Glamour in photography is a beautiful genre with elements of elegance and luxury

Glamour is a genre of photography in which the central figure in the image is a sexy model in a romantic or sophisticated setting with elements of elegance and luxury. The distinguishing feature of glamour is the creation of a stylish image of the model during the photoshoot, as well as the use of expensive clothing and accessories.

Glamour. Photo portrait, 2004

Glamour is a popular genre of photography in which the artist-photographer primarily aims to showcase the beauty of the model. Clothing and accessories in glamour photos play an important but secondary role.

Features of the glamour genre

Glamour is a professional genre of photography with a clear commercial inclination. Bright and stylish photos are widely used in the production of calendars, men's and women's magazines, posters, and postcards.

Glamour. Photo portrait of a man, 2014

To create an attractive image of a fashion model, not only professional equipment is needed, but also carefully selected lighting. In addition to the photographer, experienced makeup artists and stylists are often involved in the shooting process. The proper selection of cosmetics and makeup also plays a significant role in the glamour genre.

Glamour. Photo portrait in romantic style, 2014

Glamour photos can significantly differ from each other based on various criteria:

• Color scheme. In addition to color photography, professional black and white shots are also highly popular among glamour enthusiasts.
• Degree of sensuality and eroticism. Models in glamour photos can be either fully nude or clothed to various extents.
• Gender of the model. Glamour models can be both women and men, though male glamour models are less common.
• Location of the shoot. Photographers can use professional studios or outdoor settings to create striking images.
• Subject of the image. Artists can depict the model in full length or focus on a specific part of their body, such as legs, back, nails, chest, or face.
• The fame of the model. Professional photographers may invite not only celebrities but also entirely unknown, attractive young individuals to their shoots.
• Style. The stylistic elements of glamour photos can vary greatly, ranging from aggressive and overtly sexual to romantic and grotesque.

Glamour. Photo portrait, 2017

The History of Glamour in Photography

The history of glamour in photography dates back to the 1920s. Before that, erotic photography depicting partially or fully nude women in seductive poses was widely prevalent.

Glamour. Pinup photo of Betty Grable, 1943

The pin-up style had a significant influence on the formation of glamour photography, gaining immense popularity in the United States by the start of World War II. Images of stylish, ideal beauties could be seen everywhere on the streets of cities. Fashion models and mannequins graced the covers of magazines and newspapers, calendars, and posters.

Glamour. Photo of Marilyn Monroe for Playboy, 1953

In mid-20th century Western European society, conservative values prevailed. Erotic motifs in art were rigorously policed by censorship and laws. Artists had to walk a fine line, creating photographic masterpieces with a hint of sensuality. In such circumstances, glamour photography became highly popular, and professional models were recognized by a large number of people.

In 1953, in its first issue, Playboy magazine published a photo of a nude Marilyn Monroe. The image of the famous American movie star in an erotic pose against a red background was a resounding success and served as a catalyst for the development of glamour.

Glamour. Photo portrait, 2015

A decade later, another internationally renowned men's magazine, Penthouse, emerged in the United Kingdom. It immediately posed serious competition to Playboy and began publishing more explicit sexual photographs. To bypass society's moral restrictions, the owners of men's magazines increasingly began to label explicit content photographs as glamour.

Glamour. Photo portrait, 2018

Gradually, glamour became an integral part of photography, and society began to view erotic images with less aggression. From the 1990s onwards, glamour photography studios began to open en masse, allowing anyone interested to try their hand as a model.

Today, glamour continues to be in high demand. Talented photographic artists conduct a vast number of photoshoots worldwide daily, and their work finds a grateful audience.

Glamour. Photo of Michelle Merkin, 2006

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