up a photograph according to your personality. Feeling wild? Wear that dominatrix suit, metal nipples and all, and find new ways of posing with a whip. Feeling nostalgic? Make your best Marilyn Monroe  impersonation (of course, you’ll be wearing a completely sheer white dress.)

Couples can also pose, in whatever positions or state of undress that you wish. Some like subtle shots, taken in the spirit of a Calvin Klein ads. Others want something more suggestive, even risqué. Whatever it is, make sure both of you agree on how far you want to go. If either one of you is uncomfortable it’s going to show.

 If you have any questions or concerns, send it to me photo@avazo.com. Also you could order yours photo session to keep memory or entertain yourself. Confidentiality guaranteed.