Models can be requested to wear anything from a little to a lot, but more skin does not mean more erotic. To assist models and photographers in communicating their expectations and limits, I propose a 4-level scale to indicate the level of eroticism is expected.
What is Eroticism
Eroticism, with regard to model photography, is a measure of how alluring the model is making themselves, thus, the degree of arousal they attempting to engender in the viewer. More skin does not mean more erotic: for example, fine-art nude images are typically non-erotic.
Why an eroticism scale
An eroticism scale has multiple uses
- For photographers, it allows them to clearly describe to a model the expectations of a concept.
- For models, it allows them to clearly describe the limits of their comfort levels
- It also allows a model to establish charge rates that reflect a more premium offering.
Scale Levels
When designing a scale, we need to consider what information is being imparted and to whom. In this case, we want a scale that is relatively simple, uses terms common to model photography, and is scaled to typical comfort levels of photographic models.
The scale is defined based on the level of arousal the model is attempting to engender in the viewer.
Attractive
Attractive represents the absence of sensuality. The model is making no attempt engender arousal in the viewer, nor are the images designed specifically for this purpose. Examples of this are editorial or fashion photography, fine-art nudes, or portrait photography.
Model: Jade Savage / Body art: David MacKinnon
Sexy
Sexy represents a style of dress and behaviour to encourage sexual interest and fantasizing about the person; however, there is a clear sense of distance (“look but don’t touch”). This typically includes flirtatiousness or poses that accentuate the model’s “assets”, such as in Pinup or Swimsuit, no matter the level of dress.
Model: Geneviรฉve Dupuis
Erotic
Model: Ira Balan
Pornographic
At this level the model is engaged in real or simulated orgasm (softcore), possibly with penetration (hardcore).
Models should consider charging a premium for pornographic poses beyond that charged for erotic, if this is a style within their comfort level.
No image for this one; I don’t do pornography.
These levels should allow photographers to better communicate their expectations to the models with whom they work. As well, they should allow models to establish hourly rates.
Footnotes
- wikipedia: “Erotic Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- Chicago Boudoir: “What is Erotic: An Important Distinction” โฉ๏ธ
- Dodho: “What is Erotic Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- Seattle Boudoir Company: “What is Erotic Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- encyclopedia: “Erotic Photography” โฉ๏ธ
- Definitions: “Erotic Photography” โฉ๏ธ
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